Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Tucson

Drink Electrolytes Instead of Water for Muscle Cramps

Bottle of green electrolyte sports drink

icemanj/AdobeStock.com

Painful, involuntary muscle cramps have hit 39 percent of marathon runners, 52 percent of rugby players and 60 percent of cyclists, studies show, but gulping down too much water has also been linked to the condition. The solution might be to drink an oral rehydration solution rather than spring water, suggests an Australian study in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. Ten men were repeatedly tested with each liquid while running downhill in 96-degree heat for 40 to 60 minutes. When their calves were stimulated electrically to induce cramps, those drinking the oral rehydration liquid were less susceptible to the condition. “It is possible that drinking a large amount of plain water dilutes sodium and other electrolytes in the blood and extracellular fluid, increasing [muscle cramp] susceptibility,” conclude the authors.

Coming in April 2024
Early Bird Deadline February 12th. Regular Deadline March 10th. Email [email protected] today for details. CLICK HERE for more information

 


Join Our Email Newsletter

 

Coming in April

 

Deadline March 12th. Email [email protected] today for details.

Missed the print deadline? Try email news!

Email News Exclusives with Social Media pushes; ask us about it today! [email protected]

Visit Us on Facebook
2024 Editorial Calendar