We give you the solution against cramps!

Why do I have cramps? What are they caused by?

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

The mechanism leading to the occurrence of cramps is unfortunately not entirely elucidated. Many different causes are suspected, the main ones being a deficiency 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 the 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 talk about an imbalance in certain minerals. First, the deficiency in magnesium, a mineral involved in muscle contraction. We can then easily understand why a poor intake of this element, through diet and water intake, can disrupt the correct functioning of our muscles. To recognize such a deficiency, we can observe symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, sleep disorders and twitching of the eyelids. But this is not the only mineral involved! The lack of potassium also seems to play a role.

So, to fill our stocks of these two essential trace elements, we try to eat more whole grains and legumes. Similarly, oily fish (sardines, anchovies, seafood) are very rich in calcium, magnesium and potassium. We 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 judge whether or not it is appropriate to implement a possible supplementation in certain minerals.

Cramps often occur after sports practice. The cause: 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. Result: a cramp hits you full force in the middle of the field, or occurs a few hours later, while resting.

The solutions:

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

2- Start practicing sports gradually and don't force yourself.

We also don't forget to stretch our muscles properly before and after the session.

3- Consume hydrating drinks such as Hydratis

3. How important is hydration for cramps?

We will now look at the second main cause of cramps: dehydration. Indeed, a lack of water intake will deplete the mineral salt reserves. The two factors are therefore intrinsically linked and you will not be able to correct the first without looking at the second.

So, if you have been experiencing episodes of cramps lately, you may be more or less dehydrated without knowing it. To spot it, look for the following signs: dark urine, dry skin and possibly headaches, difficulty concentrating and slowed intestinal transit.

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

• In case of high heat, because water loss is increased through perspiration.

• During moderate to intensive sports practice.

• As soon as you feel thirsty: this means that you are already dehydrated!

Choose water rich in mineral salts preferably, and alternate brands to vary the intake. In addition to mineral water, enhance your day with infusions and herbal teas. Similarly, include plenty of fruits and vegetables in your diet, foods with a very high water content.

Finally, you can perfect your hydration with rehydration solutions sold in pharmacies. These, 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 cramps are not always easy to identify, by stocking up on hydration and minerals you put all the chances on your side to get rid of them. You will then finally be able to resume a peaceful sporting activity, at the top of your form. So on your marks, get set… Drink!