We have all experienced a cramp at least once in our life. It is not a fun experience to say the least. Cramps start off as muscle spasms; when a voluntary muscle begins to contract involuntarily. A series of these creates a cramp, which can last anywhere from a few seconds, to 15 minutes, or even longer. Cramps are most common in athletes and older adults. So what is the best solution to preventing and combating these cramps?
A recent study was done by Dr. Chhandashri Bhattacharya at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany. It was concluded at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) that coconut water is proven to relieve cramps the best. The huge reason for this is because it has 5 times the amount potassium in it than Gatorade does. It has 1500 mg/L of potassium, whereas Gatorade and Powerade only have about 300 mg/L. Potassium is extremely important in relieving cramps because a low concentration of it causes hyperexcitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles, thus causing cramps.
However, coconut water's sodium levels is where it fails. It contains 400 mg/L of sodium compared to 600 mg/L in Gatorade and Powerade. It also has comparable concentrations of magnesium and carbohydrates to the other sports drinks. The low sodium levels in coconut water make it an unsuitable drink for people engaged in strenuous exercise that results in a lot of sweating. Sweating causes a loss of more sodium than potassium, making coconut water an unsuitable drink for those engaged in strenuous exercise. It is much more appropriate for lighter exercise in preventing cramps.
For more information, visit:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120820143902.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/page2.htm
A recent study was done by Dr. Chhandashri Bhattacharya at Indiana University Southeast in New Albany. It was concluded at the 244th National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society (ACS) that coconut water is proven to relieve cramps the best. The huge reason for this is because it has 5 times the amount potassium in it than Gatorade does. It has 1500 mg/L of potassium, whereas Gatorade and Powerade only have about 300 mg/L. Potassium is extremely important in relieving cramps because a low concentration of it causes hyperexcitability of the nerves that stimulate the muscles, thus causing cramps.
For more information, visit:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/08/120820143902.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/page2.htm
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