muscle cramps and electrolyte loss?

So having more or less chronic D, Im sure one loses many electrolytes. I have noticed that if I stretch in bed, my legs will cramp up severely... Very painfully and uncontrollably, like one would expect after long hours of exercise. Im assuming this is due to electrolyte loss... I do supplement with HAmmer brand, but likely not often enough. Any one else regularly supplement or experience this?

Are you on prednisone? Steroids can cause a loss of potassium, which can give you severe muscle cramps. The cure is eating foods high in potassium, such as bananas. Taking potassium supplements is not advised as this can be very dangerous.

I get this, even worse when I'm on Prednisone (which I am now). I don't have diarhea though and I still get it. I do try to eat alot of bananas, especially before I workout. I also drink Gatorade G2 (the low-sugar, low cal kind) instead of water at the gym.  Drinking lots and lots of water seems to help me too.

I get leg cramps too. I'm not having D at the moment though I am on Prednisone. Mine go away with a simple stretch.

One of my SIL's gets really severe charley horse cramps all the time (she's got a lot of her intestines removed because of an auto accident). She carries a little bottle filled with apple cider vinegar around with her at all times. One sip and Magic!

Might be worth mentioning to the doc. Diarrhea is an obvious cause, but there's lots of other issues like thyroid and kidney problems that could be the problem too.

Good luck

Are you talking about the potassium supplement? If so, is your potassium supplement known and watched by your doctor? Too much potassium can mess with the heart and even lead to death. It is very dangerous if not watched. If you eat too much food that is high in potassium your body just adjusts to it but a supplement is a different story. I'm not sure what happens if you happen to eat too many foods high in potassium and take a supplement on top of that. Usually foods with potassium are more than enough to make sure your body's potassium level is not too low so a supplement wouldn't be necessary. It seems like there should be a warning label on the supplement. I would make sure your doctor knows you are taking a supplement if he does not know.

The doctor gave me the supplement. It is called klorcon 20.

Thanks

When I'm low on electrolytes this at home mixture works for me: 2 quarts of water, 5-10 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt substitute (potassium salt) and
1 pack of sugar-free drink flavoring.

For the sugar, I use stevia and adjust it to my taste.