. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. In many cases, the cause of nocturnal leg cramps is unknown. Researchers still arent sure why the acid seems to be the perfect remedy for cramps; they just know that it works. Many types of nuts and seeds have calcium and magnesium as well. But when a group of athletes drank two doses, blood tests could not detect any meaningful change in electrolytes like sodium and potassium. 1 . While it hasnt been proven yet, researchers posit that pickle juice may help cramps by triggering muscular reflexes when the liquid contacts the back of the throat. One of the best parts about pickle juice is that you dont have to carry around a big bottle of it; all you need is about three ounces, or a little under half glass, to handle leg cramps. This is different than muscle twitching, a very slight, repetitive contraction of a muscle that may or may not be seen or felt. Inadequate blood supply to the leg area is one of the most vital causes of leg cramps and pain. Now, the cramp may still come back a few seconds later, but this is the most effective way to stop a cramp.". "There are a number of things touted to offer muscle cramp relief, with potassium being the most popular," says Dr. Ondo. Mustard Miracle for Nighttime Leg Cramps: Q. So if you gulp down 1 cup of tomato juice, youll get about 15% of your daily value of potassium. helps relieve their nighttime cramps, though further research is needed. Light massage. Nocturnal leg cramps also commonly called charley horses are painful, involuntary Our body, cells and organs depend on a lot of water. Cramp relief also had nothing to do with placebo effect. Typically, leg cramps do not indicate a serious health problem. No wonder bananas are a popular, quick choice for cramp relief.. (2012). The verdict thus far is that pickle juice can work for leg cramps after exercise. To receive your free score and profile, provide a few more details about yourself and create an account. All rights reserved. Very few studies fully explain or prove how it works. "That being said, there's also no harm in trying them.". A study published in the May issue of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, provides the first evidence beyond the anecdotal that pickle juice relieves muscle cramps. What Is A Charley Horse? Also a little pickle juice or products with electrolytes, due the outside exposure, we release perspiration at times without realizing it. You move throughout the day. During leg cramps applying cinnamon paste tropically may relax the muscle sufferings. "While not the most common cause, muscles cramps can even be the result of a neurological issue," warns Dr. Ondo. But I really don't like mustard straight up, especially at night. It starts with sudden discomforts in the leg muscles and makes you feel like a knot inside the leg muscles. Kimball, M., Can a shot of pickle juice alleviate muscle cramps? The TimesPicayune web site, March 30, 2015; http://www.nola.com/healthy-eating/2015/03/pickle_juice_for_muscle_cramps.html, last accessed March 2016. People with high blood pressure and those who are watching dietary sodium may want to be careful not to take too much pickle juice and use it only occasionally. Hence they could not relax after a heavy workload or weight training. has about 975 milligrams of potassium, twice as much as a sweet potato or banana. A 2010 research article suggests that drinking "small amounts" of pickle juice for cramps helped relieve symptoms within 35-seconds in hypohydrated people. You probably know that bananas are a good source of potassium. If you're prone to leg cramps at night, these 6 tips may help cramps from happening again: A lot of uphill walking/running or stair-climbing shortens the back muscles and the muscles and tendons at the back of the legs . nocturnal leg cramping. Ninety-two percent of the patients were white and 54% were male, and the average age was 56 years. When a muscle cramp hits, you're likely looking for a way to get rid of the pain fast. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Drinking Pickle Juice for CrampsHarvard Approved, Salty Solution. [ 1] * Click to see the recommendation. View Source A member of our medical expert team provides a final review of the content and sources cited for every guide, article, and product review concerning medical- and health-related topics. Effect of calf stretching versus heel walking in nocturnal leg cramps in older individuals. and create a personalized sleep profile that includes sleep-improving products and education curated just Megan Gambino is a senior webeditor for Smithsonian magazine. Could you eat a pickle and have the same effect? Nocturnal leg cramps are more prevalent in women and older adults, but anyone can experience them. One cup of cooked lentils has about 71 milligrams of magnesium, and a cup of cooked black beans has almost double that with 120 milligrams. Leg cramps . You can use pickle juice from store-bought cucumber pickles or safely fermented homemade pickles, if you desire. . If you suffer from leg cramps, or experience any form of cramping for that matter, pickle juice might help you. In any event, drinking pickle juice for cramps is a