Restless Legs Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, & Home Remedies |

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Roughly 7-10% of the U.S. population suffers from restless legs syndrome (RLS), an unpleasant condition that presents itself in very diverse ways. But there are commonalities in symptoms, as well as triggers.

Let’s discuss some restless legs syndrome causes, symptoms, and treatment options–most of which, thus far, have been overlooked by conventional medicine. But first, what is RLS, exactly?

What is restless legs syndrome?

RLS, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disease, is a neurological disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs–although it may also affect the arms. It causes extreme discomfort and aching sensations, particularly during periods of rest. These sensations might also be described as itching, tugging, pulling, crawling, gnawing, or burning.

RLS is both a movement disorder and a sleep disorder, since symptoms typically occur at night. However, in more severe cases, symptoms may also arise during the day.

Conventional medicine states that RLS may be related to genes. Symptoms which aren’t caused by another known condition are referred to as “primary RLS.” However, many cases of RLS are caused by other factors, classifying them as “secondary RLS”.

RLS symptoms

Common symptoms of RLS include:

Discomfort in your legs and/or arms, at bedtime or during inactivity
An urge to move and/or stretch to relieve discomfort, especially when sitting or lying down
Trouble falling asleep, sleep disturbances, or both
Daytime fatigue, issues with behavior, and/or poor work performance due to discomfort and/or poor sleep

If you suffer from RLS, you’re already familiar with the urge to constantly move, shake your limbs, or find any way to alleviate the symptoms. It can be an incredibly distressing condition.

What causes restless leg syndrome?

While the exact mechanism behind RLS isn’t fully understood, researchers have established some common causes and triggers.

Iron deficiency

This is one of the few causes of RLS that’s accepted by conventional medicine.

Iron plays a vital role in the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates movement and sensory signals in the brain. When iron levels are low, dopamine production is disrupted, causing or worsening RLS symptoms.

Studies show that restoring iron levels through dietary modifications or supplementation can help alleviate RLS symptoms in those with iron deficiency.

Infections

Research has shown a connection between RLS and the presence of viruses such as shingles or COVID-19 in some patients.

Exactly how viruses cause RLS has yet to be understood. But some researchers believe that viral infections lead to inflammation in the nervous system, including the peripheral nerves responsible for transmitting sensory signals. This inflammation can disrupt normal nerve signaling and contribute to the sensations of restlessness and discomfort in the limbs.

Sciatica or other spinal/nerve issues

RLS can also be caused by sciatica, where the sciatic nerve becomes a source of pain, discomfort, or even disability. Nerve compression or irritation in the spine can lead to various symptoms, including pain, numbness, and restless legs.

In some cases, these symptoms may be due to spinal infections, caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi causing inflammation or entering the bloodstream and reaching the spine. The most common bacteria involved are staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli (E. coli).

Intestinal issues

Certain inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may also cause RLS.

Recent studies show that people with IBS are more likely to experience RLS, and vice versa. Researchers are investigating different theories as to why this may be, including the role of poor iron metabolism, inflammation, central nervous system dysfunction, and something called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).

Experts say that chronic inflammation in the colon or an unhealthy balance of gut bacteria can trigger the release of hepcidin, a hormone that reduces iron availability in the brain. This decrease in iron can contribute to the development of RLS. So this reiterates the importance of getting enough iron.

Other underlying conditions

Other underlying conditions have been associated with RLS symptoms, including:

Diabetes
Fibromyalgia
Parkinson’s disease
Kidney disease
Depression
Rheumatic disease

Medications

Certain medications, when started or stopped abruptly, can trigger restless legs. Some of these include:

Antipsychotics
Antidepressants
Anti-nausea drugs
Older antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
Antiepileptic medications
Opioid/opiate pain medications (when stopped)
Benzodiazepines, or anti-anxiety medications (when stopped)

If you’ve recently started or discontinued one of these medications and developed RLS, symptoms typically improve within a few weeks to months. However, if you’ve been taking the medication for a while, symptoms may worsen temporarily before improving.

Natural restless legs syndrome treatment

Medications can be helpful in certain situations. But approach them with caution, as they may come with unwanted side effects.

Fortunately, there are natural home remedies for RLS that offer significant symptom relief, while also supporting your overall health and well-being.

Dietary changes

Eating lots of iron-rich foods may help relieve RLS, such as:

Red meat, poultry, and pork
Seafood
Beans
Peas
Dark green leafy vegetables, such as kale or spinach
Dried fruit like apricots or raisins
Peas

A recent study also showed that, in addition to iron and dopamine issues, an excess of the excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate, may cause RLS symptoms. Glutamate is present in even healthy foods.

Try limiting your consumption of glutamate-rich foods, such as:

Bone broth
Flavor enhancers like monosodium glutamate (MSG), hydrolyzed vegetable protein, and yeast extract
Parmesan cheese
Asian sauces like soy sauce, fish sauce, and oyster sauce
Nuts
Processed meats
Tomatoes
Starchy vegetables

Natural supplements

Here are some natural supplements that may reduce RLS symptoms:

Iron supplements
Chinese medicinal herbs like Radix Paeoniae Alba, Danshen, Ginkgo, Ginseng, or Notoginseng
Curcumin, resveratrol, and quercitrin, which reduce inflammation and expedite healing
Lemon balm, chamomile, or passion flower, which help relax the body and stimulate GABA in the brain, which is closely linked with dopamine production

Avoiding common triggers

Certain chemicals are known to trigger RLS symptoms. Do your best to avoid:

Alcohol
Caffeine
Refined sugar
Smoking
Excess stress
Being still for long periods of time, if possible

Other lifestyle modifications

Lifestyle practices may also help reduce RLS symptoms. Consider adding these to your routine:

Sleep hygiene
Exercise
Yoga and/or stretching
Hot or cold baths
Leg and/or arm massage
Vibratory or electrical stimulation of the feet

In conclusion, there are many potential causes of RLS. But regardless of the underlying factors, finding relief is possible through natural remedies.

Should your symptoms persist or intensify, make an appointment with your natural healthcare provider. They can help you explore more treatment options and discover what works best for you.

References:

https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5862810/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9771278/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17566122/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20129821/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454050/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8773543/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8584868/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8265268/#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20 infections%20such%20as%20 COVID,augmentation%20of%20symptoms%20of%20RLS.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32490630/#:~:text=Multiple%20studies%20have%20reported%20drug,use%20of%20%E2%89%A52%20drugs.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3958578/