Does Bananas Help With Charley Horses?
Charley Horses, also known as nighttime leg cramps, are an irritating and extremely painful muscle cramp or spasm. They usually occur in the calf muscles and are caused by fatigue or dehydration. As these cramps can last anywhere from a few seconds up to several minutes, relief is highly sought after. One home remedy which has been tested over the years is eating bananas.
Potassium Benefits
Bananas are a great source of potassium, which plays an important role in muscle contraction. Without the right amount, muscle cramps can easily occur. Eating one banana a day helps provide your body with the potassium it needs in order to avoid these painful cramps. Potassium is also vital for electrolyte balance in your body, as it helps in hydration and absorption of fluids.
The Effects Of Vitamin B6
In addition to potassium, bananas contain vitamin B6, and this is also beneficial when it comes to muscle pain due to cramping. Vitamin B6 helps in the creation of multiple bodily chemicals, including glycogen, the muscle fuel which the body uses for energy. As glycogen levels increase, so does the body’s ability to produce energy and lessen fatigue, which in turn can help to prevent nighttime leg cramps.
Sleep Quality Improvement
Potassium and vitamin B6 are not the only beneficial components of bananas. Their high levels of magnesium and tryptophan also work together to improve sleep quality. Magnesium is vital for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and tryptophan helps the body to relax and ease into a restful sleep. This makes it harder for the cramps to occur during the night, as the body is completely relaxed, which is the primary cause of nighttime leg cramps in the first place.
The Bottom Line
So can bananas help to keep Charley Horses at bay? It definitely seems so. The vitamin and mineral combination found in bananas make it a perfect remedy for those pesky nighttime leg cramps.
In conclusion, eating a banana every day can not only help you avoid cramping issues but also help improve your overall health too.
