I've noticed a decrease in leg issues since I've been eating bananas. My family says I'm nuts, banana's take away cramps. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. WebSummary: Bananas are full of potassium, fiber and vitamin C, but they can also be a source of stomach cramps for some people. Bananas are a great addition because they are inexpensive, convenient, available year round, portable, taste good, and have lots of vitamins and minerals that your body needs. Get enough potassium through a balanced diet. It is rather unusual for this diet to cause this. I remember having eaten bananas and didn't hydrate that well. I have not experienced leg cramps, but it's probably because I drink lots of water. I am going to look into other sources of potassium but will keep your water suggestion in mind on the rare event that I eat one. The best way to lessen the pain of muscle cramps is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Bananas may cause gas and bloating in some people due to their sorbitol and soluble fiber contents. WebDo bananas cause cramps? If you know you are The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers to this website may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Ruchira from United States on April 26, 2012: Bananas are rich in potassium and was advised in my pregnancy to consume many ,cause of leg cramps but I agree my doc also advised me to drink water.. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on April 25, 2012: Thanks barbergirl28, I hope this helps your husband. Nithya Venkat from Dubai on June 03, 2012: I never knew bananas helped leg cramps. Cooking also softens the starch to improve digestion. Why do I get cramps when exercising? This may cause many people to run to their pantries and search for foods to provide them with some relief (1). If you have a sugar allergy, you might experience symptoms after eating it that include: hives. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on October 27, 2012: Thanks acaetnna, I hope you never have to suffer from leg cramps caused by bananas or anything else. It's like the tendons are too short. Karla Iverson from Oregon on May 22, 2012: When I was reading your great hub, I was thinking that you needed more fluids. For a leg muscle cramp, a weight-bearing stretch is often effective 1. Why would Bananas give me stomach cramps? Ive been doing a very low carb diet for a long time now i eat protein and fats and all my blood tests and electrolytes have been good. I think magic is to drink lots of water. Try eating oranges instead,and see if you get the same effect. Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. It was then when i experienced cramps. I am not sure whether the hydration has to take place before you go to bed, or whether drinking water throughout the day would work. Diana L Pierce from Potter County, Pa. on April 23, 2012: This is very interesting. can very low carb diet cause this? Magnesium is another important element in our bodies. WebAnswer (1 of 9): Bananas are touted for being high in potassium, and youll note here A Patient Developed Painful Muscle Cramps due to Overeating Mangos that Abnormal WebDoes eating bananas help prevent muscle cramps? This may cause many people to run to their pantries and search for foods to provide them with some relief (1). But they can also give you leg cramps. Please note, we cannot prescribe controlled substances, diet pills, antipsychotics, or other abusable medications. Vinaya Ghimire from Nepal on June 12, 2012: I had no idea about the connection of banana and leg cramps. Like we don't make enough trips to and from.in the middle of the night! Water and stretching works the best for me. WebWhat Causes Leg Cramps. Stacy Harris from Hemet, Ca on April 25, 2012: Very interesting like you said, I have always heard that bananas help relieve leg cramps, but it makes sense that if you are dehydrated or levels are off in your body that it could also give you leg cramps. I tend to get leg cramps at night when Im in bed. Can Police track your phone if the SIM card is out? This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Tell him I said drink more water! Why does China block access to some internet sites? They are rich in fiber and will help you have easy bowel movements. I have been having feet cramps all my life i drink plenty of water and eat bananas as well but i still get them is something wrong with my feet. Severe banana intolerance may present with mild and/or severe symptoms, depending on the cause of the allergy. on May 06, 2012: Even having bananas with a glass of milk can be dangerous. Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere. There is a simple solution to your leg cramps that are caused by eating bananas. Additionally, if you're allergic to bananas, you may be allergic to other fruits or vegetables such as avocados, peppers or kiwifruit, which all contain similar proteins. Hi Millionaire Tips!! My wife told me it was the bananas. Why is this? Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on April 24, 2012: I eat a prodigious amount of bananas and do not have leg cramps, so I don't think there's an association between the two. Hopefully you can avoid leg cramps caused by eating bananas. Does eating bananas help prevent muscle cramps? She said that the kidneys rely on sodium and potassium to help determine a balance of water. There is no doubt that it was caused by eating bananas. There is also a second type of reflux called laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR). The dehydration/water loss makes sense as a cause. If you know you are prone to cramps, are about to attempt a heavy workout, or are approaching a time of menstruation, eat a banana a day to help boost the levels of potassium and magnesium in your system. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. WebMaking this short and sweet. I never really focused too much on specific vitamins, figuring that I could simply try to eat healthy and take a multi-vitamin now and then to cover the difference. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Most people experience some form of muscle cramping during their lives. Why Does Iceberg Lettuce Cause Stomach Cramps? Evidence suggests that these nutrients have anti-cramping properties. Thank you RTalloni, teaches12345, and lobobrandon. It might have to do with the fact that I generally try to limit how much salt that I eat. