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When the Body Says No – on the Track and During Sleep
Getting cramps during hard workouts or long-distance running is something many athletes see as a natural part of the challenge. But when cramps start appearing at rest, the picture changes.
“I've always had issues with cramps in my hamstrings and calves during training and distance running. But I just let it go, thinking it was normal. This past month, however, it got significantly worse. It happened in the middle of the night, waking me up, and eventually, it appeared even when I was just sitting completely still,” she says.
Follow-up Providing Proof of Progress
This was her second Women's Health Check. In addition to investigating the new symptoms, it was an opportunity to follow up on previous values. Seeing the results in black and white provided a massive motivation boost.
“It was very motivating to see that markers below the reference range last time had improved thanks to the advice I received then. It gave me deeper insight into my internal health and sparked an interest in learning more to feel as good as possible,” she says.
Magnesium – The Missing Piece
The health check includes measuring magnesium, a mineral crucial for muscle relaxation. For Tilde, tests showed low magnesium for the second time – but this time, she chose to act.
“My magnesium value was deviant during the first check, but I didn't focus on it then. This time, with worsening cramps, I got clear tips from the doctor to start supplements. The difference was almost immediate. Within days, the nightly cramps were gone.”
Why do muscles react to magnesium deficiency? Dr. Elvira Vaida at Testmottagningen.se explains:
“Our muscles work continuously through contraction and relaxation. Calcium and magnesium are central minerals for this; magnesium is responsible for relaxation. In cases of severe deficiency, relaxation is affected, and muscles can get stuck in a temporary tense state, experienced as a muscle cramp.”
“Huge Difference at the Gym”
The biggest gain was noticed during training. Being able to trust her body under load changed the entire experience.
“The biggest difference is that I can now perform gym exercises I haven't been able to do without cramping for as long as I can remember. Previously, hip thrusts were almost impossible without muscles locking up. It’s amazing that such a simple supplement could make such a huge difference.”
A Message to Others
Taking control of health isn't always about discovering major diseases – often it's about fine-tuning the body's stores to live the active life you want. Her advice to others is simple:
“It’s so extremely easy to get tested and get a clear receipt of how the body is doing. The doctor's statement makes it even easier to understand exactly what to do. Don't go around with 'minor issues' unnecessarily when the solution might be so close at hand.”
