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Have you ever watched a big sporting event? You may have seen athletes drinking various types of beverages during breaks. Common choices include water and Gatorade – a sports drink that helps athletes hydrate, replace electrolytes and provide energy from carbohydrates. Some athletes even drink pickle juice! Earlier this year, tennis champion Carlos Alcaraz was seen sipping pickle juice during the long men’s final against Jannik Sinner at the French Open. The match set a record for the longest match at Roland Garros and featured some athletes having a unique way of staying hydrated. Australian cricket team captain Mitchell Marsh was recently tricked into drinking this zero-calorie juice, and his reaction to the taste went viral. Although he did not like it at all, he later revealed that it cured his muscle cramps.
What is pickle juice made from?
Pickle juice is the liquid left after pickling. It is made from cucumbers soaked in water, salt, vinegar and spices, which may include dill, garlic or a little sugar. After the crunchy cucumbers are finished, the remaining liquid is a delicious brine that has health benefits.
Is pickle juice healthy for you?
What’s in this salty drink? The United States Department of Agriculture states that just 100 ml of pickle juice contains:
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sodium: 342 mg
- Potassium: 29 mg
The main thing is that sodium can be both beneficial and harmful to health. This offers some benefits, but it also raises concerns about safety.
Health Benefits of Pickle Juice
It may seem like pickle juice is just another fitness fad among athletes, but nutritionist Samreen Sania tells Health Shots that it may actually have some health benefits. She explains why athletes, including National Football League players in the US, are riding the pickle juice bandwagon:
1. Relief from muscle cramps
Pickle juice can help relieve muscle cramps. It is especially useful for athletes during intense activities. Drinking pickle juice can reduce the duration of cramps. A small study published in PubMed involving 12 athletes found that those who drank pickle juice experienced about 49 seconds fewer cramps than those who drank water. This effect is not due to rehydration. Instead, the salty water triggers a reflex that calms the nerves responsible for the painful spasm.
2. Hydration Support
When you exercise hard, you lose fluids and important minerals like sodium and potassium through sweat. It is important to compensate for these losses. Pickle juice contains water and sodium, making it a strong choice for post-workout hydration. “Although there isn’t a lot of research specifically on pickle juice for hydration, it makes sense that if you sweat a lot, a shot of pickle juice may help you regain lost sodium and retain water better”,
3. Blood Sugar Regulation
A study in the Journal of Diabetes Research suggests that vinegar, a key ingredient in pickle juice, may help control blood sugar levels. This small study found that consuming vinegar before meals may increase the muscles’ ability to absorb glucose and reduce blood sugar levels after eating. If you want to use pickle juice for vinegar, make sure the product contains vinegar as a primary ingredient, not just salty brine.
4. Promote gut health
Fermented foods, such as pickles, are a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help maintain gut health. “Drinking pickle juice from fermented pickles can provide live cultures that support your gut microbiome,” says the nutritionist. Although there haven’t been many studies specifically on pickle juice, it’s reasonable to think that if beneficial bacteria grow in fermented foods, they might as well in brine.
What are the side effects of drinking pickle juice?
Pickle juice may be helpful, but it is not right for everyone. Its acidity may bother people with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or other conditions that are sensitive to acid. Pickle juice is high in sodium, which is an important warning. “Just one dose can provide a large portion of the daily recommended sodium intake, which is 2,300 milligrams for most adults,” the expert says. People with high blood pressure or kidney disease should be careful when thinking about using pickle juice.
Is it healthy to drink lots of pickle juice?
Although pickle juice has many benefits, it is important to use it in limited quantities. “If you want to include pickle juice in your diet, consider reducing your intake of other foods that are high in sodium,” says nutritionist Sania. Always consult a health care professional before making changes to your diet.
(Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you have about any medical condition.)
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