Hydration Specialist - Ask Us ANYTHING! (episode available now!)

[TW Staff]

We will have a hydration expert and sports scientist on an upcoming episode of the Talk Tennis Podcast!

Ask all of your hydration questions below and I will do my best to get them answered!

edit*
Episode NOW Available:
➤ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-tennis/id1475845728?l
➤SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aCFGNA2VnSOJus9qM2jrx
➤STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=453304&refid=stpr
➤LISTEN: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/podcast/?ccode=TTEPISODE27

Michelle, TW

 

[Cashman]

Who do they work for, and what are they selling?

 

[mikeler]

I use salt stick pills and nuun tablets in the warm weather to help prevent cramps. I'd be curious to hear more about dealing with hot/humid weather conditions and cramping as it relates to hydration.

 

[Cindysphinx]

We have a drug that can instantly reverse the effect of a narcotic overdose and bring someone back from the dead, but we lack a remedy for cramps beyond “Walk it off.”

Why is that?

 

[tonylg]

I'm sweat a lot on court and generally go through multiple shirts, towels, sweat bands and socks during a long session.

As well as the usual cramps, I can also suffer from headaches for hours and sometimes days later.

Water alone doesn't prevent the headaches and most electrolyte drinks don't either.

I won't mention brands in case it's frowned upon, but I've found one supplement that does. I'm sure there are others, but I'd be interested in the science behind this.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[tennis tom]

When using Margaritas to hydrate for social tennis, is it better to salt the rim of the glass or not?

 

[Max G.]

What's the best drink to have while playing, and how much of it should you drink?

 

[tonylg]

When using Margaritas to hydrate for social tennis, is it better to salt the rim of the glass or not?

How is this even a question?

Salt, obviously.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

What's the verdict on pickle juice stopping cramps? I've heard plenty of positive anecdotes but that's it.

 

[tennis tom]

What's the verdict on pickle juice stopping cramps? I've heard plenty of positive anecdotes but that's it.

Love the stuff! Bubbies is/are the best! I wasn't sure if it was safe to drink the juice from the jar so I called the company and they said it was safe to do so--this was before the recent surge of pickle juice into the forefront of remedies preventing cramping, I'm proud to have been a pioneer and an early adapter of P.J. You can now get little bottles of pickle juice at supermarkets for $1.00.

I've encouraged Bubbies to come out with their own line of pickle juice--(pronounced BUB--- not BOOB---, as I was informed of the correct pronunciation by the lady who manages the pickle section at Ghelsons--although I prefer calling them boobies). They are in the refrigerated section, separate from the other pickles on shelves. My Safeway stopped carrying them for a while, but I put heavy pressure on them to bring them back--supermarket refrigerator space politics!--companies have to actually BRIBE supermarkets for product placement just like in the movies--the old quid pro quo.

Boilerplate: I have no affiliation with Bubbies Pickle Co.--but wish I did--and receive no remuneration for extolling their virtues.

 

[EP1998]

Thanks for asking for our input.

How much, what and how often for players prone to cramping
What to do when you split sets - this is often when I cramp, right at the start of the third
Is stress a factor?

 

[TW Staff]

SALT!! always

Now I'm craving a margarita!!

Awesome, keep 'em coming!

Michelle, TW

 

[ElChivoEspañol]

I seem to cramp up by the two hour mark every time I’m in a high intensity match.

muy has consistently happened in dry (desert) conditions as well as in very humid (sub tropical) conditions.

I’ve made sure to drink plenty of water before the matches and bring power aid and those pickle juice shots, anti muscle cramping spray too, you name it.

I also eat at least one banana a day.

 

[Mongolmike]

I've found that drinking milk (real, not soy etc), on a regular basis, but NOT during a match, really reduced my night time cramps. I eat regular food - no weird diet, and take vitamins. What might it be in milk that helps, calcium absorption? (Lots of water, pickle juice, Gatorade- none made a difference for me like a glass of milk daily)

 

[tennis tom]

Do you think chocolate milk would have the same effect?--If so I'm in--yahoo!

