skippyscuffleton wrote: ...
I'm happy to say there is only really one downside for me and that is the occasional bout of night time cramp, usually in calves or feet especially after days of long aerobic exercise. I suspect caused by electrolyte imbalance (not enough salt intake) but who knows? I often eat salt on fast days and sometimes drink diluted apple cider vinegar, but still a side effect I could do without.
Low electrolytes (salt) is one possibility. After a particularly physical day, I've found that careful static stretching in the evening of the exercised muscles does wonders for getting rid of the night time aches and cramps. Everything will usually feel much better with just a few minutes effort.
Also, FWIW, here's relevant text regarding muscle cramps from page 244 of Volek/Phinney's book: "The Art and Science of Low Carbohydrate Living":
"So here's the shortcut to ending most nocturnal or post-exercise muscle
cramps. Take 3 slow-release magnesium tablets daily for 20 days. The
proprietary brand-name product is 'Slow-Mag", but there are a number
of equally effective generics at a fraction of the brand-name price (eg.,
Mag-64* or Mag-Delay'). Most people's cramps cease within 2 weeks
of starting 'Slow-Mag", but you should continue to take the full 20-day.
course (60 tabs per bottle at 3 per day lasts 20 days). If the cramps re-
turn, do it again, and then continue taking one tab per day If the cramps
return, take 2 tabs per day Most people can be titrated to remain cramp-
free by this method. Why use a more expensive slow-release magnesium
preparation like Slow-Mag"? Because magnesium oxide preparations like
milk of magnesia cause diarrhea, passing through the small bowel before
they can be effectively absorbed.
WARNING: The only contraindication to oral magnesium supplement
is severe renal failure (e.g., a GFR < 30). If you have any history of kidney
problems or known loss of kidney function check with your doctor before
taking Slow-Mag" or its generic equivalents."
Worth a try either way.