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Fasciculation - Muscle twitching
I have recently been bothered by twitching in my calf muscles. My doctor has told me this is called fasciculation and is nothing serious. However, I have read it may be caused by dietary deficiencies so could a supplement help?
Fasciculation, as your question describes, is the name given to a localized, un-coordinated and uncontrollable twitching of a single muscle group, triggered by a single nerve filament.
Since this can occur, unexpectedly, in otherwise healthy individuals, there are lots of theories about the cause, ranging from low calcium levels in the blood plasma to a reaction to organophosphates in the diet or environment. What this means is there is no single, proven trigger that would make the solution as simple as taking a single supplement.
My first step, in your shoes, would be to consult an osteopath, since no part of the body functions in isolation - and any muscular problems can relate back to the spine and its functioning. I am a huge fan of cranial osteopathy, which got me walking again after my back caved in a year ago and you can find a local practitioner by contacting The General Osteopathic Council (0207 357 6655); alternatively, visit www.osteopathy.org.uk for more information on this type of treatment.
Try, where possible, to switch to an organic, chemical-free diet and switch to more natural skincare products. Do not take potluck with calcium or other dietary supplements. Your money would be better invested in a consultation with a qualified nutritionist who can test for specific nutritional deficiencies and tell you precisely what to take and why. For a referral, contact The British Association of Nutritional Therapists on 0870 606 1284.