Tired of dealing with period cramps and looking for a natural way to ease your pain? Then worry no further as SUPMOGO has got you covered.
Research was done to determine the prevalence of period pain in young females. It was found that 84.1% of females face menstrual pain, 41% during some periods, and others (43.1%) during every period.
We understand how you feel; it's not easy to bear that throbbing pain that makes you restless and drains most of your energy. The good news? You can lessen this suffering by using Pickle Juice.
Yes, you heard that right! While many of you love to add pickles to your sandwiches and Panini, many of you may also hate the tangy smell of pickles. But wait until we tell you how pickle juice help with period cramps.
Here’s what you’ll learn in this article.
- What is Pickle Juice?
- Nutritional Value of Pickle Juice
- Can Pickle Juice Help with Period Cramps?
- Is Pickle Good for Period Cramps?
- Pickle Juice for Menstrual Cramps-Why it Works?
- How to Use Pickle Juice for Period Cramps?
- Can I Eat Other Similar Fermented Products To Relieve Menstrual Cramps?
- How Fast Pickle Juice Relieves Cramps?
- Possible Side Effects of Pickle Juice
- Stomach Ulcer
- Hypertension
- 3 Best Drinks to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
- Water
- Ginger Tea
- Green Smoothies
Grab your reading glasses and start reading!
What is Pickle Juice?
Pickle juice is a vinegar and brine-rich liquid used since ancient times due to its therapeutic effects and delicious taste.
The history of pickles is quite interesting, and it is thought that Mesopotamians first made them 4000 years ago. They soaked cucumbers in a brine solution, preserved it for some days, and loved the taste of the resulting product.
Pickle juice is made with three ingredients:
- Cucumber
- Water
- Salt
Commercially, vinegar is also added to start fermentation. After a few weeks, the cucumber turns into a pickle, and the liquid in its surrounding is called pickle juice. Cucumbers, chickpeas, carrots, raw mango, and many other food items are also used to make pickles.
Nutritional Value of Pickle Juice
The nutritional value of pickle juice varies depending on the nature and concentration of its ingredients. So, it is not possible to give an exact estimate of its nutritional content.
However, one cup of pickle contains almost:
- Carbohydrates: 0-47 grams
- Fiber: 0-1 gram
- Fat: 0-1 gram
- Proteins: 0-1 gram
- Calories: 15-200
Small amounts of calcium, potassium, and magnesium are also present in pickle juice. Moreover, unpasteurized pickles contain probiotic bacteria, which are not present in commercially prepared pickles.
Can Pickle Juice Help with Period Cramps?
You might be wondering, can pickle juice help with cramps or not?
Yes, it does. Pickle juice provides relief against muscle cramps, and that's why it's pretty popular among athletes. A study was done in 2010 in which researchers found that pickle juice relieves muscle cramps in about 1.5 minutes. [1]
Note that it's still unclear how it works, and the electrolyte levels of athletes remain unchanged even after taking pickle juice. This could be because electrolytes take time to absorb fully in the body.
As it helps against cramps, pickle juice is believed to be good for period cramps as well. The best part?
It has an immediate effect and can relieve menstrual cramps within a short time.
Is Pickle Good for Period Cramps?
Some research is available on the effect of pickle juice on cramps, but no study individually inspected its impact on period cramps. Since it is effective against muscle cramps, it might also relieve period cramps.
Also, our bodies react to foods differently, so there is no guarantee that if a food works for one person, it will work for you too.
Let's come back to our main concern, does pickle help with period cramps?
Yes, it can, since pickle juice is rich in sodium and may stop a cramp temporarily. Besides, it calms your nervous system, so you'll feel relaxed automatically.
The research was done to check out the impact of salt consumption on heat cramping (a sharply painful and sustained muscle contraction). Researchers found that salty sporty drinks and more salt in the diet are effective against heat cramping. [2]
So, if you are among those who experience unbearable pain during periods, try pickle juice to get some relief.
Pickle Juice for Menstrual Cramps-Why it Works?
As we mentioned earlier, there is no research on this subject.
But it is believed that when the vinegar content of the pickle touches the back of the throat, it triggers muscular reflex. Resultantly, the misfiring of neurons of muscles is stopped, and you get relief from cramps.