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on November 26, 2013: Good idea Albert. Stomach pain after eating can also be attributed to gallstones, eating spicy foods, a stomach flu, lactose intolerance, food poisoning, appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, Crohns disease, and peptic ulcers. It is found that middle aged and older adults are more prone to leg cramping. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on June 03, 2012: Thank you Linda. I take a mineral supplement for that very reason, but still have very intense cramps that wake m up at night 3 or 4 times a month. No, you don't have to give up eating bananas. What is banana allergy? It turns out that there are quite a few people who report this connection. By Mschel (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. As a result, But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Some people have a difficult time digesting and absorbing fructose, and this can lead to abdominal pain and diarrhea. Make sure that your intake of calcium, potassium, and magnesium are at sufficient levels. Shesh! It seldom takes much to figure out what we did and to correct it. It is found that if you ingest foods with key nutrients, leg cramps will be less prevalent. Check out my hubs to see what I've got to say about the dreaded leg cramps. could i be allergic to potassium? It may be dehydration that is causing your leg cramps. U.S. Department of Agriculture: Economic Research Service: Bananas and Apples Remain America's Favorite Fresh Fruit, Digestive Health Institute: Resistant Starch, Chiquita Bananas: Banana Information, Handling and Varieties, USDA National Nutrient Database: Bananas, Raw. Great Hub and thank you. Bananas are a healthy fruit. Various things can cause muscle cramps, such as. Only a qualified medical professional can adequately diagnose these conditions. That is a very smart idea - to listen to your own body and see how it reacts to what you do and eat. I will try running without it next time and replace it with electrolyte drinks. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on May 23, 2012: Thanks Healthy Pursuits. 2019 www.azcentral.com. Both elements help reduce the occurrence of muscle cramps in the body if eaten in the correct amounts. I just realized the banana to toe AND leg cramp correlation over the last couple of weeks. Voted up. In fact any type of potato will work. Web2 You need an energy boost. I thought about what I had learned in biology class about potassium and water. However, eating bananas often can prevent the onset of cramps because your body will contain the necessary nutrients in the muscles. Maintaining proper nutrition could help your body and prevent the onset of cramps in muscles. The symptoms last for a few seconds to a few minutes and can be extremely painful. Quickly eating a banana while you are experiencing a cramp will not do much to relieve the pain. Bananas have components which can help with cramps. Bananas just so happens to have a high amount of potassium. Every time I eat a banana, within 30 minutes I get foot cramps, sometimes leg cramps. Massage. Electrolytes. And breathing, since I tend to hold my breath when I am in pain. Great example, although its pretty rare. These are involuntary contractions in either the muscle or a part of the muscle tissue. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on May 06, 2012: Thank you Crazzykylex. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". This seems to be more likely among people with digestive By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. By the way, great informative hub Shashta! Top answers from doctors based on your search: Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone. Banana allergies are prevalent in about 0.1-1.2\% of the population. I am glad for them, but people like me feel left out. So it's wisest to listen to one's own gut feeling and common sense, perhaps. Double win! The next time you eat a banana, simply drink some water with it. Doctors typically provide answers within 24 hours. I decided to do some research about why bananas cause leg cramps and report my findings to you. Potassium is also an electrolyte, which moves electricity through your body. I have been running for a few months and tried long distance. What is an example of a case sensitive password? 2022 The Arena Media Brands, LLC and respective content providers on this website. Heat. Banana overdose! In addition to bananas, there are a number of foods that will help replenish this mineral and are solid additions to a healthy eating plan. Surprised we are all getting the opposite effect. Many Americans offer a common piece of advice: eat a banana when you begin to feel the pain of cramps. I guess its best to maintain a balance with whatever minerals we have. Only one banana has 1/2 the RDA of potassium we need per day. Hopefully both of my legs will approve. PaulPd0 from Los Angeles, California on June 17, 2013: Very, very interesting hub! Voted up! The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". I've never realised a connection, (apart from bananas supposedly helping cramps) and haven't had cramp in a while, but then I have got better at drinking water, I think. Watermelon-Watermelons contain about 90% waterWhen in need of a snack for hydration, but not many calories, watermelon is your best optionBeing a melon, it is also high in potassium, but less than other varieties of melon Some of the most popular home remedies for an upset stomach and indigestion include: A banana allergy is often connected to a latex allergy. I used to be relatively fine with Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the United States, so many Americans regard them as a healthy food to promote overall body health. