I have been on Induction for 15 days now, lost 5.5 lbs...but my concern is leg cramps.

And I am not talking about mild irritable legs....my left leg calf feels like it's in a charlie horse most of the day and night.

I bought a potassium supplement of 167mg plus B6 and Magnesium....I take Dr Whittakker's vitamins (super vitamins incl. 100 mg potassium...and I take an extra Calcium Magnesium supplement of about 1000 mg per day.

How much more can I take? Does anyone know how much potassium Dr Atkins advises.

I take 2 of the potassium supplement a day 334mg plus the 100 in the Whittaker vitamins.

I eat on average 3 eggs a day, 2-3 cups of lettuce...lots of beef/chicken.

Thanks!
Natascha

Generally I take 2 potassium a day. If I ever get cramps, I immediately take two more then. When I do that the pain goes away within a minute. Some people also swear by magnesium.

Hi Natascha,

I'm so sorry to hear you are being troubled by leg cramps. They can be SO painful!

Usually calcium and magnesium help prevent leg cramps. How much magnesium is in your supplement? We recommend 1000cal:500mag. They are best taken spread through the day, with the last dose taken before bed time.

Are you drinking enough water? I have had cramps when I have let myself get a little dehydrated. Remember you need at least 64oz, plus another 8oz for each 25 lbs you want to lose.

One more suggestion is to do some regular leg stretches, especially before bed time. These exercises are aimed at preventing cramps while swimming, but may have some benefit for you.

Hope your legs are back to normal soon!

Rosebud

i too have a problem with leg cramps. I cannot take extra calcium, magnesium or potassium as it upsets my stomach. I chomp down even more on leafy greens. I recently added raw spinach to my salads. It seems to help some.

Katie

Hi there... I too HAD very painful leg cramps and I found that along with all the reg. supplaments I took an EXTRA Magnesium tablet before bed. Within a day or two "POOF" cramps are gone! Hope this helps!.... PS I do not take added potassium as I can't with the type of BP med I am on and I find added magnes. did the trick!!

Hi Kathie,
I have one of the worlds touchest stomachs I always make sure I take the supplements with food. I take Citracal Calcium also it is easier on the stomach than other brands. The way I take Magnesium is I eat half of my meal then take the Magnesium then eat the rest the stomach problems have stopped. I have never been able to take vitamin C no matter what I did until I discovered Ester-C no more stomach upset. Hope this works for you.
Pat S.

I was having calf cramps so bad that I had residual soreness - even though I was taking all the prescribed vitamins.

What helped me is to drink all of my water. As soon as I start to slip on the water intake, I feel the cramps coming on again.