Latest news with #picklejuice
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Bizarre hack could help banish painful leg cramps, top medic claims - could YOU stomach it?
It is an incredibly painful problem that troubles even the most experienced of runners and athletes—leg muscle cramps. But there could be a simple solution—drinking pickle juice, revealed NHS GP Dr Sooj, in a video recently posted on TikTok to his 250,000 followers. The peculiar sounding trick has been used by professional footballers like Newcastle star Kieran Trippier, who was previously seen drinking a sachet of the juice. Similarly, ex-Arsenal star Lucas Torreira was spotted drinking pickle juice during his side's win over Chelsea in 2019. It has even been used by the Lionesses who reportedly stocked up on pickle juice for their Euro 2024 campaign. While it is a simple hack Dr Sooj said 'athletes swear by', he added the science behind it remains unclear. He referred to a study of patients with liver cirrhosis—permanent scarring of the organ—that found pickle juice reduced the severity of muscle cramps more than water. While he added it didn't stop the muscle cramps completely, other studies have found more evidence that the remedy is in fact effective. A 2020 study in The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, found pickle juice to be one of the most effective foods for treating muscle cramps. This is because the salt contained in the juice can provide a key electrolyte to the body, which can ease a heavy session of sweat-related cramps. Salt is an ingredient in many in sports drinks, along with other minerals such as potassium, another element which is found in pickle juice which can help you stay hydrated for longer. Pickle juice is also packed with antioxidants and vitamins C and E, which are believed to support the immune system, as well as bolster other health functions. Vinegar, which is the main ingredient in pickling liquid, is backed by some research that suggests it could be beneficial for weight management, as it may help to control blood sugar and reduce appetite. Dr Sooj was reacting to a viral video in which a woman claimed that the bizarre hack could help with period cramps. 'It is thought drinking two to three ounces [60-85ml] of pickle juice for menstrual cramps can help because it has a high electrolyte content,' he said. These 'can help to ease muscle cramps and the vinegar may also trigger a reflex that promotes muscle relaxation and reduces pain', he explained. However he added: 'Remember the plural of anecdote is not data and there isn't much evidence that pickle juice would be helpful for menstrual cramps. 'But if you do want to give it a try make sure to do it in moderation, because the high sodium content can be risky for those with certain health conditions.' At the end of the video, he invited social media users to let him know if they've found it effective.
Washington Post
25-07-2025
- Health
- Washington Post
How pickle juice can fix muscle cramps
Well+Being How pickle juice can fix muscle cramps July 25, 2025 | 5:21 PM GMT Ask A Doctor columnist Dr. Trisha Pasricha tries a trick that many athletes use to check muscle cramps—a sip of pickle juice. This content was created independently by The Washington Post and is not influenced by the advertiser and their affiliates. The advertiser had no involvement in the reporting, writing, or editing of this article or video. Presented by Amazon One Medical.
Fox News
22-07-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Is pickle juice actually good for you? Experts weigh in on the debated hydration method
In the sweltering summer heat, some Americans are reaching for an unconventional source of hydration: pickle juice. Whether it's athletes with a salty craving or frugal fans of fermented foods, pickle brine is increasingly touted as a replenishing remedy after tough workouts. But does it actually work? Fox News Digital reached out to medical experts for insights. An Ohio-based registered dietitian with Cleveland Clinic's Center for Human Nutrition, Julia Zumpano, told Fox News Digital she strongly recommends pickle juice for quick hydration. "It is high in sodium and is a good source of potassium and magnesium, which are electrolytes that are lost during heavy exercise or intense sweating," she said. If the juice is vinegar-based, it can have "blood sugar-controlling benefits and potential weight-loss benefits," Zumpano added. Lacto-fermented pickle juice, which undergoes a saltwater fermentation process, offers the added benefit of probiotics that support gut health, she said. Pickle juice has also been linked to muscle cramps relief. A 2022 study by University of Michigan researchers found that pickle juice also beat out tap water by reducing the severity of cramping. Zumpano cautioned against drinking pickle juice for those who need to restrict sodium. "For daily use, a well-formulated electrolyte mix with balanced minerals is a more effective way to support fluid and electrolyte needs, without excess salt or acidity." "Most Americans consume more than enough, if not too much, sodium," she observed. Not all health professionals are on board. North Carolina-based Dr. Will Haas said he advises against using pickle juice as a regular hydration method. "Pickle juice does offer a quick dose of sodium, which can help after heavy sweating, but it's not something I usually recommend," Haas said. "For more complete and effective hydration, I prefer an electrolyte powder that includes sodium, potassium, magnesium and a bit of glucose to support better absorption and fluid balance." Haas pointed to pickle juice's high sodium content as a culprit. Too much sodium can be a problem, as it raises blood pressure or triggers bloating in some people. Pickle juice can also irritate the gut or worsen reflux, particularly with vinegar-based brines. "For daily use, a well-formulated electrolyte mix with balanced minerals is a more effective way to support fluid and electrolyte needs, without excess salt or acidity," he added. For those still curious, Haas recommended starting with lacto-fermented versions. "Lacto-fermented versions are gentler and may offer some probiotic benefits," he said. "The source definitely matters, especially if you're drinking it regularly." Zumpano recommended starting small. "Begin with a small amount – such as a couple tablespoons – to see how you feel," the dietitian said. "Increase slowly if needed. Monitor your sodium intake and if you notice any swelling in your hands or feet, you could be consuming too much sodium."
