Mailbag: Two Mineral Trick Banishes Nighttime Leg Pain?!
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted March 11, 2025
“I’m 81 years old and haven’t had joint pains before. However, my legs are hurting me—but only during the night. (My husband is 91 and doesn’t know what pain means.)
I stopped taking any Big Pharma type stuff about 40 years ago and I have been so much healthier ever since. What do you recommend?”
Midnight Mystery
Hi Midnight,
Despite your 40 years of proof that the natural path leads to better health, mainstream medicine will still insist on throwing pills at every ache, pain, or twinge.
But you don’t need risky pain pills to tackle pain. And if your leg pain only strikes at night, that’s an important clue about what might be happening.
Many of my patients with mysterious nighttime leg pain find it’s due to mineral imbalances that become more noticeable when we’re at rest.
Typically, I explain, there are two potential culprits:
- Magnesium: This potent mineral is nature’s muscle relaxant and low levels can trigger leg pain. You can boost magnesium by eating more pumpkin seeds, almonds, and dark leafy greens, or taking a supplement before bed. Many of my patients swear by magnesium glycinate for its gentle effectiveness.
- Potassium: Nighttime leg pain could indicate you’re low on this crucial mineral. Bananas are good sources, but avocados and sweet potatoes pack an even bigger potassium punch.
Other natural leg pain fixes include:
- Movement: Try gentle stretching or a short walk to improve circulation before bed.
- Epsom salt: Soak in a warm Epsom salt bath to boost magnesium and relax your muscles before turning in for the night.
- Essential oils: Give yourself a relaxing “spa” treatment before bed by massaging your legs with lavender and peppermint essential oils (diluted in a carrier oil).
- Acupressure: Pressing specific pressure points on your legs before bed can help induce relaxation and head off leg pain. Type something like “acupressure for nighttime leg pain” into your browser for free tutorials.
- Natural anti-inflammatories: Tart cherry juice and turmeric (try a supplement with black pepper for better absorption) are natural inflammation fighters that could head off your nightly leg pain.
If your leg pain is new, track patterns to help your doctor determine the cause. For example, does the pain occur more often on days when you sit a lot, eat certain foods, or drink less water?
Sometimes, a minor tweak to your daily routine is all that’s needed to get rid of a new ache or pain. But remember, seeing your doctor to rule out anything more serious is also essential. I recommend one skilled in integrative medicine or holistic health.
P.S. Restless legs ruining your sleep? Try THIS.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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