I have a personal theory, that RLS is caused by anxiety to our system. It can be an emotional stress or a physical stress, but somehow, it creates a panic and fearful response, which initiates an instinctual "fight or flight" response. Subconsciously we know something isn't right with our bodies, so we try to flee. It's just a theory....
I highly recommend you fill your "Reduce Deficiencies" folder
with observations and information you gather about things which MIGHT be deficient in your body or life. This might include everything from ferritin, to calcium, to sleep, to happiness. By supplementing these areas of your life and health, you will be reducing the size of your RLS beast and helping it achieve "bully size".REVISIT THIS FOLDER!!!! You might be told by a doctor that all your "levels" are just fine, but will that always be the case? Your ferritin level might be fine this time, but if you became pregnant, it's likely to drop drastically and become an aggravator of your RLS. Your vitamin levels might be fine, now, but after a year of taking prescription medicines, is it possible the medicines might deplete your system of essential vitamins and nutrients? You betcha it's possible! So, do NOT assume things stay the same. Revisit this folder often, and question, again, whether you have a deficiency in a vital area. So you know all the details of what you are using, considering, or have already tried, you might keep lists of:
The levels that are considered "normal" for ferritin, can be from 5-200. Be sure to NOT settle for being told your ferritin is "normal". When it comes to RLS relief, your ferritin level needs to be at 50 or above.
Ferritin levels are raised, by taking extra iron...but taking extra iron can, in some cases, be extremely dangerous and even fatal. BE CAREFUL! Do not take additional iron, without consulting your doctor.
Personally, I seem to need an extremely high supplement of the B vitamins. This might not be needed for someone else.
I also use a product called DHA/Neuromins. It's a vegetarian form of DHA. I began taking this after exchanging several emails with someone who was recommending it. If you click HERE you can read a compilation of those emails and information. Again, I am NOT recommending this for everyone. It's just something that seems effective with my own system.
After three years of experimenting and adjusting, I'm currently taking a multiple vitamin, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, vitamin B's, CoQ10, potassium, iron, vitamin C and vitamin E. I will not share information, here, as to dosages, because there are just too many variables involved. Each brand is different. These supplements are made differently, with different fillers, and different combinations. What works for me, might not work for you. It's best to experiment carefully, with the supervision of your doctor.
GO SLOWLY!!! Try one thing at a time. I set up my supplements for a two week period. At the end of that time, I make ONE...just ONE change. It's taken me almost three years, to zero in on a group of supplements which is consistently working for me. Still, I might have to change them, at any time. So, it's best to do your own exploring.
NOT JUST THINGS YOU SWALLOW! Be sure to also look at other things that might be deficient in your life. Are you getting enough sleep (dumb question, I know...but some of that might be controllable, i.e. if you're not sleeping because of a crazy lifestyle or habit, like a computer addiction...ohhhhhhh, stifle that thought!)
ROUTINE! Are you deficient in "direction" or "routine"? Many RLSers find that if they know what the plan is, or what is coming up in the future, they have less RLS. But when they go haphazardly through their week, they have worse RLS. Try to have a routine and a plan for your life. Use "to do" lists and don't be caught being deficient on your knowledge of what's going on in your life.
