Recently, Suzy Cohen, RPH has been writing about natural solutions for those suffering from leg cramps. These include eating certain foods and doing certain exercises, but she also emphasizes CoQ10 as a solution. She warns readers of what she calls “drug muggers,” as well.

To alleviate leg cramping, Cohen recommends:

  • Eating foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, broccoli, and white beans.
  • Eating foods that contain calcium, which include greens that are dark and leafy, as well as yogurt.
  • Getting massages.
  • Taking a warm bath.  This can also include Epsom salts.
  • Stretching
  • Yoga
  • Drinking water, as dehydration can be a cause of cramping.

For those who still experience leg cramps, despite these suggestions, Cohen recommends a dose of CoQ10.  CoQ10, also known as ubiquinone, is found in every cell in the human body, and can help prevent cramping. Synthetic versions of the compound are available, and Cohen recommends a dose of 100-200 mg a day.

Ubiquinone is made in the liver, if you are taking a medication for lowering cholesterol or a statin drug, then the liver will be less able to produce ubiquinone. She refers to the drugs that limit the body’s ability to produce chemicals or to function normally as “drug muggers.” In fact, Cohen has written a whole book on the subject which can be found on Amazon.

There are other symptoms that can occur, besides cramping, when there is a low level of ubiquinone in the body.  These include:

  • Shortness of breath.
  • Liver damage.
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle weakness.
  • Loss of memory.
  • Arrhythmias
  • Stroke
  • Heart attack

A side effect of using a CoQ10 supplement is that it has been shown to increase peak power production in athletes.  

If you struggle with severe leg cramps, check with your doctor to make sure you do not also have a deficiency of CoQ10.  Interested in learning more?

Read the full article here:  Are Leg Cramps Cramping Your Style?  Here’s Help!