What is the Cause of Restless Leg Syndrome and how is it Treated?
Millions of people all over the world suffer from restless leg syndrome everyday. Although research has been done into the cause of restless leg syndrome at this time scientists have not pin pointed a specific reason why people suffer from its affects. There is conjecture that the root of its origins has to do with brain chemistry. Research has shown that those who suffer from restless leg syndrome send brain impulses to the nerves in the legs that make it feel as though something is crawling on them. These nerve impulses cause the legs to move and shift in order to deal with the sensation of something crawling on them. What causes these nerve impulses is not known but one school of thought centers around the diet of those who suffer from restless leg syndrome. High levels of caffeine from food and drinks such as coffee and energy drinks appear to be one of the reasons that the brain sends out the movement impulses. It also appears that for people who suffer RLS those high levels of caffeine also transmit pain signals to the affected areas. For some people eliminating caffeinated drinks alleviates the pain and discomfort of restless leg syndrome. Another cause or contributing factor to restless leg syndrome is stress or emotional fatigue. Ongoing stress and mental fatigue can lead to many health problems including the way the brain functions and the way it communicates through nerve impulses with the outlying areas of the body. Eliminating or even lessening the stress in ones life may help to diminish the affects and symptoms of RLS. Nicotine, or smoking cigarettes, has been linked to restless leg syndrome as well. Studies have shown that smoking cigarettes affects the body’s ability to absorb and metabolize vitamins and minerals from the foods we eat causing a deficiency. These deficiencies can lead to chemical imbalances in the body and brain, particularly decreasing the levels of potassium and iron in the body. In many cases stopping the use of tobacco products has diminished or eliminated restless leg syndrome completely. Anyone who suffers or thinks they suffer from restless leg syndrome should seek the advice of their doctor. They can run tests to help find the cause of the RLS and help sufferers take the proper steps to effectively treat their condition. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
© 2006 - Health-Choices-Net.com All Rights Reserved Worldwide...Cause of Restless Leg Syndrome