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The average banana has 420 milligrams of potassium, or about 10% of the recommended daily requirement. This made me wonder if I was the only person who thought bananas actually caused leg cramps. Voted up. Bananas are generally easy to find and known to be helpful for period cramps. Interesting hub. I've been writing articles on vitamins, mentioning how I take my potassium tablets to deal with water weight and blood pressure. Its fine to have a banana or two before a big race, but if you are expecting that they will prevent painful muscle cramps you will probably be disappointed. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on April 23, 2012: Thank you Blawger, I hope you never have to suffer leg cramps whether or not they are caused by bananas. I love drinking banana milk shakes in the morning but dont do it because of the horrible leg cramps i get even the day after my calf is very sore from the cramp. Only a doctor can diagnose a food allergy. If you take potassium supplements, be sure that you are taking your potassium supplement correctly, if prescribed. I needed to figure out what was causing leg cramps in people when they ate bananas when we are told that bananas help leg cramps. Why do i get stomach cramps when i eat bananas. Nellieanna Hay from TEXAS on October 15, 2012: :-) One's biggest challenge may be revising the responsible habit - and then sticking to it! I've only had leg cramps when I was low on magnesium. can occur for many reasons. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on April 24, 2012: Thanks Green Lotus and Lady_E. Firstly, my mom always complains that she gets foot cramps whenever she eats bananas. I didn't see anything that said that potassium makes you lose water, but many articles discussed a connection between sodium, potassium and water. There is a simple solution to Shasta Matova (author) from USA on September 10, 2013: alilfireball, I thought I was the only one too! But if I eat one everyday this usually will not happen, but my leg cramps are more frequent at night. And I've never experienced som many horrible episodes of leg cramps in the middle of the night. Muscle injuries and dehydration (excessive loss of fluids in the body) Remaining in the same position for a long time. They are loaded with potassium, but also provide magnesium and calcium. Perhaps you've heard that bananas are good for leg cramps. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. WebSummary: Unripe bananas cause stomach pain for some people due to their high resistant starch content, which can sometimes cause bloating and gas. When they occur, common treatments are to stretch or massage them, usually by walking around until the tension releases. I have toe cramps too, and I know exactly what you mean. 5 What to drink to stop a running stomach? A cramp may just feel like a tightening of a muscle, but it could also become extremely painful and limit a persons movements. If you know you are prone to cramps, are about to attempt a heavy workout, or are approaching a time of menstruation, eat a banana a day to help boost the levels of potassium and magnesium in your system. This mineral helps the body function optimally. If your stomach spasms are caused by dehydration, replenishing your electrolytes may help. Thanks for sharing. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on July 10, 2012: Thank you carozy - I was trying to get a contract with a large fruit company to give a banana to everyone who reads this hub, but they weren't being cooperative. Men's Muscle. I've always had strong leg muscles and when young, they cramped frequently. Muscle cramps just seem to be one of these things - you hear bananas are good to eat if you get leg cramps because of the potassium, and then you hear something like this and realize that the majority of people that filled out the poll said they always get leg cramps from bananas! I eat one a day and so far they have get leg cramps away:) They are great for potassium and to help ease sore muscles after a workout. Aching Legs Causes. Corleone holds a Bachelor of Science in nutrition. Most people experience some form of muscle cramping during their lives. Let's make a deal - you work on your fluid intake, and I'll work on calcium and magnesium, and hopefully we will both be without leg cramps ever more! I am horrible about drinking water (I think I a m half camel). Thats because potassium is one of the main ingredients in bananas. what is wrong? It turns out that I am not. 2019 FemHealth Project. All Rights Reserved. Really interesting hub and voted up! Potassium is the main mineral known for cramp prevention. Have a full blood panel done including magnesium levels. Bananas are a great source of potassium and so people believe that potassium has a connection to relieving cramps in the body, because sometimes a symptom of an electrolyte imbalance particularly low magnesium or If you're eating a banana that's too green, you may experience abdominal pain. But I had to learn it to figure out that the kidneys use potassium and sodium to balance how much water you need in your body. Banana + water. To learn more, please visit our. Some people have an intolerance or even an allergy to certain types of sugar. Other allergic symptoms might include itching of the mouth or throat, hives, swelling or wheezing. Voting this Up and Interesting though. WebBananas dont cause stomach aches in everyone. I don't know if the bananas had been related to it as i was told that it would help prevent cramps. I always assumed my Mom was right (as usual). However, eating bananas often can prevent the onset of cramps because your body will contain the necessary nutrients in the muscles. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. That's because the average banana supplies about 375 milligrams of potassium, per the U.S. Department of There are actually several medical reasons why you could be craving bananas. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. So I desist and swelling subsides. Why do bananas give Me muscle cramps? A muscle cramp happens when a muscle or group of muscles has an involuntary spasm or contractions. I am just learning this stuff. Why does my stomach cramp after I eat certain foods? If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. carozy from San Francisco on July 09, 2012: Well a very interesting article. What is International Dance Day and how is it celebrated? As a teenager, I remember thinking, "I need to eat more bananas!". thank you so much. Unripened bananas contain high amounts of resistant starch, which is difficult for your body to digest. Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the United States, so many Americans regard them as a healthy food to promote overall body health. In severe cases, low blood pressure , shock, or even death may occur. Thank you Turtlewoman, if there is anything incorrect in my research, please be sure to let me know. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The most obvious one is a lack of potassium. If you follow all the rules and still have severe cramps especially frequently, if they dont dissipate quickly or are in combination with other symptoms, speak with your regular medical provider. Maintaining proper nutrition could help your body and prevent the onset of cramps in muscles. great info! Next time you have a cramp, you can try drinking pickle juiceI wrote a hub about it! Why Do Bananas Give Me Muscle Cramps?Bananas, Potassium and Leg Cramps. A common denominator among the female participants with leg cramps in the Wisconsin Medical Journal study was a lower potassium intake than the group that Your Potassium Needs. Other Foods For Leg Cramps. Special Populations and Potassium Deficiency. Thank you Diana Lee, Yaazhini and Berga. Bananas contain three out of the four electrolytes that you need. This seems to be more likely among people with digestive issues or who arent used to eating a fiber-rich diet. Potassium levels when low and cause severe muscle cramps, and one banana is enough to replenish potassium levels that you lose after two hours of Most of my findings talked about potassium being flushed out of the body along with water, stating that dehydration may cause low potassium levels. This syndrome is known as latex-food syndrome or latex-fruit allergy. I wanted to prove that my memory was correct about the effects of potassium to water levels in the body. It makes total sense and will start drinking more water. However, eating bananas often can prevent the onset of cramps because your body will contain the necessary nutrients in the muscles. Eating a banana in the middle of a cramp wont make it go away, but as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan, it can act as a deterrent. Bananas may cause gas and bloating in some people due to their sorbitol and soluble fiber contents. I guess it depends on how much water you drink, which I drink A LOT. Sitting or standing all day can be a cause as well as overdoing alcohol or improper footwear. Bananas are a great source of potassium and so people believe that potassium has a connection to relieving cramps in the body, because sometimes a symptom of an electrolyte imbalance particularly low magnesium or potassium levels is caused when we over work our muscles. I repeat that several times to stretch my calf muscles and it really seems to help. For a while i didn't eat any bananas at all until a couple of Days ago when I due to lack of ideas started making a habit of eating bananas instead of real dinner at night. So I guess that is why bananas are my friend. Although potassium is often associated with bananas, those sweet fruits actually aren't a very high source, providing just nine percent of your daily recommended intake. HealthTap uses cookies to enhance your site experience and for analytics and advertising purposes. If you eat a banana and limit your salt intake, and if you don't tend to drink enough fluids, there's your answer. By the way, we eat banana and yoghurt to cure stomach cramps. For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on February 10, 2015: Thanks ideadesigns. If i eat a banana i get several muscle cramps and my i started having trouble soloing. Thanks all. Unfortunately, I understand "some" of the reason for this is dehydration.so it's important to hydrate w/ a huge glass of water.just the thing you want to do before falling asleep, right? The first few articles I read said that leg cramps can be caused by a deficiency of vitamins and minerals. They are rich in fiber and will help you have easy bowel movements. But there are many other issues that are harder to remember and it is hard to stick to new habits. However, having been on a pretty much salt free diet for several years, I've deliberately been adding salt to things occasionally, because I've felt I've needed it. That helps her. Place your weight on the leg that has the cramp, and then bend down slowly at the knee in order to get the cramp to relax.. Thanks for sharing this! It's an essential mineral that can aid communication between muscles and nerves. While the cause isnt always known, muscle cramps can be triggered by: Overusing your muscles, usually during exercise. Thank you fpherj48. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Bananas contain high levels of potassium and magnesium (2). We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. I am not lacking waterI had 2 bottle of water, then 1 banana and then another waterbam, I got foot cramp. Crazzykylex from Incredible India! 9 /11. I eat lots of bananas each day and when work out I get cramps. Vulvar Dystrophy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment, Covid-19 Vaccine: Eliminating Misinformation. Its fine to have a banana or two before a big race, but if you are expecting that they will prevent painful muscle cramps you will probably be disappointed. In fact, it serves as a source of energy for the friendly bacteria in your gut, which helps maintain gut function and assists with the production of certain nutrients such as vitamin K. One large banana contains 3.5 grams of fiber. You have given much 'food for thought'! Her work has been featured on the Huffington Post, Diabetes Self-Management and in the book "Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation," edited by John R. Bach, M.D. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on October 15, 2012: Thank you Nellieanna for your additional insight. Thanks for the great hub! The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Quickly eating a banana while you are experiencing a cramp will not do much to relieve the pain. Bananas contain high levels of potassium and magnesium (2). I know what you mean, it is hard for you (and your family) to get a restful sleep if you have to keep getting up in the middle of the night. 