RLS is thought to be the fourth leading cause of insomnia.
This article will investigate the relationship between RLS and sugar intake.
Foods that are high in sugar may also affectmagnesiumabsorption.
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Sugary beverages such as soda contain caffeine.
Drinking caffeinated and sugary beverages before bed may worsen RLS symptoms.
Limiting added sugar to 10% of calories per day is recommended.
Foods that contain added sugar include:
It’s important to read labels because some foods containhidden added sugars.
Eating some foods that contain sugar is OK. For some people, alcohol intake can make symptoms worse and should be avoided.
More Treatment Options for RLS
RLS is oftentreated with medication.
However, some lifestyle modifications and alternative therapies can be helpful.
Contact your healthcare provider for guidance.
Some options include:
Summary
Eating sugar may not cause RLS, but more research is needed.
Speak to your healthcare provider about nutrient deficiencies and your diet.
However, eating a nutritious diet and practicing healthy habits are important in controlling or preventing symptoms.
If you have RLS, you should have your vitamin and mineral levels checked.
Curing nutrient deficiencies can help you feel better.
There is no harm in experimenting to see if it helps alleviate symptoms.
Some people say that dehydration increases the urge to move the legs.
It is unclear if dehydration alone is the culprit.
Dehydration can mean that your electrolyte balance is also off, which affects muscle contraction and leads to cramping.
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Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium.
Sleep Foundation.Restless legs syndrome.
Livia A. Lopes, Camila de M.M.
2018;14(4):557-564. doi:10.5664/jcsm.7044
