Extra Protein and Leg Cramps?!!

So the past week I've been adding extra protein into my daily diet, and cutting out sugar and refined carbs, and the past couple nights I've gotten leg cramps so bad that I wake up from them. Are the two things related? And do I have to cut back on the protein or is there alternative fixes for this?

Thanks!!

Fluids and potassium help cramps, I believe? (someone pls correct me if I got that wrong)

I don't think the protein would make that happen?

Have you changed your exercise routine?

I just started adding more protein this week!

No cramps or anything (just really sore, new workout lol)

Yes, potassium!  Eat a banana! 

Yes. Electrolytes (like they mentioned potassium) as well as calcium, magnesium, etc will often cause cramps if they are too low in your body. You are probably cutting too many out because they are often found in high sugar/carb foods like fruit. bananas have lots of good potassium, but as I am sure you figured out, they also have a ton of sugar. So, try not to cut them out of your diet completely. Make sure you still eat at least one fruit a day, and try cutting the sugar out somewhere else. If the leg cramps continue, I would see a doctor. 

To parrot everyone else: Potassium!!
Fluids, electrolytes, new workout can also contribute. I'm not a fruit person, but I do have a banana everyday.

Even if you haven't been cutting out fruit, so many processed foods are vitamin/nutrient enriched nowadays that you may have unintentionally cut something out. Make sure you're getting plenty of good fruits and veggies, and that you aren't going to bed dehydrated.

One more thing, and this is controversial so don't take it as fact. Salt makes you retain water, suddenly cutting sodium may make the amount of water you need to hydrate go up. If you're somewhere hot, you may be sweating during the night and that would also contribute to the cramps. IF you're eating super-low sodium you may want to add a bit. If you're eating normal sodium, don't. : )

Thanks for all the responses. I'll go have a banana.