2 Why does my stomach cramp after I eat certain foods? Are lanthanum and actinium in the D or f-block? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. One banana can provide 10% of the recommended potassium intake for an adult every day (4). Bananas may cause gas and bloating in some people due to their sorbitol and soluble fiber contents. I find a massage helps as well, starting from the ankle, or wherever the cramp starts, and working my way down the foot. If you do that you could dilute the electrolytes that your muscles need. Many Americans offer a common piece of advice: eat a banana when you begin to feel the pain of cramps. If you don't normally get a lot of fiber or if you've eaten a few too many bananas, you may experience abdominal pain due to its fiber content. If you experience stomach cramps after eating a banana, you may be allergic, though this is not very common. A friend only had them when her calcium was low. stomach cramps. WebWhy would Bananas give me stomach cramps? I for one am happy to know that I am not the only person that experiences this. Urmila from Rancho Cucamonga,CA, USA on June 06, 2012: I eat banana and don`t get leg cramps. Thanks for sharing. Theresa Ast from Atlanta, Georgia on May 20, 2012: Very interesting and helpful (you are a great researcher). Glad to see you got there, and that you did a great job of covering the four causes of leg and food cramping. I'll have to add that to my bedtime regiment, especially when I am eating bananas. Fruits and vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet. Get prescriptions or refills through a video chat, if the doctor feels the prescriptions are medically appropriate. Really helpful, as cramp is sooooooo painful. Drinking water does help tremendously. Bananas are a great source of natural sugars, which give you an instant Weight Loss For Women. My Mom always swore that bananas prevented leg cramps. Seems to me we know, if we think, why our bodies react to certain things we do. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on June 04, 2012: Thanks Melovy and Vellur. =D. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on August 28, 2012: Thanks Jeannie, it looks like most people get fewer leg cramps, and not more by eating bananas. Some other preventive measures can include adding regular stretching to your daily exercise. It may simply be that youre sensitive to bananas. Just be cautious of falls. Thanks for your comment and vote. Potential causes of stomach discomfort experienced after eating bananas include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS, a common disorder causing abdominal pain, acaetnna from Guildford on October 27, 2012: A very interesting article. LPR is characterized by basically all symptoms other than heartburn and regurgitation. It is necessary for muscular function and proper nervous system function (3). Stomach pain after eating may also be the result of a blocked blood vessel. How is the bananas and milk combination dangerous? This is so complicated. In severe cases, the symptoms can also develop after touching the fruit or its peel. Hillary from Atlanta, GA on April 24, 2012: Millionaire - We are thinking alike! Why do my muscles cramp up when i eat bananas or take a mineral supplement. If eating bananas causes you great discomfort, speak to your doctor. Voted up. For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). A Verified Doctor answered 41 years experience Rarely: Cramping can sometimes be caused by low potassium. What Are the Benefits of Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches? Subscribe to our newsletter to get education from experts. This seems to be more likely Most people don't see an association with leg cramps and bananas, Aurelio, but I can tell you for certain that in my body there is one. If you suspect a food allergy, you need to consult your doctor. Heat can help to relax your stomach muscles. Why is IVF not recommended for women over 42? If you experience stomach discomfort See Finally someone who mentions toe cramps fpherj48! Shasta Matova (author) from USA on June 21, 2013: Leg cramps are awful, especially when they come on suddenly in the middle of the night. Kim Lam from California on April 23, 2012: Coming from a science background, it's nice to see that you explained the effects of a chemical imbalance in our body. Now I can eat bananas and not suffer from leg cramps simply by drinking even more water. If I do, it's most often from crackers or chips at snack time. It happens rarely now, so I'm not sure if there is or isn't a relationship with my daily banana. I have never thought that bananas might cause cramp, though I have heard that lack of magnesium does. WebDo bananas make cramps worse? :-). Bananas are one of the most popular fruits in the United States, with an average intake of more than 10 pounds per person a year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Thanks for the confirmation. All these can trigger muscle cramps. All rights reserved. Drinking more water is a great plan, and will help reduce leg cramps caused by bananas. UP! While bananas aren't a significant source of fructose, eating too many may lead to stomach pain. WebThe starch in bananas cannot be broken down by amylase, a digestive enzyme. I usually do drink plenty of water, but when I slight on that, the result is more likely water retention, especially if I've overdone intake of salt, which is not my usual habit. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on May 20, 2012: Thank you for your comment phdast7. Besides increasing your daily intake of potassium with bananas, stretch the muscle out and rubbing it gently to release the cramp 1. If you suspect fructose intolerance, contact your doctor. Cramp Remedies. Consult your doctor if experiencing severe pain after eating a banana. If you eat a banana and don't have enough salt in your diet to balance it, that would be almost like taking a water pill. A muscle cramp happens when a muscle or group of muscles has an involuntary spasm or contractions. Why is this? In addition, they have a high water content so it will help if dehydration is one of the causes for your leg cramps. When adding fiber to your diet, do so slowly to limit abdominal pain, gas and bloating. 