I’ve always been a bit dubious about making a link between my RLS and diet, as I’ve suffered from it all my life and nothing jumped out at me. I knew I could have a few nights symptom free and then suffer again, and it all seemed a bit random.
Then a few nights ago I started sleeping really well, no RLS, but then had a night where it was awful. The only thing I could think that I’d done differently was eat a banana that evening. I usually eat a banana most every evening for dessert, but hadn’t for a few days up until that evening. So symptom free and then really bad. I’m sure I read someone on here talking about potassium in bananas causing a problem? So, yesterday evening I didn’t have a banana and had a good night with no RLS.
I really hope I’ve found my trigger, or perhaps the main one. Fingers crossed for tonight 🤞
Written by
MumofSam
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
That's really interesting. Hopefully you have identified your trigger there.My GP told me recently that I had elevated potassium levels in my blood, and asked if I ate a lot of bananas.
Ordinarily I'd have 2 to 4 per week but haven't had any recently. It hasn't made a difference to my PLMD though!
That’s interesting. I don’t know why they’d be a trigger. I’ve tried to see if I can find anything that would give a clue, but if it was fructose wouldn’t more fruits be triggers?
Actually bananas or Potasium is noted for use for leg cramps. I’ve suffered for years for both and was thrilled when my physician agreed to prescribe Potasium pills for me. At least now I think (Hope) have the leg cramp problem solved but unfortunately I still have ( Severe) RLS to the point that sometimes I wish someone would just cut them off IF I was guaranteed the RLS would end! I know our floor would definately appreciate it!😂
I'd recommend not cutting your legs off because if you're unlucky it might migrate to other limbs and then you're kind of stuck unless you cut those off too. But then it could go to your back and I'm not sure how you handle that. I speak from some experience but I haven't cut anything off yet.
That’s so true, unfortunately. I only ever had RLS in my legs, but now it’s spread to the base of my spine, my left arm and the back of my neck. Mind you, the temptation to cut my legs off at times is still great!
Unfortunately I ran out of “letters” to finish. I was only talking hypothetically (With my luck I’d probably have phamptom (Sp?) RLS!) But, it gets to the point where RLS (Or any symptom of a disorder, like with my MS) eventually wears you down &?your not only physically tired but mentally tired of trying. That proverbial mouse on its’ wheel, going faster & faster, becoming more exhausted but afraid to get off , to just stop that wheel! You’ve had enough.
I didn't think you were serious but I was trying to inject some macabre humor into the discussion of this awful disease. I'm so sorry yours has spread, mine has as well. Mine also lets me know in advance how bad it's going to get. If it starts at the right leg it's going to wind up being a mild attack. If it starts in the back they could go to the arms next the right leg then if I'm lucky the left leg then it moves on. Before any of that happens I usually get a feeling throughout the whole body than I am uncomfortable. Does yours have a predictable pattern?
No, not that I’ve ever noticed. Usually it’s just the legs. The neck is the worst cos it’s something you can’t move easily to alleviate it like you can your legs or arms. Mind you, the base of the spine is similar in that respect. Don’t worry, it’s only a fantasy in the middle of the night to chop my legs off, and it would have to be right from the top, no stumps, so probably not even possible, not that I’ve thought about it much 😉🤣. Besides that, I’d miss wearing jeans!
Well I just had another struggle free night. I can still feel RLS there in the background, IYKWIM, but at least it stayed there! I usually have my worst sleep of the week on a Saturday night for some reason, probably because I know I have to get up early the next morning for church. However, last night was the best Saturday night’s sleep I’ve had in as long as I can remember! 😁
I find that the sugar content in fruit in general and bananas in particular causes my RLS to get worse. I limit my fruit intake and definitely do not eat any after approximately 3:00 pm.
I’ve been suspicious of bananas too but I really don’t know as I never have a good night, just some are worse than others and I don’t think it’s the only trigger. But I do try to avoid bananas quite often
You've probably found your trigger, but it's not the potassium in the banana but the sugar. I've eliminated my rls completely without drugs by avoiding inflammatory foods (foods containing refined carbofydrates and starches and refined seed oils).
Must be the type of sugar then perhaps, as although I use sweeteners in drinks my general diet will have sugar, hidden or otherwise, everywhere and it doesn’t trigger RLS with me
I agree. the minute I stopped eating sugary foods, my RLS improved dramatically. I take a daily supplement of calcium, magnesium, zinc and vit D (mainly for menopause), but this together with cutting out sugar (mainly refined, and limiting fruit) means I can actually sleep at night. It’s been a revelation.
You may find a weekly sea kelp supplement helpful as the in iodine it strengthens the myelin sheath on the nerves. Also a vitamin daily k2 supplement to keep the calcium in the bones and out of your cardiovascular system.
_ banana: eat a lot daily! I will take a look...-not long ago I read someone said (not known where) fermented foods in general would be culprits for increasing RLS
Same here to be honest, until the last week when I couldn’t work out why I’d had several good nights then one awful one and having a banana was the only different thing. I still don’t know if it really is a trigger or not, just hoping that maybe it is
Hi MumofSam. Bananas are an RLS trigger for me but I have no idea why.
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.
RLS, Pramipexole & Vine Extract
Lyrica and Tramadol work well
Trying to manage, and afraid
RLS symptoms in other parts of the body
Have you tried these..?
