Can Restless Legs Syndrome be managed through your diet?

We’ve all heard the saying, you are what you eat. While this is not literally true, what we eat definitely affects us in a variety of ways. This is especially true for individuals with certain medical conditions. Many people are familiar with the relationship between diet and medical conditions, such as diabetes, celiac’s disease, and high blood pressure, but not as many people are aware of the relationship between diet and restless leg syndrome. 

Willis-Ekbom Disease, more commonly referred to as restless leg syndrome (RLS), causes discomfort in the lower legs that creates an overwhelming need to move or stretch. The condition generally causes symptoms to begin in the evening and become more severe as the night goes on. Unfortunately, this means that people with RLS often have a hard time sleeping due to the constant movement and discomfort. 

Although the exact cause of RLS is unknown, researchers have determined that people with an iron deficiency are more likely to be affected by the disorder. 

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Therefore, it's recommended that you incorporate more sources of iron into your diet as a way of managing symptoms. This is especially the case if you have a medical condition that affects iron levels such as: kidney failure, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or peripheral neuropathy. Additionally, folate and magnesium have also been associated with improving RLS symptoms. This is because folate and magnesium help the body with proper muscle contraction and nerve impulse conduction.

What foods should I eat?

​Iron

Red meat
Liver
Spinach and leafy greens
Dried fruit
Poultry
Pork
Seafood
Iron-fortified cereals
Beans

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​​Folate

Liver
Spinach and leafy greens
Fortified cereals
Black-eyed peas
Lentils and beans
Rice and quinoa
Asparagus
Whole wheat pasta
Brussels sprouts
Avocado 

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​​Magnesium

Almonds
Spinach
Cashews
Peanuts
Soy milk
Black beans
Edamame
Peanut butter
Whole wheat bread
Brown rice

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What Foods Should I Avoid?

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If you have RLS, there are also foods that you will want to avoid because they can exacerbate the condition and make your symptoms worse. The top three foods to avoid are chocolate, sugary sodas, and fried foods. Additionally, you will also want to avoid any foods or beverages that contain caffeine, since this can stimulate your nerves and make your symptoms more severe. These include coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate. Fattening or excessively sugary foods and beverages such as soda and processed foods should also be avoided. There is some evidence that suggests people who are overweight have an increased risk of RLS, as well as various other health conditions. Therefore, it is important to limit your fat and sugar intake, as well as eat a more balanced and healthy diet. ​​​​​