CBS News
14-07-2025
- Climate
- CBS News
10 years on, Picklesburgh remains as popular as ever, organizers say
After a weekend of sweet and sour fun, Picklesburgh 2025 is in the books. The event was expected to bring 250,000 people and millions of dollars in revenue to the city. The question is: How did it go? It's all over but the brine, as in pickle juice. From weather to lines, attendees faced a few challenges, but the man who heads up the effort says while there's always room for improvement, it went as well as could be expected. The annual cavalcade of all things pickle-related saw massive throngs of gherkin and dill-loving attendees take to the streets, hot streets at that. "Standing next to those fryers in line makes it 10 times as hot," Philadelphia resident Heather Wirzberger said. "Mother Nature wasn't very easy on us this year," said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership. Heat aside, the event remains a moneymaker for the city. "A $23 million impact on the region," Waldrup added. For some attending, the crowd size was surprising, as were the lines. "I think everyone who lives in Allegheny County is here," Plum's Lisa Bonacci said. Waldrup told KDKA-TV that the crowds may have seemed a lot thicker because of the following. "Last year, we did it over four days. This year we did it over three." Waldrup says the event was, space-wise, literally the biggest Picklesburgh ever to space out people. "This year it was almost three times larger, clocking in at 1.2 miles." Will it be bigger next year? Waldrup says it's way too early to tell. "We have a lot of notes. I personally like the footprint. We heard it was too long and people didn't want to walk that much," Waldrup said. One thing that everyone seems to agree on is what needs to make a return: the popular pickle-riding attraction. "I will say that mechanical pickle was a hit," Waldrup said.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Pickle lemonade? Here's what pickle juice could do for hydration
People have been particularly hyped about all things pickles this summer, and one hot new trend swirling around the internet is using the bright, briney solution as a potential hydration beverage. From sipping it straight to mixing it with lemonade, the applications for the liquid are pretty straightforward. But are there actually any health benefits to back it up? "Pickle juice or brine can be beneficial for hydration because it contains sodium, comparable to some electrolyte replacements, and small amounts of potassium," registered dietitian and sports dietetics specialist Maura Donovan told "Good Morning America." Not everyone should not be downing pickle shots. As with any new addition to a person's diet, it's imperative to consider individual health factors first and speak with a health care professional, especially if something like pickle juice that's higher in sodium isn't suitable for medical conditions like heart failure, high blood pressure or kidney disease. "These are key electrolytes that help maintain fluid balance in the body, especially after intense exercise or sweating," Donovan explained, noting, however, that overloading in electrolytes can be harmful to some people depending on their health conditions. Donovan dug further into the trend to explain how things like sodium and potassium work to help you stay hydrated. "Sodium helps to promote fluid intake and fluid retention, which is a great benefit post-exercise or in hot weather," she said. "Potassium, on the other hand, helps to balance sodium by way of the sodium-potassium pump in the muscles and plays a vital role in the proper functioning of skeletal and heart muscle." Because sodium content in pickle brine can vary by brand, Donovan helped explain what could be considered a healthy amount. A 2.5-ounce "shot" of pickle juice, she said "typically contains about 500 milligrams of sodium, while a cup from a jar may have around 800 milligrams." "Potassium levels also vary, but are usually less than 50 milligrams per serving, depending on the brand," Donovan added. 50 milligrams is equivalent to an 8-ounce serving. The recommended daily sodium intake for an average adult is less than 2,300 milligrams per day, according to the American Heart Association. According to the National Institutes of Health, the daily recommended amount of potassium for an adult ranges between 2,600 milligrams per day for women and 3,400 milligrams per day for men. Consumers have long turned to tried and true hydration solutions from bottled beverages like Gatorade to pre-measured electrolyte powder sticks like Thorne that combines minerals to help support cellular hydration. "Ultimately, how much pickle juice is healthy depends on an individual's sodium needs," the Medical Education Specialist for Sports Nutrition at Thorne said. "Someone living in a hot climate or being very active might require more sodium than someone in a cooler climate who doesn't exercise. When considering adding pickle juice to your diet, keep these factors in mind." A small-scale study into the potential physical benefits of drinking pickle juice as athletic recovery, conducted by the researchers from North Dakota State University and Brigham Young University, published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise in 2010, linked small volumes of pickle juice to a shorter duration of induced muscle cramps. The study, however, only involved a dozen male athletes and has not yet been replicated on a larger scale. If you're still in a pickle over whether or not to give it pickle juice a try, Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Co. has a delicious spin on pickle lemonade that the family-owned and woman-run business shared with "GMA" that could be a good way to try it out. Check it out below. Serves 2 Ingredients 8 ounces Natalie's Natural Lemonade 2 ounces dill pickle juice Pickle spear (for garnish) Fresh dill (for garnish) Crushed ice Directions Add crushed ice to 2 glasses. Add 1 ounce of pickle juice to each glass, then top with Natalie's lemonade. Garnish with a pickle spear and fresh dill. Recipe reprinted courtesy of Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Co.
