Gillian McKeith's Food Bible (168 page)

Dehydration.

Medication may contribute in some cases.

Pregnancy.

Excessive exercise.

Action plan

Making sure your diet includes foods plentiful in minerals is key.

EAT/DRINK

Water. You need up to eight glasses a day. You can count veggie juices and herbal teas as water intake. But alcohol, caffeinated teas, and coffee do not count.

Calcium-rich foods such as collards, turnip greens, kale, tahini, broccoli, almonds, amaranth, sesame seeds, sardines, plain yogurt, dandelion greens.

Magnesium-rich foods such as nuts, legumes, parsley, quinoa, mustard greens, watercress, and other dark green leafy vegetables.

Potassium-rich foods such as bananas, canteloupes, peaches, plums, and grapes.

AVOID

Carbonated drinks and caffeine, which deplete the body of vital minerals and dehydrate you, too.

HERBS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Horse chestnut can be taken in supplement form. This works best in an adult when pain is due to poor circulation.

The herb cayenne is a natural way to improve circulation and avoid spasms.

Fresh ginger tea. You can add lemon for extra flavor.