Hi all, I've been carnivore for almost 3 years now and still struggle with leg cramps almost every night.

I'm new to this community and I'm hoping someone can help me find the solution to the cramps.

I've tried several different ways of taking electrolytes. Also, had symptoms of dehydration though drinking excess water. I've reduced water intake and dehydration has gotten better. I've tried increasing salt intake and also reducing salt intake with no change. I've also tried exercising and stretching.

I'm now thinking I should try a blood test to see if something is missing or in excess. What kind of blood test should I take and how do I interpret the results? Is there anyone here that has similar issues and found relief?

Welcome to Carnivore Talk Cindy,

I’m sorry you are going through this cramping issue. Most of us do experience at time to time.

I think getting a blood test is a good idea rather than just guessing at it.

For me, I drink a lot of water and if I’m working outside all day in the heat I’ll have to take a LMNT packet or I’ll be getting cramps.

Cramps are generally not so much due to sodium as much as it is a magnesium deficiency. Because we are carnivores we tend to flush out electrolytes. Some people are capable of getting what they need from their food but some can’t so we must supplement.

I will put salt on my food and I also salt my water throughout the day. I also take a magnesium glycogen supplement every night before bed. Even at that I’ll sometimes get woke up in the middle of the night with a cramp and when I do I’ll take a heaping tablespoon of yellow mustard like a medicine. So far every time I do that it has alleviated the cramp.

Welcome to the community.

I have cramps on occasion. A couple heaping spoons of mustard fixes things just about immediately.

Usually, cramps fall between hydration, salt and magnesium. I think a blood test might help you get to a better spot quicker than trial and error.

Before then, the mustard and pickle juice can off some immediate relief. ( I know the mustard works and have heard/read the pickle juice works, some say better, but between pickle juice and cramps, I will take the cramps. LOL

Good luck, and again, welcome.

Scott