Portable substitute for pickle juice?
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John McClellan
Sep 1, 2010, 5:03:41 PM9/1/10
to New England Randonneurs
Who knew?
-----------------
Mustard: A Cure for Cramps?
www.coreperformance.com
Athletes hoping to avoid leg cramps during strenuous exercise
typically turn to sports drinks and gels to replenish fluids. Runners
and triathletes often race with packets of energy gels in their
pockets or attached to race belts. Those packets usually are purchased
at running stores or health-food outlets. Some athletes turn to fast-
food restaurants for a more unlikely source of cramp prevention:
mustard packets.
Cramps can be caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine, the
neurotransmitter that stimulates muscles to work. Mustard contains
acetic acid, which helps the body produce more acetylcholine. (The
mustard is consumed, not applied topically.)
It’s also possible that turmeric, which gives mustard its yellow
color, has some beneficial properties. Turmeric is a plant from the
ginger family native to South Asia. In Asia it’s used as a dietary
supplement and also as an antiseptic for cuts and burns.
Joe Biondi, a longtime swim coach in the Tampa, Florida area, has
recommended mustard to his swimmers and triathletes in recent months
and used it himself. “I’ve had a number of athletes try it and it
seems to work,” Biondi said.
Whatever the reason for mustard’s cramp-preventing properties, the
condiment is a tastier alternative than vinegar or pickle juice, two
other home remedies often prescribed for cramps, whether athletic-
induced or the “night cramps” that wake people from deep sleep. Since
it’s tough for anyone to consume straight vinegar under normal
circumstances, let alone in a state of duress, pickle juice is
sometimes offered.
Vinegar is a common ingredient in both pickle juice and mustard. One
or two spoonfuls of mustard, the equivalent of a fast-food packet, are
all that’s needed to provide relief. Some athletes take mustard prior
to races or strenuous workouts or during a session. Athletes typically
consume sweet-tasting gels or sports drinks during activity, so even
big fans of mustard might find the taste a little strange in a
different context.
Though little research has been done to explain the connection between
how mustard or vinegar works in relieving cramps, the anecdotal
evidence is significant. Amanda Carlson-Phillips, the director of
performance nutrition at Athletes’ Performance, says the key is to
replenish lost sodium.
“There’s about 200 mg of sodium in one tablespoon of mustard, which is
the same as eight ounces of Gatorade Endurance,” Carlson-Phillips
says. “So a couple packets of mustard would provide some good sodium
and prevent or help with cramping. The body doesn’t care where the
sodium comes from, just as long as it gets there.”
-----------------
Mustard: A Cure for Cramps?
www.coreperformance.com
Athletes hoping to avoid leg cramps during strenuous exercise
typically turn to sports drinks and gels to replenish fluids. Runners
and triathletes often race with packets of energy gels in their
pockets or attached to race belts. Those packets usually are purchased
at running stores or health-food outlets. Some athletes turn to fast-
food restaurants for a more unlikely source of cramp prevention:
mustard packets.
Cramps can be caused by a deficiency in acetylcholine, the
neurotransmitter that stimulates muscles to work. Mustard contains
acetic acid, which helps the body produce more acetylcholine. (The
mustard is consumed, not applied topically.)
It’s also possible that turmeric, which gives mustard its yellow
color, has some beneficial properties. Turmeric is a plant from the
ginger family native to South Asia. In Asia it’s used as a dietary
supplement and also as an antiseptic for cuts and burns.
Joe Biondi, a longtime swim coach in the Tampa, Florida area, has
recommended mustard to his swimmers and triathletes in recent months
and used it himself. “I’ve had a number of athletes try it and it
seems to work,” Biondi said.
Whatever the reason for mustard’s cramp-preventing properties, the
condiment is a tastier alternative than vinegar or pickle juice, two
other home remedies often prescribed for cramps, whether athletic-
induced or the “night cramps” that wake people from deep sleep. Since
it’s tough for anyone to consume straight vinegar under normal
circumstances, let alone in a state of duress, pickle juice is
sometimes offered.
Vinegar is a common ingredient in both pickle juice and mustard. One
or two spoonfuls of mustard, the equivalent of a fast-food packet, are
all that’s needed to provide relief. Some athletes take mustard prior
to races or strenuous workouts or during a session. Athletes typically
consume sweet-tasting gels or sports drinks during activity, so even
big fans of mustard might find the taste a little strange in a
different context.
Though little research has been done to explain the connection between
how mustard or vinegar works in relieving cramps, the anecdotal
evidence is significant. Amanda Carlson-Phillips, the director of
performance nutrition at Athletes’ Performance, says the key is to
replenish lost sodium.
“There’s about 200 mg of sodium in one tablespoon of mustard, which is
the same as eight ounces of Gatorade Endurance,” Carlson-Phillips
says. “So a couple packets of mustard would provide some good sodium
and prevent or help with cramping. The body doesn’t care where the
sodium comes from, just as long as it gets there.”
slittle
Sep 2, 2010, 8:30:41 AM9/2/10
to New England Randonneurs
On Sep 1, 5:03 pm, John McClellan <john-mcclel...@att.net> wrote:
> Who knew?
> -----------------
> Mustard: A Cure for Cramps?www.coreperformance.com
haying was done by horse, wagon and pitchfork, a vinegar,sugar, water
and block of ice from the icehouse accompanied the hands on the
saltmarshes around newbury and plum island and the drier upland hay
fields. i caught the end of that time as my grandfather farmed with a
team into the 60's.
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