PICKLE JUICE for cramping?

13suzie

I have problems with calf cramping that strikes during the final portion of marathons. I have decided to try pickle juice. (Other electrolyte fixes haven't done the job. I've tried loading salt, using Nuun, using gatorade, powerade, cytomax...nothing has stopped the lightning strike of calf cramping.) I do find that coconut water suits me, but I haven't used it in a marathon yet.

I have heard the combo of salt+vinegar is very effective. Pickle juicing...

I'm looking for any feedback that you have about using pickle juice during or before big events!

How much is too much? How much works? (I am 5'2" about 115 lbs.)

Keep_The_Laughter

This pod cast seems to give instructions on how to use it and a balanced look at the effectiveness for distance runners.

http://impruvism.com/pickles/#comments

ElBence

Mormon pioneers used pickle juice to prevent cramping as they walked from what is now Omaha, NE to Salt Lake City, UT. The BYU football team has been using it as well, and studies have shown that it helps with both faster cramp relief (85 seconds as opposed to 134-153 seconds), and prevention. Bottom line is that it works. Pickle juice also makes for an excellent, environmentally friendly weed killer if you use it on weeds in concrete. Something about the brine and the salt involved make sure that the weeds stay dead.

13suzie

Thank you both!