RSS FeedsThe People's Pharmacy
Calcium and magnesium can conquer leg cramps
I spent many sleep-deprived nights because I was awakened with severe leg cramps. My mother said, "Take calcium-magnesium." I was already taking calcium, but her doctor had told her it must be the combination supplement. I thought, "I'll try it; it won't work."
It did. I continue to take calcium-magnesium each night and no longer have cramps. One exception: I bowled six games in succession and later awoke from a nap with an excruciating cramp in my leg. I took three calcium-magnesium tablets and the cramps were soon gone.
Calcium, magnesium and potassium are all essential minerals for muscle function. Other readers also have had success preventing leg cramps with magnesium or calcium supplements. Taking them together is a good idea.
You said that applying vitamin E oil to scars did not help them heal. You should print a correction, because pure vitamin E on incisions promotes healing.
A review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (December 2006) stated that "vitamin E has complex effects on wound healing" and concluded that "the evidence that topical vitamin E alone improves the cosmetic appearance of scars is poor. It is also associated with a high incidence of contact dermatitis. The use of vitamin E should, therefore, be discouraged."
Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at www.peoplespharmacy.com or care of this newspaper.
It did. I continue to take calcium-magnesium each night and no longer have cramps. One exception: I bowled six games in succession and later awoke from a nap with an excruciating cramp in my leg. I took three calcium-magnesium tablets and the cramps were soon gone.
You said that applying vitamin E oil to scars did not help them heal. You should print a correction, because pure vitamin E on incisions promotes healing.
A review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (December 2006) stated that "vitamin E has complex effects on wound healing" and concluded that "the evidence that topical vitamin E alone improves the cosmetic appearance of scars is poor. It is also associated with a high incidence of contact dermatitis. The use of vitamin E should, therefore, be discouraged."
Joe Graedon, a pharmacologist, and Teresa Graedon, an expert in medical anthropology and nutrition, can be reached at www.peoplespharmacy.com or care of this newspaper.
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