1 Why would Bananas give me stomach cramps? If you experience a sore stomach after eating a banana, the chances are you have an allergy, a digestive disorder or an infection. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Too much of anything will cause our body to react, whether it's potassium or sodium. If you know you are prone It certainly is all about balance. This is probably most likely to happen if you are taking a diuretic. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. As for bananas, they never did give me leg cramps but then again I don't test it out very often :) Cheers. Someone else's experience probably involves a group of factors which ours may lack. I read a book a while ago that attributed a lot of pains to lack of water, so drinking more does seem a good idea. Sweet potatoes are high on the list. I am fine with them as long as I drink lots of water, even though I thought I was drinking lots already. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on April 27, 2012: Thanks Ruchira. I will have leg cramps if I go a while without bananas and then eat one, I will get a calf cramp in the middle of the night. Thanks for the information. At first I was sure it was the long distance running that caused it but then I was injured and couldn't run for a few Days. If you follow all the rules and still have severe They seem to work for me. Other mineral problems can cause muscle cramps, not just low potassium. Water is something I am trying to get into a habit of drinking more. Recommendations for Water, Sodium and Potassium. When I don't eat bananas, I don't get leg cramps. Bananas also contain a lot of magnesium, which is known to reduce the severity of They are linked to some serious conditions like hypothyroidism, diabetes, and Parkinsons disease. It's also It is the potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6 that makes banana a favorite for those who suffer from menstrual cramps. I too also heard that bananas help cramping. While the effects may be unpleasant, resistant starch is not bad for you. It is possible that you are drinking too much water. Common symptoms include nausea and vomiting. Potassium can help muscles relax This plant root tamps down inflammation in the body. Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more. About.com Sports Medicine also talks about Recommendations for Water, Sodium and Potassium: To lower blood pressure, blunt the effects of salt, and reduce the risk of kidney stones and bone loss, adults should consume 4.7 grams of potassium per day. I thought I drank a lot of water too, but apparently not enough for the bananas. However, there are ways to control or prevent them from occurring. It is a good idea to have a diet balanced in proteins, carbohydrates and fats for the body needs an Allergy tests for food are most helpful if a person has a history of a systemic reaction immediately after eating a food. For example, Wisegeek said: To combat nocturnal legcramps, there are several criteria to check. I was always told to eat bananas to get rid of the cramps but it just never seemed to work. I hope the teacher forgives me if I learned or remembered incorrectly. Linda Bilyeu from Orlando, FL on June 03, 2012: Hi MT, Bananas are awesome! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on October 17, 2012: That's so true Nellieanna. I have now rented a room for a while in a corridor where we share kitchen. What Are the Benefits of Blueberry Muffins? I have problems with muscle cramps all over my body. While eating bananas for cramps won't get rid of a muscle spasm in the moment, eating bananas to prevent leg and other muscle cramps can't hurt, Dr. Jotwani says. Nutrition experts actually recommended eating bananas to avoid leg cramps. This is because some of the proteins in the rubber trees that produce latex are known to cause allergies, and they are similar to the proteins found in some nuts and fruits, including bananas. I have been eating a banana a day this week and drinking a glass of water with it, and I haven't had leg cramps this week. Educational and voted up! Dr. Jonathan Cluett on About.com states that electrolyte imbalances and dehydration can cause leg cramps, among other causes. Both elements help reduce the occurrence of muscle cramps in the body if eaten in the correct amounts. I will start paying more attention to my fluid intake. Fructose is the form of sugar found in fruit. So interesting--thanks for sharing your suspicions, investigation, and your conclusions on the question of whether bananas could be at the root of leg cramps! I get cramps in a hand or foot if I eat a few bananas. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on July 18, 2012: Thanks Keri - I hope you never get any leg cramps when you eat bananas, but after a salt free diet, I often get them. So now when I am in bed (right before sleep) I flex my toes towards my knees for a few seconds and then gently point my toes out. Good information to have handy. Soluble fiber, a carbohydrate that comes from plants, helps you maintain a healthy weight, prevent heart disease and diabetes and treat constipation and diverticulitis.Soluble fiber draws in water, turns to gel and slows down your digestion, which can cause you to experience stomach cramps, gas and bloating. A low intake of dietary potassium, especially in the presence of high sodium intake, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of elevated BP [blood pressure]. I am so glad I discovered this, because I was afraid I would have to give up bananas altogether. We discuss products we think are useful to people. When I get a Charley Horse at night, it is almost certain that I ate bananas that day. It's also the form of sugar found in table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. Low energy is another reason you might be craving bananas. I have a friend who says that caffeine makes her sleepy. Contact Cramping can sometimes be caused by low potassium. A third of the magnesium in the body lives in the muscles and muscles use it for contraction and relaxation. I also eat the banana at noon for lunch. Some medications can allergic to bananas. Bananas contain potassium. In my case they are so wrong. And no surprise, woke up last night with horrible muscle cramps. The worst is when I wake up and hop out of bed only to realize BOTH legs are cramped upand I crumple to the floor. So, if you are in the middle of a leg cramp, the best thing is to massage it, use some heat or try putting weight on it. