The arch of either foot cramps about 25-35 minutes into a pool workout. Phoebe said to do toe pointing exercises. Jeff Ernst at Kaiser Permanente said take OJ, Tonic water and magnesium at night. He also said NUUN might work. I have been trying the triple threat.
With a slight modification: I took the juice, tonic water and Mg during the workout. If the depletion of electrolytes was occurring during the workout, taking the remedy at the dime of workout would be the most effective, assuming effective absorption from the gut. Taking the dose the night before would allow the body too much time to get rid of the extra electrolyte load. Result: I had a hint of a cramp today. One last week. Overall, significant improvement.
The National Center for Biotechnology Information NCBI (a unit of the National Institutes of Health) did a study on bananas and potassium levels in people with and without Exercise Associated Muscle Cramps.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3499889/
The conclusion included some discussion about whether the efficacy of bananas to prevent the occurrence or recurrence of muscle cramping with exercise came from their effect on potassium levels (negligible) or on glucose levels.
For me the jury is out. I will continue to suck down my mix of juice, tonic water and magnesium while swimming. If the cramps only happen once a week, I might call it a win.
Next, getting the timing right for taking the remedy after starting the workout. 15 minutes? 20? We hope to know soon.
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