Yes, really, and this isn’t a new trend. Tennis starFrances Tiafoe,Philadelphia Eagles playersand many athletes around the world drink or gargle shots of pickle juice in order to decrease the risk of muscle cramps and help them perform their best. But does this actually work? Here’s what we think about this briny solution.
Does Adding Salt to Your Drinking Water Help with Hydration?
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Does Drinking Pickle Juice Help with Cramps?
First, here’s the nutrition breakdown of a100-milliliter serving of pickle juice(about 3.4 ounces) from The Pickle Juice Company:
We can see why athletes take shots of pickle juice, based on this information. Pickle juice is packed withelectrolyteslike sodium and potassium, and electrolytes can help decrease the risk of muscle cramps, according to a research study published in theJournal of the International Society of Sports Nutritionin 2021. The study showed that drinking electrolyte-packed beverages was more effective in helping prevent muscle cramps than drinking water.
So while, yes, pickle juice may help decrease the risk of cramps when you drink it before exercise, due to its high amounts of electrolytes, it won’t necessarily relieve your already-existing muscle cramps. Plus, there’s something to keep in mind before you take a swig.
A 100-milliliter serving of pickle juice contains 343 milligrams of sodium, which is nearly 15% of your recommended daily intake of sodium per theFood and Drug Administration’s guidelines. So if you’re looking to add pickle juice to your fitness routine, try to be mindful of your sodium intake throughout the day. If you consume too much salt, your body may experiencenegative symptomslike bloating, puffiness and headaches.
The Bottom Line
Up next:The Best Ways to Exercise If You Have Type 2 Diabetes, According to Science
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