 

[AutoXer]

I am diabetic and now a heart patient after a heart attack and quadruple bypass this past September. I am hitting a little now but hopefully will be able to play summer ALTA. Drinks high in sugar are out but also drinks with high sodium content and salt tablets. I live in the Atlanta area and summer temps are usually in the 90's. How can I hydrate enough and which products are recommended to avoid cramps but also avoid sugars and too much salt?

 

[WildVolley]

I often have a cup or two of coffee before a morning match.

Is coffee actually a diuretic? Is there anything besides water that I should drink (eat) along with my coffee prior to the match?

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Is coffee actually a diuretic? Is there anything besides water that I should drink (eat) along with my coffee prior to the match?

Caffeine is a diuretic.

 

[tennytive]

Another who's curious about pickle juice. I've been using it occasionally and full strength is too much for me, so now I dilute what's left in the jar with water and that's drinkable. I've backed off lately though as I wonder if the salt content is too much if no cramping is occurring. I don't want to raise my blood pressure if that's a side effect.

 

[sweetrugger]

How much is hydration involved in post-match recovery? Is simple water best, or something with electrolytes or other stuff? For most USTA matches in my area, home team provides drinks (usually beer). I'm sure that's not the best, but is there something to do from a recovery standpoint before grabbing a cold one?

 

[djkahn86]

can I have an over the counter "test" done for specific electrolytes that I am prone to / or losing while I exercise? I know professionals have something like this in a lab and then have specific re-hydration drinks created. How can I get close to this on my own?

 

[Tennis_Hands]

List top 5 hydration drinks during a match made only with natural ingredients (and preferably available in most normal stores).
List top 5 recovery drinks made only with natural ingredients (and preferably available in most normal stores).

Many thanks!

 

[TagUrIt]

Why is pickle juice so effective in regards to cramping? It works, I’ve personally tested the theory.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Why is pickle juice so effective in regards to cramping? It works, I’ve personally tested the theory.

Did it work to prevent cramps or did it actually work to stop them once they started?

The thing about pickle juice is it's the one thing I've consistently heard anecdotal stories about that stops them in real time.

 

[TagUrIt]

Did it work to prevent cramps or did it actually work to stop them once they started?

The thing about pickle juice is it's the one thing I've consistently heard anecdotal stories about that stops them in real time.

YES ABSOLUTELY 100% YES! I didn’t believe it myself until I tried it. Last summer I went to a weekend tennis camp and played two sessions mornings and afternoons. Grueling heat and a lot of on court time. I brought some basic pickle juice from a jar of pickles, just in case. Around lunch time while preparing for the afternoon session, my hands, legs started cramping. A few sips of pickle juice (and I mean a just a few) my cramps disappeared like they were never there. I encourage everyone that plays sports to keep some on hand.

 

[beltsman]

What are some ways to know if you are out of balance after a match, in terms of potassium, magnesium, etc levels? What's the best way to make sure all your levels get back to normal after some intense workouts?

 

[sureshs]

When I have what I think is the amount of liquid I need to hydrate, I feel like peeing more often. How to prevent this?

 

[Deleted member 768841]

We will have a hydration expert and sports scientist on an upcoming episode of the Talk Tennis Podcast!

Ask all of your hydration questions below and I will do my best to get them answered!

Michelle, TW

How often should I drink during a match and is it better to glug or take little sips? Thank you.

 

[tennis tom]

When I have what I think is the amount of liquid I need to hydrate, I feel like peeing more often. How to prevent this?

Flomax (tamsulosin) for UU--consult with your junior friends or people who congregate at highway rest areas--not sure if it's vapeable?

 

[sureshs]

Flomax (tamsulosin) for UU--consult with your junior friends or people who congregate at highway rest areas--not sure if it's vapeable?

It seems to be psychological - I feel like I need to go only if I think about it. If I lose myself in playing, it doesn't happen. But if I remember that I had gatorade before the match, I feel like I have to go.

