Beyond Dehydration: Unexpected Triggers for Your Muscle Cramps

19. Magnesium and Calcium Imbalance

Even if you consume enough magnesium and calcium, an imbalance between these two minerals can lead to cramps. Magnesium helps muscles relax, while calcium promotes muscle contraction—so an excess of one and deficiency in the other can create problems. For instance, high calcium levels with low magnesium may cause tight, cramping muscles. Eating a balanced diet that includes magnesium-rich foods (like leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains) and calcium-rich foods (like dairy, tofu, and almonds) helps maintain proper balance.

20. Chronic Hyperventilation or Shallow Breathing

Surprisingly, how you breathe can influence muscle function. Chronic hyperventilation, anxiety-driven shallow breathing, or breathing too rapidly reduces carbon dioxide levels in the blood, which affects oxygen delivery to the muscles. When muscles receive less oxygen, they can become tight and cramp more easily. Practicing deep, diaphragmatic breathing and focusing on controlled exhalations can help restore proper oxygen balance and reduce muscle cramping episodes.