Made my own Pickle Juice to alleviate cramping

[Bud]

I was watching the 4.5 doubles SF at the Balboa Park tournament this past Saturday and noticed one of the guys was drinking pickle juice during and post match. So, I asked him a few questions and then did some research on the Internet.

I get moderate to severe toe and calf cramping quite frequently regardless of my hydration level or whether or not I'm taking in ample electrolytes.

It appears the vinegar in the pickle juice is the magic ingredient that quickly and effectively relieves cramping. So, instead of buying pickles I looked up the recipe for pickle brine online.

BTW, the resulting mixture is quite tasty

Will keep everyone posted concerning the results.

[spacediver]

You might find this interesting:

http://sweatscience.com/pickle-juice...muscle-cramps/

also check out the stuff on baking soda:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/...rticle1776361/

[SFrazeur]

Been using Pickle Juice for well over 10 years now. Great stuff. There is even a pickle juice sports drink now!

-SF

[Bud]

Originally Posted by spacediver

You might find this interesting:

http://sweatscience.com/pickle-juice...muscle-cramps/

also check out the stuff on baking soda:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/...rticle1776361/

I've read both of those articles and the study referenced in the pickle juice article. I'll stick with the pickle juice

Originally Posted by SFrazeur

Been using Pickle Juice for well over 10 years now. Great stuff. There is even a pickle juice sports drink now!

-SF

I saw it (PJ sports drink) in my research. Making it at home is simple and cheap

Does the pickle juice quickly alleviate your cramps? What part of your body generally cramps up?

[SFrazeur]

Originally Posted by Bud

I saw it (PJ sports drink) in my research. Making it at home is simple and cheap

Does the pickle juice quickly alleviate your cramps? What part of your body generally cramps up?

My right or left leg will cramp from time to time. When I feel the kind of fatigue that comes before it I'll drink some pickle juice and it will keep it from occurring.

-SF

[Bud]

Two results from today.

My partner's back was cramping during doubles... he took a swig of the pickle juice and the cramps disappeared. He's familiar with pickle juice and told me he usually takes a tablespoon of mustard for cramps (once again the vinegar seems to be the magic bullet).

After a few hours today of pretty strenuous doubles, my hand started cramping so I took a large swig and bingo... cramps disappeared

I also took a swig when I arrived home to prevent after-exercise cramps... which I also often experience.

Pretty cool stuff. Hope it continues working.

[Fugazi]

I might try pickle juice someday if necessary, but for now drinking a calcium-potassium-sodium-magnesium mixture is making miracles for me. The best option is probably the Clif Shot Electrolyte Drink, but modified Gatorade (with added sodium, magnesium, and potassium) can also do the trick.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Fugazi

I might try pickle juice someday if necessary, but for now drinking a calcium-potassium-sodium-magnesium mixture is making miracles for me. The best option is probably the Clif Shot Electrolyte Drink, but modified Gatorade (with added sodium, magnesium, and potassium) can also do the trick.

I also take magnesium supplements and use Cytomax (to which I also add a packet of the Alacer Electro Mix)... but was still experiencing cramps. So far, the pickle juice appears to work. My hand cramps were alleviated immediately and I didn't feel like my body was ready to cramp up after I arrived home (which happens regularly).

I drink (3) 32 oz. bottles of Cytomax / water during a typical 3-hour tennis day (32 oz. of fluid per hour)

For some people, cramps aren't the result of low electrolytes or dehydration.

[MayDay]

Anyone know if apple cider vinager will do the same trick?

[Bud]

Originally Posted by MayDay

Anyone know if apple cider vinegar will do the same trick?

Yes, that's what I'm using. The goal is to buy a vinegar with an acetic acid concentration of at least 5%. ACV makes the brew a bit sweeter and fruity tasting

The ratio to make pickling juice is 1 : 1 (vinegar : purified water) with two tablespoons of kosher (or pickling) salt (don't use table salt or anything with iodine) and two tablespoons of sugar. Add more/less sugar and salt to taste, after making the initial batch.


This recipe gives the brine a sweeter pickle taste:

1 cup of purified water
1 cup of organic apple cider vinegar (5% acetic acid) - I use Bragg organic
1-2 tablespoon of organic sugar (more or less to taste)
2 tablespoon of kosher salt
1 tablespoon of pickling spice (optional)

If the resulting mixture is too vinegar heavy, use 8 oz. vinegar to 10 oz. of water. If still too much vinegar go to 12 oz. water.

Mix all ingredients in a sauce pan, on low to medium heat, stirring constantly to dissolve all salt and sugar. Pickling spice can be added in the pan or in the container. It can be added loose or within a tea ball (for those who like clear pickle juice). Let cool, pour into container and store in the refrigerator. Make sure to shake gently 1x per day if pickling spices are used.

Then, take 2-4 ounces with you when you play. If you start to cramp, take a swig and swallow. 2 oz. = a single shot.


**EDITED RECIPE**


This recipe gives the brine a sour dill pickle taste:

1 cup of purified water
1 cup of white vinegar (5% acetic acid)
2 tablespoon of kosher salt
1 tablespoon of pickling spice

Shake container gently 1x per day to disseminate the herbs and juices throughout the brine

Optional:

Fresh dill sprigs (4 qty.)
Clove of garlic (partially crushed)

- - -

I I want just a shot, I use the 2 oz. 5-hour Energy containers.