 

[tennis tom]

It seems to be psychological -

It is psycho...logical!--usually, unless there is a real structural cause, which is less then 80% of the time. Funny how I can go 5 sets without looking for a tree near the court, but as soon as I see a urinal it's time to dribble--or, when stuck on the freeway in Cincinatti during a blizzard. Read any book by Dr. John E. Sarno about psychsomatic medicine--he cured Howard Stern of his OCD, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) and he was a tennis player! Doesn't hurt to have an RX for Flomax in your pocket for symptomatic relief for long flights out of DC--can't get up on a plane out of there for 30 minutes, they don't want you peeing on congress. g'luck if all else fails adult depends.

 

[atatu]

Why is pickle juice so effective in regards to cramping? It works, I’ve personally tested the theory.

Interestingly, mustard seems to have the same effect.

 

[tonylg]

I'm sweat a lot on court and generally go through multiple shirts, towels, sweat bands and socks during a long session.

As well as the usual cramps, I can also suffer from headaches for hours and sometimes days later.

Water alone doesn't prevent the headaches and most electrolyte drinks don't either.

I won't mention brands in case it's frowned upon, but I've found one supplement that does. I'm sure there are others, but I'd be interested in the science behind this.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

Few hours on court yesterday and another brain shrinkage headache today.

My drink bottles hold 750ml and I take 3, 2 filled with an electrolyte drink and one with water that gets refilled. These are on top of making sure I'm well hydrated before hitting the court and continuing to drink after leaving the court. In total, I'd drink around a litre before going on, 3-4 litres during play and another litre after.

I know I'm not drinking too much, because any less and the headaches are worse.

I think I'm going to have to resort to weighing myself before and after because I don't want to take in more fluids unless they are really needed.

 

[S&V-not_dead_yet]

Few hours on court yesterday and another brain shrinkage headache today.

My drink bottles hold 750ml and I take 3, 2 filled with an electrolyte drink and one with water that gets refilled. These are on top of making sure I'm well hydrated before hitting the court and continuing to drink after leaving the court. In total, I'd drink around a litre before going on, 3-4 litres during play and another litre after.

I know I'm not drinking too much, because any less and the headaches are worse.

I think I'm going to have to resort to weighing myself before and after because I don't want to take in more fluids unless they are really needed.

Perhaps you have a deficiency of sodium, calcium, and/or magnesium. What's the content of your electrolyte drink with respect to these 3?

 

[tonylg]

Perhaps you have a deficiency of sodium, calcium, and/or magnesium. What's the content of your electrolyte drink with respect to these 3?

The one I currently use doesn't contain magnesium. It has 220mg Sodium, 190mg Potassium (the total of the electrolyte component is 1170mg) per serve and I generally consume 2-3 serves. I hardly ever cramp with this and the headaches are only on really big sweat days.

I also take a tablet that contains additional Potassium and Magnesium. I've done this since I switched from a previous brand of electrolyte drink that did contain Magnesium, but gave inferior results.

I'm actually leaning toward it being just simple dehydration, which I guess a set of scales (which I don't have at the moment) would probably prove.

 

[sureshs]

It is psycho...logical!--usually, unless there is a real structural cause, which is less then 80% of the time. Funny how I can go 5 sets without looking for a tree near the court, but as soon as I see a urinal it's time to dribble--or, when stuck on the freeway in Cincinatti during a blizzard. Read any book by Dr. John E. Sarno about psychsomatic medicine--he cured Howard Stern of his OCD, Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft) and he was a tennis player! Doesn't hurt to have an RX for Flomax in your pocket for symptomatic relief for long flights out of DC--can't get up on a plane out of there for 30 minutes, they don't want you peeing on congress. g'luck if all else fails adult depends.

I keep a "water" bottle in the glove compartment.

 

[TW Staff]

Thanks for all the help generating questions! We were able to answer a bunch of them! Here's the episode:

➤ITUNES: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/talk-tennis/id1475845728?l
➤SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7aCFGNA2VnSOJus9qM2jrx
➤STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=453304&refid=stpr
➤LISTEN: https://www.tennis-warehouse.com/podcast/?ccode=TTEPISODE27

Michelle, TW

 

[AutoXer]

Some very good answers in that interview

 

[Big Ed]

try mustard packets for cramps along with pickle juice. this combo got me outta a bind when my calf starting cramping up in MS 105 degree heat and 90% humidity last summer in tri-level state.
Big Ed