Muscle Cramps? Yellow Mustard maybe a cure.

[StClone]

I thought this was common knowledge, but when I was seen eating a packet of Yellow Mustard I got a look of "what the H---."

Actually, it be great along with hydration that athletes would consider Yellow Mustard in these hot summer days to ward off those excruciating bouts of cramps.

Mustard: A Cure for Cramps?

Pete Williams May 7, 2010

Nick M Do / Getty Images
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.)

More here: http://www.coreperformance.com/daily/nutrition/mustard-a-cure-for-cramps.html

 

[isumellie]

I was handed a yellow mustard pack when I was cramping up during a half marathon. It sounded like an old wives tale, but I ate it because I figured it couldn't hurt.

 

[VeloClone]

(The mustard is consumed, not applied topically.)

Whoops. I need something to wipe this off my junk.

Seriously, I was always told to eat bananas. It was a great way to replenish the potassium in your body. Potassium is required for the body to break the bonds between tensed muscle fibers in the muscles.

 

[isufbcurt]

Pickle Juice

 

[carvers4math]

So if this helps athletes, does it help old ladies who get cramps in their calves, feet, and toes in the middle of the night? Should I take a mustard shot before bed?

I don't know if these are at all related to being double jointed. The worst are cramps in the top of your feet.

I was assuming I don't get enough sodium because I don't eat much in the way of processed food. Maybe I should be downing mustard instead.

 

[VeloClone]

So if this helps athletes, does it help old ladies who get cramps in their calves, feet, and toes in the middle of the night? Should I take a mustard shot before bed?

I don't know if these are at all related to being double jointed. The worst are cramps in the top of your feet.

I was assuming I don't get enough sodium because I don't eat much in the way of processed food. Maybe I should be downing mustard instead.

There is no one cure for muscle cramps because there isn't just one cause for them. Make sure you are well hydrated as dehydration can be a cause. Make sure you are getting enough Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium and Calcium as these elements are critical for proper nerve and muscle function. Make sure you are exercising regularly as weaker muscles can be more prone to cramping. If you have a sedentary job, make sure you are regularly taking breaks to move around and stretch/move your muscles.

 

[ajk4st8]

So if this helps athletes, does it help old ladies who get cramps in their calves, feet, and toes in the middle of the night? Should I take a mustard shot before bed?

I don't know if these are at all related to being double jointed. The worst are cramps in the top of your feet.

I was assuming I don't get enough sodium because I don't eat much in the way of processed food. Maybe I should be downing mustard instead.

Yes cramping is related to being hypermobile. As well as having structural faults such as flat feet hyperextended knees

 

[bigsag]

My typical practice is to consume approximately 50% of the yellow mustard and to topically apply the remaining 50% to my shirt or tie. It's a long standing practice (of mine) and I rarely have muscle cramps.....

 

[carvers4math]

Yes cramping is related to being hypermobile. As well as having structural faults such as flat feet hyperextended knees

They are worse it seems in the summer, which I guess could be heat or activity related. Not sure if I am hypermobile, but I walk the dog a couple of miles daily, weed the garden, swim half a mile three times a week, lift my ten pound old lady hand weights, and do a lot of vacuuming and laundry. I guess in winter I do snow shoveling and yoga instead of gardening and swimming.

I'm going to give the mustard a shot. It can't hurt I guess.

 

[klamath632]

Eating mustard would be worse than the cramps, so I'll just keep the cramps.

 

[Deanster]

Banana sandwich with mustard and pickles.

 

[VeloClone]

Banana, mustard and pickle malt.

FIFY

 

[carvers4math]

Banana sandwich with mustard and pickles.

Change mustard to canned sardines in mustard sauce and you have a pregnancy winner.

 

[CyinCo]

Pumpkins seeds are an excellent source of magnesium. Get them salted and roasted in the bulk aisle. Called Pepitas sometimes. Everyone knows the banana deal. Don't forget the Magnesium as well.

http://triathlon.competitor.com/2015/01/nutrition/why-endurance-athletes-need-magnesium_10168