good treatment regardless of why they occur. Its thought that its specifically the vinegar content in pickle juice that does this. Bananas are rich in potassium, and muscle cramps are commonly attributed to a sodium and potassium deficiency caused by dehydration. Dehydration or lack of water is one of the significant causes of leg cramps. (2012). Eating carbohydrates around workouts; and. Drink it raw and experience the taste. Like bananas, sweet potatoes give you potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Before you reach for a sports drink, know this: You only need these sugary electrolyte beverages if youre doing high-intensity exercise for an hour or more. It contains antioxidants. Take the Sleep Quiz to help inform your sleep improvement journey. However, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has issued the following advice on common therapies, based on scientific evidence of effectiveness. in psychology and master's degrees in writing and public policy. It also disrupts your workout. Methods: On two different days (1 wk apart), muscle cramps were induced in the flexor hallucis brevis (FHB) of hypohydrated male subjects . The Sleep Foundation fact-checking guidelines are as follows: Sharp and painful leg cramps can cause unpleasant sleep disruptions. Well it might come as a surprise, but its a remedy that top-tier and recreational athletes use regularly to alleviate painful leg cramps quickly and effectively. Our body also drains out electrolytes while we are sweating through perspiration. No experimental evidence exists supporting the ingestion of pickle juice as a treatment for skeletal muscle cramps. The researchers found that men who drank the pickle juice had cramps that lasted about 49 seconds less than those who drank water. A study published in the Journal of Athletic Training found that drinking two ounces of pickle juice can stop a leg cramp in about 45 seconds. But I was surprised last week when I read on Well, the New York Times health and fitness blog, about the latest recommendedremedypickle juice. Sleep with your toes pointed up or to the side. Usually, the calves and feet are most affected. Here's a look at 10 healthy benefits of drinking pickle juice. The tired muscle releases lactic acid, making the blood more acidic. Nov. 29, 2022 - Katie McCallum. Thanks for the feedback - we're glad you found our work instructive! "They can happen in any part of the body, but they're most common in the legs and feet.". Homemade Laxative Recipe: You will Empty Your Bowels in 2 minute! Getting a leg cramp while exercising isn't just painful. Plagiarism is never tolerated. These include peer-reviewed journals, government reports, academic and medical associations, and interviews with credentialed medical experts and practitioners. Disclaimer: Results are not guaranteed*** and may vary from person to person***. If you're ready for more, sign up to receive our email newsletter! Public knowledge of dehydration and fluid intake practices: Variation by participants characteristics. Recently, the dehydration theory has lost a little bit of steam, and pickle juice has a lot to do with this. Although muscle cramp can happen to any muscle of the body, it is most common in the leg. Taking a rough shot is also acceptable. Plus, deficiencies in nutrients like magnesium, vitamin D, and certain B vitamins may increase the chances of muscle cramps ( 3, 4, 5 ). Writers and editors caught stealing content or improperly citing sources are immediately terminated, and we will work to rectify the situation with the original publisher(s), Although Sleep Foundation maintains affiliate partnerships with brands and e-commerce portals, these relationships never have any bearing on our product reviews or recommendations. . All rights reserved. Although its rich in water and electrolytesit has more sodium than top sports drinksits also acidic, which is where its real power lies. Unknotting night-time muscle cramp: A survey of patient experience, help-seeking behaviour and perceived treatment effectiveness. I keep it in my mouth for a few seconds before swallowing. Stretch your body in an angular position against the wall. If you need to handle a leg cramp in a hurry, pickle juice is a highly effective remedy. Muscle Cramp Relief One study conducted with 10 participants showed a more significant reduction in the duration of muscle cramps after drinking pickle juice versus deionized water. What You Should Know, 7 Heating Pads for Aches and Pains, Big and Small. "The muscle will eventually fatigue or you can stretch the muscle to break the contraction but in the meantime, these extreme contractions can be very painful and problematic," adds Dr. Ondo. Water also lubricates our joints and makes muscles stronger. Foods of a similar vein havent been studied as much as pickle juice for cramps. Graduated from AIIMS All India Institute Of Medical Science, INDIA, Copyright 2023, All Rights Reserved | , How to Stop Leg Cramps Immediately Home remedies with Pickle Juice, Top 11 Foods to Avoid When Taking Colchicine, 11 Foods to Avoid while Taking Strattera / Atomoxetine, Six Dental Treatments to Achieve a Beautiful Smile, 11 Foods to Avoid while Taking Sucralfate, 