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Do bananas help you with cramps? Low potassium levels, or hypokalemia, can increase the risk of water retention and swelling, or edema. Thank you for putting this connection into simple, understandable, plain English. brings clarity if one is confused :). Fructose is the form of sugar found in fruit. How awful! Thanks for the tip about stretching. You are going to have to get your own, but be assured in the fact that most people who read this hub do eat a banana with a glass of water to test out the information here. Thank you for your comment PaulPd0. WebRipe bananas help to relieve muscle cramps and stomach cramps. I usually have a half of a banana with my cereal for breakfast every morning and I am fine no leg cramps at all but, when I go for a second banana during the day when I lay down I get bad foot and toe cramps, I am sure now that it is the banana and that I am getting to much Potassium in my diet and after reading some of these post's I am sure now, thank you for being there for all of us on this banana thing and muscle cramps. I like how you provided a solution at the end by drinking water along with eating a lot of bananas. Here's a person on Yahoo Answers who was told that bananas help leg cramps. There is also no cure. Massaging your stomach muscles can help to relax them. The symptoms of potassium deficiency can include muscle cramps, a racing heart, fatigue and weakness, and constipation or diarrhea. This is I am glad you are not afflicted with this issue. This may help ease stomach and menstrual cramps. All these can trigger muscle cramps. Taking a warm bath or using a heating bag. A third of the magnesium in the body lives in the muscles and muscles use it for contraction and relaxation. Jeannie Marie from Baltimore, MD on August 27, 2012: I always heard bananas helped prevent leg cramps! It does not store any personal data. As a result, you may feel less bloated and experience less pain overall. Other choices are pumpkin, avocados, and watermelon. Anyone can become allergic to something in his life even though the same food had been tolerated before. Bahin Ameri from California on April 23, 2012: Very interesting. Great hub reading an informational hub after a long time :). WebIf bananas give you heartburn and regurgitation, you likely have typical reflux the type of reflux characterized by only 2 symptoms: heartburn and regurgitation. Educational text answers on HealthTap are not intended for individual diagnosis, treatment or prescription. I hope drinking water and keeping your minerals in balance helps you with your leg cramps. Thanks for this! Thanks for teaching me something new. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on January 05, 2013: Thanks carltonsue - I'm able to eat bananas now since I've been drinking water with them. Remember to check with your personal physician to see if a product recommended is right for you. Reverse Tubal Ligation: What You Need to Know About the Process. They're horrible..actually feels like the tendons in my feet are "pulling" and my toes literally bend backwards. One banana can provide 10% of the recommended potassium intake for an adult every day (4). I think it helps to think about the cause and effect - since bananas give me leg cramps and a glass of water stops the cramps, I don't have a problem remembering to drink water when I eat a banana. Hopefully it will prevent cramps. Muscle Aches. The exact causes are unknown but frequently they are attributed to over exercise or dehydration. Increasing the intake of foods that are high in electrolytes like potassium has not been shown to have much of an effect in warding off muscle cramps. Now we know. Thank you guys for the article and comments. While bananas usually make a healthy fruit choice, if eating them gives you a stomachache, you may need to rethink which of your fruit choices is the top banana. From hydration, electrolyte imbalances, mineral deficiencies and overuse can cause muscle spasms. I hope this helps you as well. Keri Summers from West of England on July 17, 2012: This is a fascinating Hub. Honey may contain natural toxins The symptoms of poisoning due to honey consumption depend on the types and levels of the toxins. Various things can cause muscle cramps, such as. Bananas have potassium, but Dr. Luis Villaplana and another doctor agree. I have also suffered, like my mother, but not anymore! I will be sure to look look at your pickle juice hub, although I can't promise to drink it! A cramp may just feel like a tightening of a muscle, but it could also become extremely painful and limit a persons movements. Jill Corleone is a registered dietitian and health coach who has been writing and lecturing on diet and health for more than 15 years. Is it worth driving from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? Factors that can contribute to leg cramps are age considerations. This is helpful information for me as I eat a banana everyday. Muscle cramps or weakness. is there an allergy test for this? Awesome! Bananas don't cause leg cramps; rather, they contain potassium, a deficiency of which can cause leg cramps. Fiber is a type of carbohydrate in the banana that your body is unable to digest. Leg cramps, sometimes called Charlie Horses, happen when the muscles contract and wont immediately release. Great information and research here :). If you have too much potassium, your body will release water. I sleep 13 hours at night, drink a lot of water, eat very little (1 meal a day) and i'm never hungry and i get muscle cramps a lot. