Hi-

I'm into my 4th week on Atkins, I take vitamins/supplements, drink tons of water, stretch before I walk....yet my muscles are really tense. I've noticed this past week that my legs especially are tense all of the time. And for the past two days I get these odd cramps in my rib area.

I'm taking 400 mg of potassium...should I up it? Any idea what could be going on?

Thanks

I would say U R getting enough potassium but what about calcium-magnessium? U mayneed more of that...it will help with the muscles aches and pains.

I think Gwilson is right it is usually a sign of loss of electrolytes like potassium, calcium and magnesium.

The higher protein low carb has a natural diuretic effect and promotes peeing as well as the extra water coming on board. You may want to try bottled mineral water instead, if you are using tap water, as these tend to be richer in the electrolytes.

I often think there are enough supplement tablets around and you perhaps do not want to rattle as well.

Potassium is generally helpful for fatigue -continue with your 400mg that should be sufficient.

What you need for the cramping is magnesium. Preferably magnesium w/ calcium. Look for a supplement that contains both in a ratio of 2:1 (333mg cal/167 mg magnesium) Take one tablet with each meal (1 x 3 meals) and one an hour before bed. Magnesium has a very soothing effect and will help improve the quality of your sleep. Your minerals should be chelated - they are better apsorbed this way.

Nat

Thanks for the post- I checked the stats and I am taking 1 chelated calcuim/magnesium tablet a day- and it says that I should be taking 2!!! And each tablet contains: calcium=1,000 mg per tablet and magnesium=500 mg per tablet. So that's about (if I start taking 2!!) 2,000 for calcium and 1,000 magnesium.

Is that enough? So much to remember...lol.

Thanks