If you get a muscle cramp, the first step is to stretch the affected muscle and massage it to improve circulation. If that doesn’t work, here are five remedies worth trying.
1. Magnesium
Mineral deficiency can be a contributing cause of muscle cramps, and magnesium supplementation may help address this.
2. Sports Drinks
Dehydration is another common cause of cramps. Sports drinks can help by replenishing electrolytes and improving hydration.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been suggested as a remedy. Some scientists believe the tart flavor triggers a neural reflex that helps stop the cramp.
4. Pickle Juice or Mustard
Similarly, pickle juice and mustard have both been suggested as remedies, likely working through the same tart-flavor neural reflex mechanism.
5. Tonic Water
Tonic water, which contains quinine, is another possible remedy. However, some people can have a dangerous reaction to quinine, so check with your physician before trying tonic water for muscle cramps.
Hopefully at least one of these remedies can help relieve muscle cramps naturally.
For more tips on natural health, download the free eBook Health Secrets at peacediet.org.
About Dr. Terry Shintani, MD, JD, MPH
Dr. Terry Shintani is a Harvard-trained physician and nutritionist, named a Living Treasure of Hawai’i and recipient of the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Award for Excellence. He is the creator of the Peace Diet and the landmark Waianae Diet — published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition and cited over 137 times — and the author of 16 books on natural health and nutrition, drawing on more than 35 years of clinical practice in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Learn more about Dr. Shintani’s work and recognition: NLM Native Voices
Sources:
- NIH/PubMed — Neural Reflex Mechanism of Pickle Juice for Muscle Cramp Relief
- NIH/PubMed — Magnesium Supplementation and Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps
- NIH/MedlinePlus — Quinine Safety and Muscle Cramps