Pickle juice for muscle cramps!

Pickle juice is gaining popularity among athletes as a way to reduce or prevent exercise associated muscle cramps. So are they onto something here or is it completely pickles!

 

Turns out there is some science behind this and it may be effective for some athletes. The vinegar in the juice is the main ingredient, which when comes into contact with certain cells found in the mouth and upper gastrointestinal tract, triggers a nervous system response that can down-regulate the body’s cramping response. Pickle juice is also high in sodium and potassium, the same electrolytes that can be found in popular sports drinks that can help reduce the onset of cramps. Before you start downing that pickle jar, here are a few important things to note:

 

1. A volume of 1mL per kg of body mass is considered enough to provide the desired effect. More than this may cause some discomfort in the stomach so best to keep it to the minimum dose required.
    
2. Pickle juice can be used either before, during or after exercise (ideally just before the onset of the cramp). It takes approximately 30-80 seconds to have the effect. Consuming it 15minutes before strenuous exercise may also be a helpful preventative strategy for athletes that have a history of cramping.
    
3. Rinsing the mouth with pickle juice for at least 20 seconds may have similar benefits as ingesting as the location of those key receptors are found in the mouth. Although, if you’ve been sweating out your sodium supplies (and can stomach the taste) then it might also help to replenish the electrolytes lost through exercise by drinking it.

 

Aside from pickle juice, stretching the affected muscle is another tried and tested method to help alleviate cramps if they do occur. Otherwise I would recommend you bolster your defences against cramps by engaging in some regular strength training to keep the muscles in optimal condition and ready to handle intense exercise. If you’ve ticked these boxes and you’re still getting cramps during exercise, perhaps its time to reach for that pickle jar… bottoms up!