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Muscle cramps—sudden, painful, and often out of nowhere. Anyone who has experienced them knows how uncomfortable they can be. Many attribute cramps to magnesium deficiency, but that’s only part of the truth. Let’s take a look at what else could be causing them.

Why Do Muscles Cramp?

One of the main causes of muscle cramps is the hyperexcitability of the motor neurons that control the muscles. When these neurons become overactive, it can lead to unwanted muscle contractions—in other words, the muscle tightens and doesn’t release. There are several reasons why these so-called motor neurons may respond this way.

Muscle Overexertion and Electrolyte Balance

When you demand more from your muscles than they’re used to, you risk cramps. This is particularly true during intense activities like marathons or extreme workouts. If the muscles become fatigued and the body doesn’t receive enough water and electrolytes, cramps are almost inevitable. This often happens to athletes under significant stress who are not drinking enough or losing essential minerals. Our bodies need electrolytes—minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, and not to forget salt—to function smoothly. Therefore, it’s especially important to ensure that these minerals are available in sufficient amounts during intense physical exertion. On hot days, you should pay extra attention; if your body is losing potassium and sodium, it’s crucial to consume enough salt and fluids. Experts recommend a salt intake of 0.3–0.7 g per liter to prevent cramps.

Oh, and of course, don’t overdo it with the mentioned minerals, as too much can cause the opposite effect. For instance, excessive potassium can throw your electrolyte balance out of whack and promote muscle cramps. So, be cautious with excessive mango consumption, as this fruit is very high in potassium.

Other Possible Hidden Causes

If you’ve optimized your fluid and electrolyte balance yet still frequently experience muscle cramps, there may be other potential causes to consider. Certain medications can cause muscle cramps as a side effect, including blood pressure medications, lipid-lowering drugs, and beta-agonists. Alcohol can also be a contributing factor. Additionally, there are specific medical conditions that can predispose you to cramps, such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, or hypothyroidism. If you regularly suffer from cramps, it’s definitely worth consulting a doctor.

Closing Words

As you can see, there’s much more to muscle cramps than just magnesium deficiency, and it’s important to keep your overall electrolyte balance in check.