We all pretty much want one thing. To improve our physical performance, increase our endurance, look better, feel even better and stop muscle cramps for derailing our progress. Alright, it’s more than one thing. But the basic idea still stands. We all sometimes have a boost of motivation that culminates in increased output in the gym and a newfound interest in sports nutrition. But for the majority of us, this newfound enthusiasm will only last until the appearance of the first negative effects of high-intensity exercise.

It’s all fun and games until you have cramps so bad you can pretty much see your calf dancing samba. Sure, no pain, no gain, right? But you can be smart about it, and at least consider investing in electrolytes drinks like Pickle Juice for cramps. Pickle Juice Sport is a purpose-built isotonic drink designed to prevent the onset of high-intensity cramps by providing your body with the sodium boost it requires after intense exercise.

Why Go for Electrolytes Drinks Like Pickle Juice?

It’s all about replenishing the charged minerals you lost via sweating. Australia is a particularly hot country, and there is a good chance that right now you don’t have the luxury of sitting in an AC-controlled room and sipping your latte. Most of us need to work outdoors, and because of this, we are prone to losing a significant percentage of the electrolytes that dictate our bodies’ internal functions.

Why do we sweat? That’s actually one of humanity’s greatest advantages over other animals. We are the most intelligent species on earth. But, are you also aware that we are, believe it or not, one of the most efficient long-distance runners in the animal kingdom? We humans, hundreds of thousands of years ago, were what today we can call “persistent hunters”. Basically, we chased prey for miles and miles on end, until it collapsed from exhaustion. We were never the fastest or the strongest. But we could run the farthest, and that was one of our biggest advantages as hunters.

How are we capable of such feats? Mainly, we can thank our body’s ability to cool itself. Sweating is not exactly a common survival mechanism in the animal kingdom. In fact, only primates and horses utilise fluid exertion for thermoregulation purposes. It’s efficient, sure, hence why we are here today. But with sweat, we also lose electrolytes, which are pretty much mandatory for our survival. Typically, the trade is worth it. But not in all cases.

Water Is Not Enough

The water you lose when sweating is actually one of your least pressing issues. We don’t excrete pure water out of our salivary glands. No, we also lose large quantities of Sodium, Potassium, Chloride and traces of Magnesium. You might be thirsty, but drinking only plain water after intense exercise will lower your blood’s sodium levels even further, which, in extreme cases, can even result in hyponatremia.

The sodium in pickle juice for cramps, due to osmosis, will pull water from your gut, towards your cells and will, paradoxically, make you hydrate more quickly. It might sound counterintuitive, but in order to absorb water, your body needs salt. Likewise, the other charged minerals present in Pickle Juice for cramps will regulate the accumulation of fluid inside cells, act on the nervous system and also influence how your muscles contract.

Why Not Rely on Food?

Timing, mostly. You can indeed obtain most of the electrolytes your body needs directly from the food you ingest. But there’s an issue. Digestion takes time, it’s less efficient than absorption via liquids, and once the charged minerals are present in your blood, their levels will rise gradually. If we are not dealing with an emergency, this can work, sure. But drinks like Pickle Juice for cramps are simply faster acting, and they can ameliorate post-workout soreness and eliminate brain fog in minutes, rather than in hours as is often the case with relying solely on food.

Dissolved minerals don’t require digestion and are absorbed into the bloodstream in mere minutes. Plus, the glucose and sodium present in electrolytes drinks act on the SGLT1 transporters found in the intestinal mucosa and cause water to be naturally absorbed inside cells. Ever wondered why some people get puffy when eating too much salt? It’s the same principle. Sodium makes you better absorb water, which, if you are dehydrated, can actually be a huge benefit.

But Why Choose Electrolytes Drinks Like Pickle Juice for Cramps?

Why not? Pickle Juice Sport is a 100% natural isotonic drink that’s free of sugar, caffeine or GMOs. 60 to 80ml of Pickle Juice Sport per serve should ameliorate even the most persistent cramps. That’s because pickle juice, as in the one you have lying around in your fridge, is basically scientifically proven to aid with muscle recovery after exercise.

Studies show that pickle juice can reduce muscle cramps in around 1.5 minutes, and it’s significantly more effective than just letting time pass. It’s not only about the electrolytes, though. Pickle juice in particular is effective against cramps because it contains vinegar, which acts on the electrical signals sent out by your muscles. Pickle juice for cramps actually works, and it’s perhaps the best such drink available in Australia.

A More Efficient Solution

Regular pickle juice will work as well. But the salt levels could vary between brands, and pickles oftentimes have added sugar for taste purposes. Pickle Juice Sport, on the other hand, is a precisely designed sports drink, with a high amount of sodium in its formula, that’s designed for fast absorption. You pretty much get the same electrolyte boost every time and you can be sure that the salt levels in the drink are tightly controlled.

Personally, even though electrolytes drinks like these are a bit more expensive, I still prefer them over regular pickle juice. After all, sports drinks are more portable, and it’s not like you will make a good impression at your local gym if you start bringing pickle jars with you.