Vinegar also has the potential to restore electrolytes, but this claim is not backed by proper research. So, more research is needed to understand how pickles help with periods cramps.
How to Use Pickle Juice for Period Cramps?
Drink raw pickle juice without diluting it; otherwise, it won't be effective. Researchers recommend taking 1 millimeter of pickle juice per kilogram of your body weight.
Measure this amount carefully and ensure not to drink it in excess.
Besides, you can also eat pickle if it is brined in vinegar, but it may work slower than pickle juice.
Can I Eat Other Similar Fermented Products To Relieve Menstrual Cramps?
If we keep the vinegar hypothesis in mind, it may help to use other similar foods like kombucha, kimchi juice, and sauerkraut juice. However, there is no study on how these foods help relieve period cramps, but you can try these.
How Fast Pickle Juice Relieves Cramps?
It depends on the severity of cramps and the individual's body composition. Some people get relief even after consuming a small amount of pickle juice. In contrast, some have negligible effects and need to drink more to notice changes.
To give you an idea, it may take 35 seconds to 1.5 minutes to relieve muscle cramps.
Possible Side Effects of Pickle Juice
Since pickle juice has high sodium content, it is not suitable for everyone. Especially people with the following conditions should consult with their doctor before using it:
Stomach Ulcer
People with sensitive stomachs and issues like ulcers should avoid using pickle juice. Otherwise, they may face stomach discomfort and pain due to the high acidic content of pickles.
Hypertension
According to a systematic review, a sodium-rich diet increase blood pressure and the risk of developing kidney disease.[3]
Hence, drinking pickle juice will not be safe if you have high blood pressure.
3 Best Drinks to Relieve Menstrual Cramps
Looking for some healthy yet tasty drinks to get rid of menstrual cramps? Then track us below.
1. Water
Surprised to see water at the top of the list? You shouldn't be since water keeps you hydrated and supports your body's process. So, increase your water intake and it will help you deal with period cramps like a fighter.
Also, it prevents bloating, helps digestion, and supports circulation.
2. Ginger Tea
Another natural way of getting relief from menstrual cramps is using ginger tea.
Studies reveal that ginger is used in herbal medicines due to its pharmacological and medicinal properties. It helps to treat various issues like nausea, hypertension, migraine, and colds. [4]
So, start drinking ginger tea, and it'll be good to relieve cramps, stomach upset, and sickness. Besides, you can add ginger to your food and smoothies for maximum benefits.
3. Green Smoothies
Who doesn’t enjoy eating fresh and delicious smoothies? We all do, right?
If you want to consume something tasty while relieving menstrual cramps, then smoothies are a perfect option. You can add the fruit and vegetables of your choice to make a smoothie.
The mineral and fiber content of fruit & veggies will relax muscles, ultimately easing cramps.
Conclusion
Pickle juice helps to relieve menstrual cramps by relaxing your nervous system and balancing electrolytes. However, it is not backed by research, and its complete process is still unknown.
Looking for a guaranteed way to ease period cramps?
The SUPMOGO Recovery Flex System Belt is a perfect fit for you. Its advanced targeting technology will help you to get rid of menstrual cramps just as fast as “pickle juice”. It also strengthens and rehabs your muscles and provides immediate pain relief with long-term results, so what else could you ask for?
Say goodbye to painful periods by using our SUPMOGO Recovery Flex System Belt!
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[1] Miller, K. C., Mack, G. W., Knight, K. L., Hopkins, J. T., Draper, D. O., Fields, P. J., & Hunter, I. (2010). Reflex inhibition of electrically induced muscle cramps in hypohydrated humans. Med Sci Sports Exerc, 42(5), 953-961.
[2] Eichner, E. R. (2007). The role of sodium in 'heat cramping.' Sports Medicine, 37(4), 368-370.
[3] Malta, D., Petersen, K. S., Johnson, C., Trieu, K., Rae, S., Jefferson, K., ... & Arcand, J. (2018). High sodium intake increases blood pressure and the risk of kidney disease. From the Science of Salt: A regularly updated systematic review of salt and health outcomes (August 2016 to March 2017). The Journal of Clinical Hypertension, 20(12), 1654-1665.
[4] Bode, A. M., & Dong, Z. (2011). The amazing and mighty ginger. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition.