Help! For a over a year now I have had a challenge with getting leg and foot cramps at night when I am trying to sleep. It is so annoying. I have asked everyone I know what to do about the demon that destroys my sleep. Answers have come back like: take more magnesium, calcium, potassium, electrolytes, minerals, blah blah blah.
In all honesty I think I have tried everything. The drawback is that if I take too much magnesium, enough to alleviate the midnight demon, then I get, you know what - the runs. I have tried spray on mag, Calm, calcium-potassium-magnesium combo’s, sacred clay, and more.
One day, a couple weeks ago I decided to find the answer. Some said I was dehydrated and should douse my water with minerals. Tried that. You see, enough mag and minerals to stop the demon, but too much for the bowels. I know this is not a pretty picture, but I am finding out this is a problem for a bunch of folks, especially us older guys and gals.
OK, so the vicious cycle goes on, lots of mag – no cramps, then the runs and dehydration, then cramps again.
One day while visiting my doc for a little check up, he says that most people in Hawaii, me included, are dehydrated. Fine, I think, and begin to confess my story. He says to drink more water.
Then the magic happened during a conversation with my sister. She says to try Blackstrap Molasses. Yes, that resonates with me! I am stoked. I have found the answer. I am sure of it. Ooops. A problem. Blackstrap Molasses loosen the bowels.
That very night I get a call from a friend who is a naturopathic doctor. She sends me a recipe for an electrolyte drink. Then I finally dove into Google. Now, why oh why, did I not go there yet? The creation began.
The next day, with bottles arranged on the counter and a Vita Mix full of fresh spring water, I created my own electrolyte drink full of minerals and other yummy things. My body is getting back into balance. I still get the demon now and then but they are lighter and short lived. Everything seems to improving.
The best part is that I love this drink. It is so much better than slugging down water all day that just seems to go through me. That never did seem quite right to me.
Here is my recipe developed from lots of research and my palate! What a great way to "Make Every Bite Count".
Chef Teton’s Electrolyte Recipe
Water About ½ gallon
1-2 tsp Celtic Sea Salt
2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Baking Soda
1 tbsp Raw Honey
2 tbsp Blackstrap Molasses
Optional: Juice of an orange
Blend all “organic” ingredients together and then transfer the liquid to a container to chill or not, go or stay. I divide mine up into 2 smaller bottles. Then I have one to take with me if I go out. I like it warm and also chilled. It has replaced that urge to drink something during the day that might be less than excellent.
If it tastes too strong, then cut back on the molasses and vinegar.
If you are sugar sensitive and desire a sweetener, stevia is a good option. I am not a big fan of stevia, but it goes well with sour/tart flavors such as vinegar. The key is to use just a little. Most people use too much and then it takes yukky.
The molasses adds a nice robust sweetener to it as well.
So, this is my drink for the day and at night I have about 1 cup of warm water with 2 tbsp of Apple Cider Vinegar. Sometimes I include a little honey. Make sure you get raw and unpasteurized (with the Mother is best).
Enjoy! And let me know how it works for you.
Do you want to know more about the magic of molasses and vinegar?
Read below:
Blackstrap Molasses (unsulfured)
Great for your hair - One serving (two tablespoons) of blackstrap contains approximately 14 percent of our RDI of copper, an important trace mineral that helps rebuild the skin structure that supports healthy hair.
Safe sweetener for diabetics - Blackstrap molasses has a low glycemic load, so sipping all day works perfect. This is also good for a sugar substitute for people who are need to avoid blood sugar spikes. There is no fat in a serving and only 32 calories, making it good for weight loss.
Laxative qualities - Blackstrap is a natural stool softener that can improve the regularity and quality of bowel movements.
Rich in iron - Two tablespoons of blackstrap contain 13.2 percent of our RDI of iron, which is needed to carry oxygen to our blood cells. Individuals who are anemic often benefit from consuming 1-2 tablespoons a day.
High in calcium and magnesium - Blackstrap molasses contains a mineral profile that results in superior absorption. The calcium-magnesium ratio is balanced. Since our bodies need large quantities of magnesium to help absorb similarly large quantities of calcium this makes it a great supplement for calcium. Both minerals aid the growth of bones, making blackstrap a great option for osteoporosis and other bone diseases.
Additional mineral content - Two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses contains 18 percent of the RDI of manganese (which helps produce energy from proteins and carbohydrates), 9.7 percent of our RDI of potassium (which plays an vital role in nerves and muscles), 5 percent of the RDI of vitamin B6 (which aids brain and skin) and 3.4 percent of our RDI of selenium.
See what a great food this is!
Apple Cider Vinegar
The benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar are so numerous, and it was the #1 cure reported on Google for the demon leg craps. People swear by taking a couple tablespoons in warm water when cramps arose. They reported instantaneous results. Here is a brief list of some of the benefits.
Acid Reflux
Heart Health
Diabetes
Weight Loss
Sinus Congestion
Sore Throat
Digestion
Skins, Warts
Energy
Fruit and Veggie Wash
Put Organic Apple Cider Vinegar in your diet for just great balance in your blood sugar, alkalinity, digestion and overall balance. The stuff is great for your hair too.