We give you the solution against cramps!

Why do I have cramps? What are they due to?

Cramps are involuntary muscle contractions. During an episode of cramps, the latter will become brutally stiff and very painful. This evil mainly targets athletes, people over sixty and pregnant women, but it can occur globally in anyone and at any age. Also, it is common for this type of contracture to appear in the middle of the night or in the early morning, waking up the person with intense pain.

The mechanism leading to the occurrence of cramps is unfortunately not fully elucidated. Many different causes are thus suspected, the main ones being a deficit of certain minerals in the body and a lack of hydration. We will develop these two points in the following paragraphs.

Cramps are considered a benign phenomenon. However, if they occur very regularly and their pain is persistent, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

2. How to avoid cramps? Focus on sport, diet and minerals.

Among the causes mentioned in the occurrence of cramps, we often speak of an imbalance in certain minerals. First, the deficiency of magnesium, a mineral involved in muscle contraction. We can then easily understand why a poor intake of this element, through food and water intake, can disturb the correct functioning of our muscles. To recognize such a deficiency, one can observe symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances and twitching of the eyelids. But it is not the only mineral involved! The lack of potassium, too, seems to play a role.

Thus, to fill our stocks with these two essential trace elements, we try to consume more whole grains and legumes. Similarly, fatty fish (sardines, anchovies, seafood) are very rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium. You can also eat bananas (rich in potassium), spinach, honey or dark chocolate. If, despite everything, the problem persists, you can consult your doctor who will decide whether or not to set up a possible supplementation of certain minerals.

Cramps often occur after sports practice. For good reason: too intense or prolonged effort which, combined with poor hydration, will lead to the depletion of glycogen in the muscles and the accumulation of acids. Consequence: a cramp hits you hard in the middle of the field, or occurs a few hours later, at rest.

The solutions :

1- Have suitable sports equipment: Brands such as Le Pédaleur , Camp Vibes and Athlete Running Club offer complete boxes of sports equipment (depending on your sporting activity) so that you are best equipped to avoid cramps, aches, injuries ...

2- Begin sports practice gradually and do not force.

Don't forget to stretch your muscles properly before and after the session.

3- Consume moisturizing drinks such as Hydratis

3. How important is hydration for cramps?

We will now look at the second main cause of the occurrence of cramps: dehydration. Indeed, a lack of water intake will deplete the stock of mineral salts. The two factors are therefore intrinsically linked and you cannot correct the first without addressing the second.

Thus, if you have been experiencing episodes of cramps lately, you may be experiencing more or less marked dehydration without knowing it. To spot it, look for the following signs: dark urine, dry skin and possibly headaches, difficulty concentrating and slow bowel movement.

It will therefore be necessary to try to restore optimal hydration, starting by drinking more often. However, even if better hydration may seem easy on the surface, it is not always the case in the long term. To do this, you have to adopt good daily habits and stick to them. For example, you can start taking a metal water bottle with you everywhere, giving yourself goals throughout the day (for example: finish the water bottle a certain number of times during the afternoon). The objective is to reach 1.5 L of water per day, and to increase this consumption in the following cases:

• In case of strong heat, because water losses are increased through perspiration.

• During moderate to intensive sports practice.

• As soon as you perceive the feeling of thirst: the latter means that you are already dehydrated!

Make the choice of a water rich in mineral salts preferably, and alternate brand to vary the contributions. In addition to mineral water, enhance your day with infusions and herbal teas. Also, add plenty of fruits and vegetables, foods with very high water content, to your diet.

Finally, you can perfect your hydration with rehydration solutions sold in pharmacies. The latter, like those of the Hydratis brand, contain large quantities of mineral salts, sodium, glucose and trace elements to allow your body to better absorb water.

Even if the causes of the onset of cramps are not always easy to identify, by filling up with hydration and minerals you put all the chances on your side to get rid of them. You can then finally resume a peaceful sporting activity, in the best of your shape. So on your marks, get set… Drink up!