11 Foods to Avoid when Taking Sulfamethoxazole / Trimethoprim, Top 13 Foods to Avoid when Taking Lamotrigine, Top 11 List of Foods to Avoid with Clopidogrel, What is Contrave used for? Most of the muscle cramps we experience fall into one of either two categories: "Nocturnal cramps, which are muscle cramps at night, seem to become more common with increasing age, but it's still not completely clear why motor nerves might suddenly start firing while your leg is relaxed and you're asleep," says Dr. Ondo. Now keep your legs apart and bend your body. Muscles can function well with enough Acetylcholine in our body. See how your sleep habits and environment measure up and gauge how adjusting behavior can improve sleep quality. Does Dehydration Cause Cramps? Though there isnt a whole lot of research on it, the studies so far are quite supportive. Davs, J., Can Pickle Juice Really Cure Muscle Cramps? Runners Connect web site, http://runnersconnect.net/running-nutrition-articles/pickle-juice-muscle-cramps/, last accessed March 24, 2016. So, if you are suffering from leg cramps, you may want to try drinking some pickle juice. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. (2010). Some athletes swear by it, attesting that pickle juice really works. Electrolytes such as sodium and potassium are the most important in this theory of dehydration, as they help to conduct nerve impulses throughout your body. contractions of leg muscles They usually occur in between periods of sleep and cause waking. 60% of people They're also usually nothing to be too concerned about. Rhomboid muscle pain may be caused by overuse or injury to the muscle. Ive even tried potassium supplements. To help your doctor figure out what issue is causing your leg discomfort, track your symptoms and bring detailed notes with you to your appointment. You also could try trout or sardines. Nocturnal leg cramps can occur for as short as a few seconds, and they usually do not last longer than 10 minutes. Plus, theyre high in fiber, and studies show that high-fiber foods can help ease menstrual cramps as well as help control your blood sugar and lower levels of bad LDL cholesterol. Magnesium counteracts the effects of calcium, minimizing muscular cramps. The seeds can be powdered and stored in a container. For instance, muscle cramps can be particularly problematic if they're waking you up at night. Stretching your leg before bedtime may reduce the risk of leg cramps at night. Leg cramps are usually harmless, but if the stiff muscles do not relax within a few minutes, they may become severely painful. "A doctor can test for this and treat an imbalance if one is present, which will also likely help reduce the cramps.". As for what exactly causes a nerve to fire at such a rapid rate and cause a cramp, Dr. Ondo says the reason isn't always fully understood. taking a bath Standing for Extended Periods: Being on your feet for long periods of time can increase the risk of Another component of pickle juice that might beneficial to athletes is that it may help replenish glycogen stores during and after workouts. So alack of watercan cause leg cramps, especially after exercising in hot weather. Best Anti-Snoring Mouthpieces & Mouthguards, Nocturnal Leg Cramps vs. Its good for hydration. Lightly press it on the affected area. Thanks to whoever thought of using mustard for leg cramps. B):-Exercises to reduce the chances of leg cramp: This exercise can prevent leg cramps at night from reoccurring. Preparing for your appointment. Some doctors and health professionals warn that pickle juice could possibly worsen dehydration. While painful, usually you can treat them yourself. Strain through cheesecloth or coffee filters into bottles, squeezing out all of the liquid. Plus, potatoes and pumpkins naturally have a lot of water in them, so they can help keep you hydrated, too. The condition most typically happens in the calf muscle at the back of the . walking on their heels Let us see how it works. Turmeric consists of curcumin, the most active compound to prevent various ailments. If you do not have pickle juice, don't worry, there is an alternative. Furthermore, it didnt appear that electrolyte levels were altered to the degree that would impact muscle function. Last medically reviewed on September 12, 2019, Leg cramps can be excruciating, and they often attack when youre sound asleep. The exact causes of nocturnal leg cramps are unknown. Tell us about your sleep by taking this brief quiz. There isnt a consensus among scientists on the cause of muscle cramps. Cramps are extremely frustrating to experience, and theyre also a source of confusion regarding where they come from. Ergonomics, 55(2), 133139. (2018). According to folk medicine, mustard seeds have heat-producing properties, and it helps to stimulate damaged nerves. In the meantime, I guess we can add pickle juice to the slew of recovery-specific cocktails, like Gatorade Recover 03 and Muscle Milk, that seem to spring up at every race. Pickle juice wont dehydrate you, and it doesnt curb thirst. We avoid using tertiary references. Top 13 Food to Avoid on Contrave, 13 List of Foods Not to Eat After Appendix Surgery, Signs and Symptoms of Omicron Variant