Dealing with cramps

This week, the Dispotech blog looks into at a study conducted by Edith Cowan University which shows that electrolytes taken with water help athletes reduce and prevent muscle cramps. Let’s have a closer look with the support of some news read on sciencedaily.com.

Many people are convinced that drinking lots of water helps ward off the risk of suffering from muscle cramps, which can cause intense pain. However, pure water does not work as well as water supplemented with electrolytes: according to research by Edith Cowan University (ECU), electrolytes are the main ally of sportsmen and women who want to avoid bothersome cramps.

The research findings, published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition and led by Professor Ken Nosaka, showed through various tests that people who drink water with electrolytes during and after training are less prone to cramps than those who drink pure water. According to Nosaka, it isn’t dehydration that causes cramps but a lack of electrolytes - which, by the way, are eliminated through sweating.

The tests conducted by Prof. Nosaka and his team analysed the physical condition of 10 men who ran on a treadmill for 40 to 60 minutes in a room where temperatures reached 35°C at two different times. In the first training session, they drank only water during and after training; in the second, they drank water supplemented with electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc.).

During both training sessions, participants were subjected to electrical stimulation on the calves to induce muscle cramps. The test results showed that those who drank water with electrolytes needed more electrical stimulation to feel cramps. This means that individuals who drink only natural water are more likely to suffer from muscle pain.

Electrolytes, as mentioned above, include minerals such as sodium, potassium and magnesium - essential elements for our bodies, not only for those who practice sports. Rehydration solutions with water, salt and sugar can be prepared or purchased in supermarkets and pharmacies.

Taking electrolytes helps our bodies absorb water better and replenish necessary minerals when it’s very hot, when we have health problems or we sweat. This is also why people who practice sports (even of moderate intensity) are advised to quench their thirst with water/beverages that also contain electrolytes.

What do you think about this article? Don’t hesitate to contact the Dispotech team for any information or questions.