Why mustard for leg cramps

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that prompts muscles to work. Mustard is also a good source of magnesium. When our muscles tighten, calcium is released into the muscles. Magnesium counteracts the effects of calcium, reducing muscle cramps. This is why mustard is effective for leg cramp relief.

Mustard contains acetic acid. Yellow Mustard is the only kind of mustard documented to relieve nighttime leg cramps. When nighttime leg cramps occur, take a teaspoon or two of yellow mustard. The mustard should take effect almost immediately, allowing you to easily get to sleep. The immediate relief is believed to be turmeric, which is used to give mustard its yellow color.

With the advent of modern medicine and pharmaceuticals, home remedies fell into disfavor. Doctors did not learn about them in medical school and drug companies were not about to invest millions of dollars into products that could not be patented. After all, doctors did not know how aspirin worked for at least 70 years after it was brought to market by the Bayer company. Now we have an ingenious explanation for why mustard or pickle juice works to relax muscle cramps.

For decades physicians and athletic trainers assumed that muscle cramps originated in muscles and were caused by dehydration or imbalances in electrolytes such as sodium, potassium or magnesium. Researchers have established that pickle juice promptly eases electrically induced muscle cramps Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise , May, They have also demonstrated that the mechanism of action of pickle juice or mustard is not through electrolyte replenishment Journal of Athletic Training , May-June, They are also prone to muscle cramps.

While kayaking several miles off Cape Cod, Dr. MacKinnon suffered debilitating cramps, which was dangerous that far out in the ocean. Leg cramps are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions that commonly affect the calves and hamstrings. They can be caused by fatigue or overuse…. Find out what causes leg cramps here. Learn about 20 triggers, from…. Pickle juice has become a popular remedy for leg cramps over the years. But does it work? Horseradish is a root vegetable known for its pungent flavor.

This article tells you everything you need to know about horseradish. It is very easy to make your own homemade mayonnaise. Here are 10 mayonnaise recipes that are both healthy and delicious. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Effectiveness What to know Bottom line Cramps occur when a muscle contracts on its own.

This article reviews the current research on the role of mustard as a remedy for leg cramps. Share on Pinterest. Does mustard help with cramps?