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Nellieanna Hay from TEXAS on October 14, 2012: I daily eat a generous bowl of fresh fruit, alone with no other food, and it includes a banana. Dr. Jonathan Cluett on About.com states that electrolyte imbalances and dehydration can cause leg cramps, among other causes. At my 80 years of age, taking no meds and being independent and self-sufficient, I attribute my overall good health and vitality at least in part to this practice. The best way to lessen the pain of muscle cramps is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Hi Ardie! Because of that I have started to eat lots of bananas, since i do long distance running and it's convenient to have them stacked in my room and they provide easy acces to a great energy-source and they are cheap and so on so I have never averaged so many bananas per day ever Before. Allowing the banana to ripen until soft and slightly yellow reduces the amount of resistant starch, making it easier to digest. If you have too much sodium, the body will retain water. However one of my friend eats banana when she gets leg cramps. Some people also i stay hydrated and have even taken potassium pills and eat bananas and still can't stop them. I had no idea bananas could actually cause leg cramps. Bananas have components which can help with cramps. Potassium is a major electrolyte in the cells of the body. Muscle cramps bad on new water pills. I am glad that bananas are helpful, or at least not hurtful for you. This is good to know. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on June 07, 2012: I'm glad you don't have any issues with bananas, urmilashukla23. I was about to give up bananas and try another fruit and I ran into your article. (seriously) The only way to stop it is to stand and press down on my toes in the other direction. Potassium is a major electrolyte in the cells of the body. I luckily have never suffered but my husband gets leg cramps all the time. Medical Conditions That Cause a Craving for Bananas. I guess it all depends on the person. Get enough potassium through a balanced diet. Shasta Matova (author) from USA on June 08, 2012: I think that this reaction is rare, but it is possible for people who are on a low salt diet. Like Melovy said, I guess the lesson here is to make sure that we keep all of our minerals in balance, and drink lots of water so we can avoid getting leg cramps when we eat bananas. Very interesting read - I hope to look into it further. i wasn't allergic to them before. Bananas are generally easy to find and known to be helpful for period cramps. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. There is a clear connection between bananas and leg cramps in my body. WebEating a banana in the middle of a cramp wont make it go away, but as part of a healthy diet and exercise plan, it can act as a deterrent. It is necessary for muscular function and proper nervous system function (3). Why does my stomach hurt when I take honey? Suzie from Carson City on April 23, 2012: Milltips..I have not experienced leg cramps, but I do deal with foot/toes crampswhile in bed at the end of the day. Potassium-rich foods in your diet should include bananas, tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. I enjoyed doing the investigative legwork on this, and am eating a banana as I type this, and drinking lots of water. I had always heard that calcium, magnesium and potassium were helpful for leg cramps as well as. Perhaps I'm not prone to having this reaction as I've never had a cramp after eating a banana. These include potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Intolerance to Fructose. They are all electrolytes and can be found in a number of different food sources. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. I would think that other sources of potassium would have the same effect, but for some reason I haven't noticed the connection of cramping with anything but bananas. This explains alot and is very very helpful thanks again! I suffer from leg cramps sometimes. I don't know if I can necessarily associate them with bananas because obviously I don't track what goes in his mouth all the time, but definitely gonna have to give him this bit of information. I forget and think that eating bananas will help but they actually increase the amount of leg and foot cramps I get by ten gold. By using our website, you consent to our use of cookies. I get terrible gut aches after i eat bananas? Next time you have a banana, drink some water with it. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Now where's my banana Shasta Matova (author) from USA on June 13, 2012: Thanks Vinaya - I will have to try your cure for stomach cramps. Bananas don't cause leg cramps; rather, they contain potassium, a deficiency of which can cause leg cramps. eat banana to void it? It is amazing how the same things seem to have different reactions in different people. I've never had both legs cramp up at the same time. This can help a great deal in prevention of muscle cramps. Bananas contain great amounts of all three minerals that are useful in prevention of muscle cramps-potassium, magnesium and calcium. Thus, a regular use of bananas can help in preventing muscle cramps in the long run. Some people, however, complain that they get foot and leg cramps when they eat bananas. This will be a good motivation to drink water (or pickle juice I guess). The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". Magnesium is another important element in our bodies. But, I am glad to see it happens to others and that I am not alone. Muscle Spasms. Another person asked on AOL Answers and received lots of support, but no real answers. A long time ago, I was taking a class in biology and the teacher was talking about how kidneys function. However, eating bananas often can prevent the onset of cramps because your body will contain the necessary nutrients in the muscles. Weight Loss Help. Though eating bananas or a potassium-rich diet can help you in preventing leg cramps, you wont get immediate relief from the cramps by eating them when they strike. So, you must go for some stretching and massaging of the affected leg muscles that would provide you with immediate relief. i get severe muscle cramps all over my body everytime i do physical activity. How much does an income tax officer earn in India? While they are pretty common, not a lot is known about them. I hadn't heard of calcium and magnesium as affecting cramps. 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