If I want more, I store it in a 12 oz. Gatorade bottle.

[SystemicAnomaly]

I've become a fan of O.N.E.'s Active coconut water. Most coconut waters are a bit too high in potassium and too low in sodium. The Active formula has reduced the K content and raised the Na content somewhat (but it is still fairly low in Na at 130mg per container). Some coconut water products have also added too much sugar. Not the case with this product. They've added some functional herbal ingredients for some (possible) added benefits.

[SystemicAnomaly]

[tennytive]

I take one thermotab before leaving for the courts.

I usually play singles for 2 1/2 hours, and have had no cramping. Sip Powerade Zero during changeovers.

[Power Player]

I wonder where you can buy the pickle juice drinks (what stores)..that is the way for me to go. I'd like to try it out as I have the same cramp issues as the OP. I take 250mgs of magnesium at night to replenish that and drink powerade and water on the courts. It has lessened the cramps, but now and then I will still get them.

[jmverdugo]

This is funny, I have never in my life had cramp problems, in fact I can't remember a single time that I actually had a full cramp, sometimes - very few and usually after a couple of hours after I am done playing tennis - I feel the starting of a cramp and then change position or do something to avoid it. The funny thing is that I love to eat things with vinegar and all kind of species, since I was very little I would get home and instead of having a bowl of cereal I would make a salad with lots of vinegar on it or just stop at the grocery store and buy a jar of those canned vegetables that are preserved in vinegar and eat the whole thing watching TV, never thought the vinegar could be the reason of my cramp less life until i read here about the pickle juice. Even these days I could eat a whole jar of pickles watching TV and drink the whole juice as it was a soda or something, actually I have 2 pickle jars at the fridge, I already ate the pickles, just saving the juice

[Fugazi]

Originally Posted by Bud

I also take magnesium supplements and use Cytomax (to which I also add a packet of the Alacer Electro Mix)... but was still experiencing cramps. So far, the pickle juice appears to work. My hand cramps were alleviated immediately and I didn't feel like my body was ready to cramp up after I arrived home (which happens regularly).

I drink (3) 32 oz. bottles of Cytomax / water during a typical 3-hour tennis day (32 oz. of fluid per hour)

For some people, cramps aren't the result of low electrolytes or dehydration.

I guess a good option is to drink electrolytes and bring along some pickle juice in case that doesn't work. I'll try that next time with your recipe.

[Bud]

Originally Posted by tennytive

I take one thermotab before leaving for the courts.

I usually play singles for 2 1/2 hours, and have had no cramping. Sip Powerade Zero during changeovers.

Never heard of them... will Google

Originally Posted by Power Player

I wonder where you can buy the pickle juice drinks (what stores)..that is the way for me to go. I'd like to try it out as I have the same cramp issues as the OP. I take 250mgs of magnesium at night to replenish that and drink powerade and water on the courts. It has lessened the cramps, but now and then I will still get them.

Why not just make your own like I describe above? It's cheap and you don't waste the pickles

Originally Posted by jmverdugo

This is funny, I have never in my life had cramp problems, in fact I can't remember a single time that I actually had a full cramp, sometimes - very few and usually after a couple of hours after I am done playing tennis - I feel the starting of a cramp and then change position or do something to avoid it. The funny thing is that I love to eat things with vinegar and all kind of species, since I was very little I would get home and instead of having a bowl of cereal I would make a salad with lots of vinegar on it or just stop at the grocery store and buy a jar of those canned vegetables that are preserved in vinegar and eat the whole thing watching TV, never thought the vinegar could be the reason of my cramp less life until i read here about the pickle juice. Even these days I could eat a whole jar of pickles watching TV and drink the whole juice as it was a soda or something, actually I have 2 pickle jars at the fridge, I already ate the pickles, just saving the juice

Yes, scientific research is pointing to vinegar as the ingredient which alleviates cramps. As I stated above, my doubles partner takes a tablespoon of mustard since he doesn't care for pickle juice.

Originally Posted by Fugazi

I guess a good option is to drink electrolytes and bring along some pickle juice in case that doesn't work. I'll try that next time with your recipe.

That's what I do. I bring about 2 oz. with me when I play in case something starts to cramp.

[Power Player]

A tablespoon of mustard before playing would work the same?
What kind of container do you pour the 2 ounces in..and finally how long does the 32 ounces last in the fridge?

[MayDay]

Apple Vinegar KitKat!

http://japanesesnackreviews.blogspot...ar-kitkat.html

I'm going to a Japanese supermarket and see if they sell any apple vinegar drinks.

http://morningbanana.com/community/showthread.php?t=7

[Bud]

Originally Posted by Power Player

A tablespoon of mustard before playing would work the same?
What kind of container do you pour the 2 ounces in..and finally how long does the 32 ounces last in the fridge?

It would probably help prevent cramps if you feel them starting. The scientific research basically states that in certain situation cramps are caused when muscle nerve fibers misfire (telling the muscle to cramp rather than relax). When the vinegar enters the system it interrupts the misfiring process and alleviates the cramping, quickly. I don't think mustard lasts long outside of the fridge, once opened, however.

I use a 20 oz. plastic Gatorade container to carry the 2 oz. You can use something much smaller, of course.

The mixture will last long term in the fridge.