Possible help for restless legs?

[Boscoejean]

"L-theanine may help with restless legs syndrome (RLS) because it can increase GABA levels in the brain. GABA is a chemical that can help calm the brain.

How it works

L-theanine can be taken as a supplement or in tea.

It's recommended to take it in the evening before bed.

L-theanine can be taken with melatonin, but you should check with your doctor before taking it with prescription medications.

Other treatments for RLS

Magnesium oxide and vitamin B6 supplements may help improve sleep quality and RLS symptoms.

Iron supplements may help because the body needs iron to make dopamine, which helps control movement.

Massaging your legs

Taking a hot bath in the evening

Applying a hot compress to your leg muscles

When to seek help

If you're experiencing more serious sleep issues like insomnia or sleep apnea, L-theanine likely won't help.

Supplement safety

When choosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider. "

[Cavielover]

In addition to using several of the items you have listed, I find rubbing magnesium oil on my legs quite effective as well.

[Michel0220 in reply to Cavielover]

I agree. I do that every night too. For anyone living in the UK this is the company I’m using.

sweetbeeorganics.co.uk

[Cavielover in reply to Michel0220]

this is the product I use, but note that it is currently out of stock….

CYMBIOTIKA Topical Magnesium Oil... amazon.com/dp/B09HW89YYQ?re...

[docjleonard55]

I developed RLS and found that if I use my vibration plate before I go to sleep, it generally heads off the RLS symptoms.

[RonB1 in reply to docjleonard55]

Which brand do you use?

[docjleonard55 in reply to RonB1]

T use a Lifepro brand, I believe the model is a Waver. They have a lifetime warranty so I believe it is well worth it

[Boscoejean]

One thing that has me somewhat puzzled is that there is research that supposedly suggests that restless leg is exacerbated by an iron deficiency but that Parkinson's is more likely if there is too much iron in the brain so what gives?

"Yes, restless leg syndrome (RLS) is often linked to iron deficiency, as low iron levels in the blood, particularly when considered as a deficiency in brain iron, can be a significant contributing factor to the development of RLS symptoms; therefore, if you experience restless legs, checking your iron levels is important.

Key points about the connection between RLS and iron deficiency:

Mechanism:

Low iron can disrupt dopamine production in the brain, which is thought to play a role in the sensations associated with RLS.

Diagnosis:

Doctors often check ferritin levels (a marker of iron stores) to assess potential iron deficiency in people with RLS.

Treatment:

Iron supplements are often prescribed for individuals with RLS who are diagnosed with iron deficiency. "

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"Research indicates that an excessive accumulation of iron in the brain is strongly associated with Parkinson's disease, where this iron overload is believed to contribute to the degeneration of dopamine-producing neurons, a key feature of the disease; essentially, too much iron in the brain can be a significant factor in the development of Parkinson's symptoms.

Key points about iron and Parkinson's:

Iron accumulation:

Studies have shown that people with Parkinson's disease tend to have higher levels of iron in specific regions of the brain, particularly in areas affected by the disease, like the substantia nigra.

Oxidative stress:

Iron, when in excess, can act as a pro-oxidant, leading to oxidative stress which damages cells and contributes to neuronal death.

Dopamine production:

While iron is needed for normal dopamine production, too much iron can disrupt this process and lead to dopamine loss.

Potential treatment implications:

Researchers are investigating iron chelation therapies, which aim to remove excess iron from the brain, as a potential treatment strategy for Parkinson's disease. "

[Bracondale]

I'm not sure that magnesium oxide is the best type to take for this...it is good for constipation however. Magnesium glycinate is better absorbed (less likely to cause loose stools) and will be of more help with muscle relaxation (and GABA activity).