onetrack:
Most of the "major brand" soft drinks such as you mention are loaded with phosphoric acid, which may not only trifle with the very process of ATP transport itself (adenosine triphosphate is the meaning in this discussion, not one's ATPL!), but presents the high likelihood of phosphorus intake that is far in excess proportionally to one's calcium intake. Just as sodium and potassium need to be within a certain proportion to each other, so do calcium:magnesium and calcium-phosphorus(phosphate). You may care to look this matter up in any good pathophysiology text.
An off-subject issue WRT RLS, but the same beverages also contain inordinate amounts of high-fructose corn syrup (especially those manufactured in here North America), which which a connection has been identified with the horrendous increase in the incidences of adult-onset diabetes as well as obesity. Bad news all around.
skyhaze et al:
The dietary-based suggestions for mineral balance appear quite sound; keepining one's electrolytes up to speed via real food whenever possible seems to be a pretty good idea. Aubergine is also an excellent magnesium source, and selenium can likewise be found in mushrooms and garlic.
For those taking mineral supplements, a course of calcium:magnesium:zinc tablets, together with an iron supplement has been recommended by a number of physicians, physiologists and clinical nutritionists. Make certain to take only the recommended dosage on the label. More is not better. Several years ago, I experienced symptoms consistent with RLS and use of the aforementioned supplements cleared it up in a matter of days.
Last edited by Constable Clipcock; 4th Feb 2010 at 22:08.