Here's a very interesting bit of information that may keep you out of pain one of these days. Every summer in my acupuncture clinic I see a great increase in the number of people suffering from muscle spasms and pain. It may occur in any muscle group -- neck, shoulders, back, legs, calves -- or all over the body.
Here's why. In summer the weather is hotter. Whether you feel like you're your sweating or not, you are losing fluids through sweat as you go through your day. As this happens, you also lose necessary electrolytes.
Among the main electrolytes in the body are calcium and magnesium. These two minerals are vital to muscle function (among other things). If they are depleted, the muscles tend to spasm more. It's a simple as that.
If, on top of the heat, you are also enjoying the warm weather by playing sports -- tennis, golf, running -- you're even more prone to these kinds of muscles spasms.
To remedy the loss of minerals, take a good calcium/magnesium supplement daily. Not only will it help your muscles stay out of spasm, but it will give you more energy, because loss of electrolytes also gives you that wiped out feeling of fatigue. Restoring electrolytes that are depleted also helps improve sleep and overall well-being.
Most supplements contain twice as much calcium as magnesium, as they are needed by the body in a 2:1 ratio. When choosing a supplement, check the label for quantities. Some people think they are getting these nutrients through their multivitamin. Though most multivitamins contain these minerals, your multivitamin does not have enough to help depleted muscles. Minerals are bulky. A daily dose of 400 mg. calcium and 200 mg magnesium usually requires 3 large tablets for these nutrients alone. The supplement is best taken away from meals because calcium can steal the iron from your food and keep you from absorbing it, leading to anemia over time. Often people take them before bed because it is not near a meal, it's an easy time to remember, and it helps with sleep and avoiding muscle spasms at night.
