Does Pickle Juice Help Charley Horses?

Yes, there is research showing pickle juice shortens muscle cramp duration, but not because of its high electrolyte concentration. In fact, it takes about 30 minutes for even small volumes (2/3 cup) of pickle juice to leave the stomach (Miller et al., 2010a).

What helps Charlie horses immediately?

Charley Horse Treatment
Pull your foot up toward your buttock. Massage, a bath with Epsom salts, or a heating pad can relax the muscle. To fight pain, use an ice pack or take an over-the-counter medication like ibuprofen or naproxen. In most cases, the charley horse will stop within a few minutes.

How much dill pickle juice should you drink for leg cramps?

I’ve given athletes regular dill pickle juice in the past. A typical amount is one milliliter per kilogram of body weight or roughly two to three ounces. You can measure it out and drink it quickly, like taking a shot. Watering it down is not recommended.

What can I drink for a charley horse?

A way to get relief from muscle cramps before they even begin is to drink enough water. Dehydration often plays a part in muscle cramps, so drinking enough water throughout the day can help keep them at bay. Drinking fluids while you have a cramp helps the muscles contract and relax.

Why does pickle juice help charley horses?

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 nerve sensors in the throat or stomach that send out signals to the muscles to relax instead.

What deficiency causes Charlie horses?

Charley Horse

• If the muscle spasms occur during exercise it is likely there is a potassium or Vitamin E deficiency.
• If toes cramp at night and point up to your head it’s a calcium deficiency.
• If toes cramp at night and want to curl down it’s a magnesium deficiency.

What causes lots of charley horses?

Overuse of a muscle, dehydration, muscle strain or simply holding a position for a prolonged period can cause a muscle cramp. In many cases, however, the cause isn’t known. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition, such as: Inadequate blood supply.

How long does it take for pickle juice to kick in?

Yes, there is research showing pickle juice shortens muscle cramp duration, but not because of its high electrolyte concentration. In fact, it takes about 30 minutes for even small volumes (2/3 cup) of pickle juice to leave the stomach (Miller et al., 2010a).

How quickly does pickle juice work?

They found that it did work to shorten cramp duration. On average, it relieved cramps in about 1.5 minutes, and 45 percent faster than when nothing was taken after exercise. Cramp relief also had nothing to do with placebo effect.

What’s the quickest way to get rid of leg cramps?

How do I stop a leg cramp? Try forcefully stretching the affected muscle (for example, stretch your calf muscle by flexing your foot upward). Jiggle your leg, massage it, or force yourself to walk. It might also help to apply ice or heat – use a heating pad or take a warm bath.

What happens if you drink a jar of pickle juice?

Indigestion: Drinking too much pickle juice can lead to gas, stomach pain, and diarrhea. Cramping: Some doctors worry that drinking pickle juice may actually cause electrolyte imbalances and worsen cramping.

Why do I feel better after drinking pickle juice?

Since hangovers are often brought on by dehydration and a loss of electrolytes, pickle juice could serve as a source of sodium and potassium to help replenish lost electrolyte stores. But you’d still need to drink plenty of water along with pickle juice to recover.

Is it okay to drink a little bit of pickle juice?

“Pickle juice contains electrolytes in the form of a lot of sodium and some potassium and magnesium. That’s why you can use it as a natural electrolyte,” says Skoda. “It can help to rehydrate after exercise.” To get the most benefit, Skoda says to choose a vinegar-based pickle without yellow dye and preservatives.

How do I stop a severe Charlie Horse?

Preventing charley horses
Avoid exercising the same muscles on consecutive days. Do not exercise in severe weather. Drink water throughout the day. Drink beverages that contain electrolytes, such as Gatorade.

Should you rub a charley horse?

A charley horse will usually go away after a few hours or days. However, gentle massage or holding the muscle in a stretched position will help resolve the cramp more quickly. Ask your doctor or physical therapist if you are unsure about specific stretches for certain muscles.

How do you get rid of leg cramps fast?

Apply heat or cold. Use a warm towel or heating pad on tense or tight muscles. Taking a warm bath or directing the stream of a hot shower onto the cramped muscle also can help. Alternatively, massaging the cramped muscle with ice may relieve pain.