Hi Irene

Are you taking any supplements ? What you just described makes me think a possible magnesium / calcium deficiency. Often you get cramps (especially at night) but you can also experience numbness and tingling if it's severe.

If you are not taking either supplement it would be my first course of action.

The RDA for Calcium is 1000-1500 depending on age and sex. It is 400-600 for magnesium, also dependant on age and sex. You can usually get both minerals in one supplement in a ratio of 2:1 (333mg calcium / 167 mg magnesium). Be sure that calcium comes in a chelated form (Citrate/Malate etc) - do not get calcium carbonate from oyster shells (it is no well absorbed). Take 2 or 3 the pills throughout the day (one with each of your meals) and save one for an hour before bed - they have a soothing effect.

You may also need potassium if you're not taking it. Due to the natural diuretic effect of LCing salts are lost from the body along with the water; potassium is one that should be replaced. General consensus is to supplement with 400mg a day for the duration of fat loss. Supplementing once in maintenance may be necessary on very hot days or on days when intense exercise is likely. Potassium can be obtained in pill form or from numerous salt substitute such as "NuSalt" or "Morton's Light Salt", a potassium salt-substitite. 1/8th of a teaspoon of NuSalt provides over 500mg of potassium. You should always be well hydrated when taking potassium, and if you suffer from a heart condition or are on medication for blood pressure or a heart condition you should consult your doctor first before supplementing with potassium.

Potassium deficiency is more an issue of feeling dizzy, fatigued and 'blah' - it's the lack of magnesium / calcium that leads to the muscular symptoms.

Hope this helps,
Nat