Is tonic water good for muscle cramps?
A. Tonic water—and the quinine it contains—have been promoted for preventing leg cramps for decades despite the lack of evidence that they are effective.
Is tonic water with quinine good for leg cramps?
A few small studies suggest that quinine is effective in decreasing the frequency of nocturnal leg cramps but not their severity or duration. Quinine consumed in commercial beverages has been reported to cause potentially fatal immunologically mediated hypersensitivity reactions.
Is tonic water a muscle relaxer?
Quinine stimulates a specialized channel on cell membranes called TRPM7. Such transient receptor potential (TRP) channels are found on nerves throughout the body. Activating them through the TRP channels appears to reverse the nerve hyperactivity that causes muscle cramps.
How much tonic water should you drink for leg cramps?
If vitamins don’t work over time, taking antihistamines or calcium channel blockers have been shown to help those suffering from muscle cramps. If all else fails and the cramps are interfering with your day-to-day life, try drinking about 6 ounces of tonic water before going to bed.
Why drink tonic water for leg cramps?
But we think the bitter taste of quinine could be triggering special receptors in the mouth, throat and stomach. Stimulation of these TRP channels can help nerves overcome muscle cramps. Even a small dose of quinine might be helpful.
What’s in tonic water that helps leg cramps?
Tonic water is a soft drink containing quinine, which gives it a bitter taste. Quinine is a common treatment for malaria. Some people believe that it can also help with leg cramps and restless legs syndrome. Quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree.
What’s in tonic water for cramps?
Why does tonic water stop leg cramps?
Many doctors would probably call this a homeopathic dose. But we think the bitter taste of quinine could be triggering special receptors in the mouth, throat and stomach. Stimulation of these TRP channels can help nerves overcome muscle cramps. Even a small dose of quinine might be helpful.
What does tonic water do to the body?
Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that may contain sugar and has little nutritional value. The quinine present in tonic water provides a distinctive bitter flavor. While not dangerous, tonic water does not have any benefits and could lead to an unnecessary increase in calorie consumption.