Prebiotics and RLS: Following on from... - Restless Legs Syn...

Restless Legs Syndrome

22,313 members16,370 posts

Prebiotics and RLS

EveW profile image
EveW
19 Replies

Following on from the information over the last year or so about the gut biome/ Michael Mosleys book and tv programme, in an effort to se if it helped my RLS, or improved my sleep / general health, I decided to try some bimuno power every night - it is a prebiotic that Mosely took and helped him sleep better, as well as improving his beneficial gut bacteria. Within a few days my legs got worse, so I stopped. I left it for a few weeks, then tried again, and again it made my legs worse so I have had to stop it. Then last week I started drinking Kefir, which is a synbiotic - mixture of both pre- and probiotic - and again I think it slightly worsened my legs. I cant understand why this would happen except that the FODMAP diet is all about decreasing certain foods, some of which are supposed to be very good prebiotics, and I do know that the diet does help RLS in some people - not me, but clearly there is something there.

So, has anyone had this experience of prebiotics worsening their legs, even though they are supposed to be really healthy for us?

Written by
EveW profile image
EveW
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
19 Replies

The common link I see between the two is milk powder and products but unless you have not been taking these I'd doubt if they are the culprits. There's definitely hasn't been any other changes that you can think of occurring around the same time?

EveW profile image
EveW in reply to

After reading your reply, I looked up what bimuno is made of , and sure enough it is digested lactose / milk sugar. However , I think that the lactose content of kefir is very low. I do tend to go with lactose-free milk, so maybe there is something in it . Thankyou for the idea. Re anything else ? who knows !!! - it is just so hard to pin down bad episodes to a specific thing

Vichic profile image
Vichic

Hi, sorry I don’t understand what a prebiotic is, is it the same as a probiotic ? Which helps restore gut balance if you’ve been on antibiotics?

EveW profile image
EveW in reply toVichic

Probiotics contain the (good) bacteria, and probiotics feed them / encourage the growth of the good bacteria. Lots of good info online about both. :)

Gillyfran profile image
Gillyfran

Hi EveW

I haven’t tried prebiotic , but I tried to stop caffeine.The first time it gave me really bad leg pain so I went back to tea and coffee.Now six months down the line I decided to try again as I was having a worsening of my RLS . This time, it has taken about 9 days for headaches and general yuckyness to go and my legs have calmed down, so it’s decaff everything for the time being for me.

FLAME43 profile image
FLAME43 in reply toGillyfran

I avoided caffeine, it made not an iota of difference and sometimes my rls was worse. Have tried a few times and results the same , though i will only have tea or coffee max twice a day, mostly only one

EveW profile image
EveW in reply toFLAME43

It is incredibly hard to pin down exactly what makes the RLS worse, or better.

A very frustrating business!!!

FLAME43 profile image
FLAME43 in reply toEveW

so true, i tried keeping an attack dairy, but i am not a very conscientious record keeper

EveW profile image
EveW in reply toFLAME43

same here - I always intend to but it is a bit sporadic, although occasionally some things so show up, eg the prebiotics, but even then there is no logical reason for it. Will need to start looking at the phases of the moon next, lol! :)

FLAME43 profile image
FLAME43 in reply toEveW

good Giggle Eve, in this affliction we need it. but maybe we should look at the moon. You get wereewolves dont you. be blessed

EveW profile image
EveW in reply toFLAME43

;)

Denm27 profile image
Denm27 in reply toEveW

I've struggled for many years with RLS and tried quite a lot of things. I was told that taking Magnesium, vitamin E and Folic acid would help, it didn't. Some people say Tramadol helps, I was taking 8x 50mg a day, no good. Also Gabapentin can help, I take 3x 600mg, no help. I tried Hypnotherapy, no good. The Hypnotherapist advised trying Pramipexole. I take 1x 0.88mg 20 minutes before going to bed and it's vanished. It went on the first night. It's been about 5 months now and hasn't bothered me for a single night. It's amazing going to bed looking forward to sleeping without watching the clock all night or walking around the house continually. This worked for me and may not help other people as we are all different. But just passing on on what helped me. Good luck if you try it. D

Jumpey profile image
Jumpey

I take a pre and probiotic neither of which affect my RLS either way.x

EveW profile image
EveW in reply toJumpey

I am pleased to hear that. We are just all so different re what makes RLS worse.

DicCarlson profile image
DicCarlson

I take a prebiotic fiber supplement along with probiotics, every day in the AM and have been taking it for years, before, during and after RLS - no real effect that I can see.

EveW profile image
EveW in reply toDicCarlson

Thankyou for your reply.

fchrist profile image
fchrist

yes, whenever I drink kombocha my legs gets worse.

EveW profile image
EveW in reply tofchrist

Thankyou so much for your reply !

reedallenbrown44 profile image
reedallenbrown44

No, I have been taking Kefir for many years however I only drink one cup a morning.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

RLS and diet

Many people find a relationshp between RLS and diet. I have found that my RLS symptoms are...
Graham3196 profile image

RLS link to bacterial overgrowth and leaky gut

Restless legs comes from the gut. I initially tried fodmap food exclusion diet with some success...
Mikeca profile image

RLS for life

Just a story really that is driving me mad! I had 2 discs replaced in my neck. Following 3 months...
Alisdair profile image

Gastric Reflux and RLS

I have been diagnosed at a Sleep Centre, as having serious restless legs. My movements were...
thorp profile image

ADHD and RLS. (Does Ritalin help RLS or exacerbate it?)

Has anyone else on the forum been diagnosed with ADHD on top of their RLS and has Ritalin helped...
RestLessLeg profile image

Moderation team

Kaarina profile image
KaarinaAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.