Muscle Cramps and Magic Juice

        Let’s be fair….the juice isn’t really all that magical.  Especially because it comes from pickles.  And if there’s one thing you’ll never find me snacking on, it’s pickles.  That being said pickles contain a phenomenal magic juice that medical evidence suggests can actually decrease the effects of muscle cramps.

If you’ve ever been active for a long enough period of time, you’ve at some point had to deal with a cramp (or multiple cramps).  Cramps are basically involuntary movements of your muscles.  Though they can be extremely painful, muscle cramps are generally harmless.  Most studies would indicate that dehydration is the major culprit of cramps, though there are some other factors to add in the equation as well.  As your body sweats, your body loses control of it’s balance between potassium and sodium, creating muscle cramps.  You can slam some water, maybe a Gatorade or other sports drink (typically loaded with extra sugars)….or you could just drink a little pickle juice.  About 2-3 ounces after any workout can reduce the muscle cramps up to 45-50% faster than plain water.  Yes, it tastes nasty (unless you’re a pickle fan, which I am not), but it works!

HOW?!?

That’s a great question, and thank you for asking.  Research would lead us to believe that the vinegar in pickle juice sends a message to your nervous system to ease up a bit.  Drinking vinegar itself might do the trick, though if I’m choosing the lesser of 2 evils, I’m going with the stuff I DON’T use to clean my floor.

        Try throwing down some pickle juice after a rough workout if your muscles are cramping.  If you know you’re going for a long run or a tough training day, slam a little before your workout as well to get it in your system.  You can also find frozen pickle juice, similar to those cheap pop-ice popsicles at your grocery store.  They might not taste great, but they get the job done.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, concerns, you know where to get hold of me.  Please don’t hesistate to ask me anything (in reference to training and/or nutrition….or the Dallas Cowboys).  If you need some guidance in your training or would like to join one of our Boot Camp groups, let me know!

Stay Strong,

Chad