Can Dietary Changes Help with Restless Legs?

December 3, 2025

RLS, or restless leg syndrome, is an uncomfortable condition in which people experience urges to move their legs. The condition is especially annoying because it tends to flare up when people are trying to fall asleep or relax. Often, seniors in particular find that restless leg syndrome can wake them up and keep them from getting the rest they need. Dietary changes are one solution that seniors might try to get relief from RLS, and senior home care providers can offer some assistance.

Avoid Trigger Foods

For some seniors, certain foods and beverages might make the symptoms of RLS worse. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugary foods often top the list for people who live with restless leg syndrome. Keeping a food diary might be one way seniors can figure out whether what they’re eating is contributing to their RLS symptoms. Elder care providers can help them to keep detailed records they can refer to later and take to their doctors.

Iron-rich Foods Might Help

Iron deficiency is one possible cause of restless legs, so eating more foods rich in iron might help. This could include lean meats, beans, lentils, spinach, and cereals fortified with iron. If seniors have dietary restrictions, some of these foods may be off-limits. Senior home care providers can help seniors to plan meals that include more sources of iron, especially if healthcare providers recommend that change.

Magnesium Helps

Magnesium is another metal that humans need to protect nerve function and muscle relaxation. Foods high in magnesium include spinach, whole grains, and almonds. Seniors who need more magnesium in their diets might experience headaches or muscle cramps. Depending on how much magnesium seniors might need, their doctors could recommend other supplements, too.

Some B Vitamins Work to Stop Restless Legs

Some B vitamins, like B12, B6, and folate, support nerve health. Because of how RLS operates, these vitamins might be helpful in slowing down the symptoms. Leafy greens, dairy products, and eggs are great sources of B vitamins. If dietary sources of these vitamins aren’t enough, doctors might recommend that seniors take additional supplements. 

Talk to Medical Providers

Dietary changes can do so much to help seniors live healthier and happier lives. But there can also be underlying conditions that contribute to issues like restless leg syndrome. It’s always important to talk to medical providers about these types of health problems so that they can rule out possible medical causes. If there are other health issues at play, correcting those can take care of the RLS completely. Otherwise, medical providers may have advice that seniors can use along with the help that senior home care providers can offer them. Irritating conditions like RLS don’t always have a simple cause that is easy to find at first, so this might require some trial and error.

Dietary changes can make such a difference in many different health issues seniors face, including RLS. But there might be more going on, so it’s important to talk with a doctor about the symptoms. Senior home care providers can be there to assist with transportation to doctor’s appointments and meal preparation assistance, helping seniors to be more comfortable as they work to resolve RLS symptoms for good.

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