I often have painful cramps in my legs; it even wakes me up at night.

Two major factors can cause leg cramps: a lack of minerals (magnesium in particular) or poor venous circulation.

1. Demineralization: a lack of alkaline minerals such as calcium, magnesium and potassium can cause leg cramps. These minerals help muscles relax. A lack of alkaline minerals is mainly caused by an overly acidic diet and/or by the medication we take (e.g. diuretics eliminate a lot of potassium). Refer to the list of products to avoid by clicking this link >> Acid or Alkaline Food

Calcium contained in pasteurized dairy products is rather difficult to absorb, so you can’t count on dairy products alone to get all the calcium you need.

Choose an easily absorbed calcium supplement: calcium citrate and calcium hydroxyapatite are the two most easily absorbed forms. Avoid calcium carbonate, which can aggravate cramps and pain in some people.

2. Poor circulation: Deficient circulation may cause leg restlessness and cramps. Excess weight, high blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, lack of exercise, processed foods, constipation and pregnancy are all factors that can adversely affect circulation. Varicose veins, spider veins and hemorrhoids are also symptoms of poor circulation.

Venaforce Horse chestnut from A.Vogel, makes veins stronger and more effective at carrying blood to the heart. Avoid Venaforce if you’re taking anticoagulants or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.