Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) Discussion Board

I find that sugar causes me problems with my legs. I understand chocolate is also a problem. I have found some chocolates that claim to be no sugar. Is it safe to eat these?

The sugar free chocolate will be sweetened with something, artificial sweetener. Do you take drinks with artificial sweetener?
We are all different and I guess the only way to find out is to give them a try.
My husband is diabetic and has often been gifted sugar free chocolate. He finds it doesn't taste as good as normal chocolate.

LessRest38 wrote: ↑

Wed Apr 10, 2024 10:14 pm

I find that sugar causes me problems with my legs. I understand chocolate is also a problem. I have found some chocolates that claim to be no sugar. Is it safe to eat these?

Cocoa contains oxalates that may cause severe RLS symptoms. But not everyone reacts to oxalates.
Artificial sweeteners may cause RLS as well.

Not all chocolates are equal. Chocolate chemistry is extremely complicated. Even the taste of a cheap chocolate versus quality chocolate of the same type (milk, semisweet, dark, etc) will vary. The reason has to do with the processing and how many of the flavors make it into the product that you consume versus being extracted for some other product.

Therefore, it becomes a situation where you just have to try it to find out, i.e., we are all an experiment of one. And if you find a product that you enjoy and that doesn't trigger your RLS, stick with it.

Enough people say that sugar causes issues (and other foods), that it makes me think there must be something in sugar (and the other foods) that changes the gut composition in a way that causes issues. Some of these are temporary, some seem to be longer lasting.