In using the HCG diet for the first time, dieters usually encounter drastic effects. It is a diet that requires a protocol of very low calorie plan of 500 calories per day besides the use of the HCG hormone. The food list is exclusive to small intakes of starches, meat, fruits, and vegetables. You can consume fruits and starches but in small amounts since they contain more sugar compared to vegetables and meat. Any fats, oils, or sugars are not allowed.

Although your body will be supplied with enough nutrients from the fat deposits, the stomach receives less food than it usually gets. So for this matter, you might be experiencing a few side effects to the diet. You may get headaches during the first week of the diet plan. You can treat it through usual medications for pain. There may also be dizziness which is common but may disappear after the first 7 days. You may also notice rashes as the body uses the fat and toxins to be eliminated from the body. The toxins may be eliminated and collected in the skin and can develop into rashes. Constipation is also a normal effect since it bowel movement may slow down. You might need some mild laxative without sugar. Leg cramps are also the side effect that dieters experience with HCG due to lack of potassium. To relieve this pain while on HCG, you may find ways on how to deal or even prevent it.

Leg cramps are painful and involuntary contractions of the leg muscles. There are methods that you can follow. Choose any of them since there are some ways that are more effective to some but not to others.

Vitamin, Mineral, and Herbal Supplementation

• You can take three minerals to help regulate your muscle activity. You can take calcium, potassium, and magnesium since any of these imbalances may lead to leg cramps.
• Have lots of vitamin E in the diet to help lessen the cramps through proper arterial blood circulation. You should get 400 to 800 units of vitamin E daily to be effective in treating leg cramps.
• You can also have to option of taking herbs for leg cramps. Ginkgo biloba helps improve circulation in the extremities through arterial dilation on the leg tissues. Bilberry is a muscle-relaxant that can improve the blood circulation on the legs and arms. Black cohosh roots have antispasmodic properties that are also considered muscle relaxant. Calf Stretching Exercises
• Start by standing in front of a wall, about 2 to 3 feet away. Your shoulders, hips and feet should directly face the wall. Your left leg should be straight while your right foot should be a few inches in front of the left foot.
• Then put your hands against the wall at chest level. You can bend your elbows a little and lean forward towards the wall.
• After that, carefully bend your right knee until you feel your left calf muscle stretch. Hold this for 15 seconds while keeping both your heels flat on the ground during the entire exercise routine.
• You can continue doing this, alternating your two feet.

Continue Calf Stretching

• First thing to do is to sit down comfortably. Then stretch and straighten the affected leg that is positioned in front of you.
• Bend your foot upward and back again towards to you without flexing you knees. Just keep your knees straight.
• You can assist with the process by rolling a towel behind the sole of your feet and hold its both ends as you flex your foot back.

Alternative Remedies for Leg Cramps

• You can get a warm shower, hot bath, or submerge the cramping legs in hot water until it disappears.
• You may also stretch and firmly caress the cramping legs to instantly help in the circulation. Then wiggle your legs and walk after.
• You can seek a doctor to give you quinine water or pill in the evening. However, you have to remember that quinine is toxic if taken excessively for too long.

How to Prevent the Leg Cramps Before they occur

• Keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water everyday. You can limit taking alcohol since not only do they contain a lot of calories but they can dehydrate your body as well.
• You can perform calf stretching everyday to help exhaust the stretch reflex causing leg cramps.
• Be watchful about your diet. HCG diet requires a lot of protein that may lower potassium levels. So do not forget to include protein-rich foods and supplements. You can also add foods high in calcium and magnesium.

HCG diet is an effective weight loss method but the side effects are unavoidable. The key is to know the ways and methods you can prevent or reduce them.