Virus & Prevention, Golden Soup Recipe for Treating Common Cold, Cough and Sore Throat, How to Pass a Kidney Stone in 24 hours at Home (100% Working). So, I am sure you will reward a pain-free sleep at night. (AP Photo) In the backdrop of Novak Djokovic's 23rd Grand Slam victory lay the ruins of what could have been a match of epic . Warming up the right way. Unpleasant or painful sensations in the legs, Discomfort that worsens in the evening or night, Sensations that worsen with lack of exercise or rest. Apply this ointment to the affected muscles. Find out what causes leg cramps here. Our tissues and muscles need the water to maintain the temperature and regulate body functions. Thats three out of four nutrients you need to ease muscle cramps tucked under that yellow peel. These other causes include: Is pickle juice good for leg cramps? Cookie Policy Its unique formula of cramp-fighting compounds can ease your pain faster than water, sports drinks, and other measures you might have used to battle cramps in the past *. Pickle juice is known to calm overactive neurons of the brain that trigger muscle contractions. "A muscle cramp is essentially a chaotic, spontaneous muscle contraction," explains Dr. Ondo. Most of the time, a muscle cramp occurs by itself (with no other symptoms) and is, fortunately, no big deal although, admittedly, it can still be very painful in the moment. Trusted Source Medications: Some medications, like diuretics, steroids, and antidepressants, are associated with nocturnal leg cramping. Optimal recovery, energy, focus, metabolism, and mood are all positively affected by proper hydration. All of them have used pickle juice to fight cramps. . Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. All scientific data and information must be backed up by at least one reputable source. Pickle Juice comes in a variety of sizes, including 2.6 ounce shots for fast use during athletics, 8-ounce bottles for sipping before or after an event and a 16 ounce multi-serve bottle that is . One long-standing theory for how pickle juice works is its sodium content. They can be incredibly painful, but the good news is that muscle cramps are fleeting. During leg cramp in calf muscles, stretch and massage the stiff area. There is a variety of reason that obstructs the signal and causes the legs to cramp. What about other similar fermented products? Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Its unique formula of cramp-fighting compounds can ease your pain faster than water, sports drinks, and other measures you might have used to battle cramps in the past*. "Although they're classified separately, there's no physiological difference between exercise-induced cramps and nocturnal ones," says Dr. Ondo. A team of researchers from Brigham Young University and North Dakota State University electrically induced leg cramps in 12 subjects and treated them with either pickle juice or water. A registered dietitian settles the debate on if pickle juice is a remedy for muscle cramps. Narrowing the arteries responsible for blood circulation in the leg may cause cramps while you are doing any exercise or leg work. Its also a potassium star with nearly 500 milligrams per cup. The theory goes that when your body is low on water, it cant supply valuable nutrients to your muscles, and in the absence of vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes, muscles can seize up and cramp. For relief, Ive been told to eat bananas. Get the latest Science stories in your inbox. Basketball or soccer type sports that need lots of leg work. Thus far, there havent been many other natural foods or remedies to rival it. Its unique formula of cramp-fighting compounds can ease your pain faster than water, sports drinks, and other measures you might have used to battle cramps in the past*. Hallegraeff, J., de Greef, M., Krijnen, W., & van der Schans, C. (2017). After checking blood plasma levels of nine healthy men for signs of increased electrolytes following consumption of pickle juice after exercise, researchers found that electrolyte levels remained the same. Based on your answers, we will calculate your free However, its still unclear why. The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. This knot is the hard lump formed by the cramped muscles, and its hard to move or stretch the leg. Make sure the natural vinegar acids and salts are present. National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information Heel Walking: Some people find that Mix well and apply on the cramped location. Shaheen, N. A., Alqahtani, A. To make a paste add water to it and mix well. "And if you're noticing other symptoms accompanying your muscle cramps, that's when it's time to consult a doctor.". National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information If the pickle juice alleviates the cramp so soon after intake (about 85 seconds), too soon to have replenished the needed nutrients in the muscles, then it's possible the juice activates. When a tight muscle tries to relax, it sometimes begins to contract more than normal instead, causing a cramp.". During leg cramp, it feels like a knot in the leg, and it inhibits temporary mobility. The acetic acid can help metabolize carbohydrates and fats. Second, the fact that pickle juice works so well - and so quickly - provides evidence that at least some muscle cramps are caused by a nervous system glitch that leaves overused muscles in a contraction state. They have a lot of fat and calories, so keep that in mind. Potassium is important because it helps your muscles work and keeps your heart healthy. BMC Public Health, 18(1), 1346. Jay Summer is a health content writer and editor. It also doesnt matter if the pickle juice was pasteurized or not. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Legumes like beans and lentils are packed with magnesium. All of the above can help protect against muscle cramps. However, there are some factors that may increase the chance of experiencing leg cramps during the night. symptoms When muscles are It seems that whenever Im in the thick of training for a road race (and now my first triathlon) or biking a stage ride, Im wracked with muscle cramps, the worst of which wake me from a sound sleep at night. Here are a few more ideas to relive the pain! "A cramp is a cramp. Criteria in diagnosing nocturnal leg cramps: A systematic review. According to Dr. Ondo, the best ways to deal with muscle cramps is to prevent them from happening in the first place by: "Stretching and hydration are really the best ways to prevent the benign muscle cramps that occur at rest or with exercise," adds Dr. Ondo. When they cant be carried where they need to be, the reaction ceases and cramping occurs. International Journal of Life Science and Pharma Research, 11(1), 58. An epsom salt bath could increase your magnesium levels, which may help relieve leg cramping. Some have theorized that pickle juices electrolytes prevent leg cramps after exercise but one study in 2014 debunked this. Waking up at midnight with stiffness and pain in the leg, especially in the calf area, is miserable. Privacy Policy. Pickle juice appears to treat leg cramps because of its acidity, which seems to trigger a reflex when it hits the throat, sending a signal to relax the muscle. Dehydrated men experienced faster relief from muscle . Association between alcohol consumption and nocturnal leg cramps in patients over 60 years old: A case-control study. Plus, a 3-ounce portion of cooked salmon has about 326 milligrams of potassium and 52 milligrams of sodium to help with muscle cramps. Generally, women need about 11.5 cups of water a day, and men 15.5 cups. reduce muscle pain Trigger point injections target tight, painful muscles. The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. But you must keep in mind that its the best time to try them at the beginning of your health problem, as too late may worsen the situation. Let us see how it works. These internal links are intended to improve ease of navigation across the site, and are never used as original sources for scientific data or information. Pointer, A., What Are Muscle Cramps, Web MD, March 12, 2014; http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/tc/nighttime-leg-cramps-topic-overview, last accessed March 24, 2016. ", Columbia University: Foods that minimize menstrual cramps?, The Cooper Institute: Does Pickle Juice Relieve Muscle Cramps?, American Heart Association: Hyperkalemia (High Potassium)., European Journal of Clinical Nutrition: Associations of Menstrual Pain with Intakes of Soy, Fat and Dietary Fiber in Japanese Women., Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise: Reflex Inhibition of Electrically Induced Muscle Cramps in Hypohydrated Humans., National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Magnesium., U.S. Department of Agriculture: "Basic Report: 09040, Bananas, Raw," "Basic Report: 11507, Sweet Potato, Raw, Unprepared," "Full Report (All Nutrients): 11353, Potatoes, Russet, Flesh and Skin, Raw," "Basic Report: 11422, Pumpkin, Raw," "Basic Report: 09037, Avocados, Raw, All Commercial Varieties," "Basic Report: 16070, Lentils, Mature Seeds, Cooked, Boiled, Without Salt," "Basic Report: 16015, Beans, Black, Mature Seeds, Cooked, Boiled, Without Salt," "Basic Report: 09181, Melons, Cantaloupe, Raw," "Basic Report: 09326, Watermelon, Raw," "Basic Report: 01079, Milk, Reduced Fat, Fluid, 2% Milkfat, with Added Vitamin A and Vitamin D," "Basic Report: 11457, Spinach, Raw, "Basic Report: 11233, Kale, Raw, "Basic Report: 09206, Orange Juice, Raw, "Basic Report: 12539, Seeds, Sunflower Seed Kernels, Toasted, with Salt Added," "Basic Report: 12563, Nuts, Almonds, Dry Roasted, with Salt Added," "Basic Report: 15237, Fish, Salmon, Atlantic, Farmed, Cooked, Dry Heat, "Basic Report: 11886, Tomato Juice, Canned, Without Salt Added. National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information Want to read more about all our experts in the field? View Source There are mainly two types of exercises anyone can practice, such as. "The main thing you can do to stop a cramp is to stretch the muscle in the opposing direction of the cramp," explains Dr. Ondo. Research suggests that engaging in a Pickle juice is essential for athletes because it allows them to both prevent cramps and quickly deal with them should they arrive.
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