By Melissa Blake, ND     Metagenics

The evidence is overwhelming: diet matters. Much of the benefit of diet is related to the impact on the gastrointestinal system.

A few signs that your digestive system may not be working at its best include:

• Gas
• Bloating
• Discomfort
• Belching
• Cramps
• Changes in bowel movements (more frequent, less frequent, painful, urgent, loose, hard, changes in color, etc.)
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Changes in appetite

When it comes to optimal digestion, many foods and supplements support a strong digestive tract, while others do not and may even cause harm. This article is a discussion on the top five foods, or food-like substances, you may want to avoid or reduce for a happy and healthy gut.

Most people experience leg cramps at some point in their life. From the occasional aching sensation to recurring pangs, people cope with leg cramps—also known as “charley horses” or muscle spasms—to varying degrees.

Cramps are involuntary contractions that occur in the muscles for anywhere from a few seconds to minutes on end (or even longer periods in some cases). Mild or severe, the onset of cramping is typically sudden; it may begin during intense exercise or at rest, in bed at night or after hours of being seated at your desk.

However, just because leg cramps can begin suddenly doesn’t mean they come out of nowhere. Muscle spasms in the calves, hamstrings, and thighs result from a number of common causes, many of which can be addressed simply by being aware of what might trigger them. These are some of the main causes of leg cramps: