PubHawk
Med Sci Sports Exerc May 2010 PMID 19997012

Reflex inhibition of electrically induced muscle cramps in hypohydrated humans.

Kevin C Miller, Gary W Mack, Kenneth L Knight, J Ty Hopkins, David O Draper, Paul J Fields, Iain Hunter

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Mentions

243
Peak: 6 in Oct 2021
across 6 sources since Dec 2020

Extended reach

133,829
potential audience

Total likes

303

Video views

18,341

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Dec 2020 – Oct 2025

Where it's discussed

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  • Facebook12 posts
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  • Bluesky2 posts

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions reveal a generally positive reception to the research, with mentions of pickle juice's neural reflex mechanism, citing previous studies and anecdotal evidence. Words like 'promising,' 'science-based,' and references to product development convey enthusiasm and curiosity, while skepticism about electrolyte effects shows nuanced engagement.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions show support or curiosity about the study, with many recognizing its neural reflex explanation and dismissing electrolyte-based hypotheses.

InterestNeutral interest
EngagementNeutral engagement
ImpactNeutral impact

Abstract in brief

  • The study tested whether drinking pickle juice can reduce muscle cramps in hypohydrated men and found that pickle juice shortens cramp duration compared to water, even though it doesn't significantly change body fluids or electrolytes immediately afterwards.
  • Muscle activity levels during cramps were similar regardless of whether participants drank water or pickle juice, indicating the difference in cramp duration isn't due to changes in muscle activation.
  • Researchers believe pickle juice works through a neural reflex triggered in the mouth or throat, not by restoring hydration or electrolytes, suggesting its effect on cramps is reflex-mediated rather than fluid or electrolyte-based.
Read the full abstract

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Profe Claudio Nieto
@profeclaudioni1 · X

"El jugo de pepinillos, inhibe los calambres musculares Este efecto no podría explicarse por la rápida restauración de los líquidos corporales o los electrolitos" Al primero que se lo leí fue al gran @arjona_manu https://t.co/L6hRB6MrMS

Oct 21, 2021 · 39 likes · 5 shares · 14,081 followers View post →
Daniela Seidel
@Daniela_Seidel_ · X

@bimbas_world Altes Hausmittel ist Gurkenwasser. Hast du eingelegte Gurken im Haus? Gibt sogar ne Studie, die das belegt. «Physiopraxis» 2017; 15 (1); S. 46–49 DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181c0647e (Studie Gurkenwasser) https://t.co/VIf8R9hMDz

Jul 24, 2023 · 28 likes · 27,841 followers View post →
南部　博昭(Hiroaki Nanbu)
@Hiroaki_Nanbu · X

じゃあ、痙攣を抑えるにはどうしたら良いかなのですが、ピクルスジュースやカプサイシン、マスタード、ニンニク、わさびといった辛い香辛料がどうも神経を抑制してくれるのではないかと言われています。 例えばこれとか。 https://t.co/WGyH894wiO

Jan 31, 2025 · 16 likes · 4 shares · 1,636 followers View post →
シゲラのおっちゃん
@cardioathlete · X

@baobabustroll ガチレスすると60mlのピクルスジュースを飲むことで、筋肉の痙攣が45％速く、平均で約85秒以内に収まるそうです！ https://t.co/trievWKYtr

Jun 22, 2022 · 12 likes · 8,698 followers View post →
Jessee Dietch, PhD
@JRDietch · X

@sw4618 @shari_alaina @ClaussenPickles There are a few studies that suggest this is a real effect, too. Evidence-based reasons to try pickle pops! https://t.co/mHtBSufA3U

May 4, 2021 · 4 likes · 1,001 followers View post →
Izabela Zakrocka
@IzabelaZakrocka · X

@TWhittier_RUSH @NephroSeeker Pickle juice seems promising https://t.co/XRkRwe7QDo and mustard, right @kidneymo? https://t.co/fgzYyN2fm4

Aug 21, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 967 followers View post →

All mentions

SistaRay
@sista-ray.bildung.social.ap.brid.gy · Bluesky

@kaltmamsell Angeblich hilft es auch zur Prävention, aber "pickle juice" von eingelegten Gurken verkürzt laut Studie die Dauer von Krämpfen. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19997012/

Oct 23, 2025 · 1 share View post →
therealfakefick.bsky.social
@therealfakefick.bsky.social · Bluesky

It's not actually about the electrolytes with pickle juice and cramps, it's a neural reflex : Reflex inhibition of electrically induced muscle cramps in hypohydrated humans - PubMed share.google/PR0qgqm7jvgr...

Oct 8, 2025 View post →
Michael Ostrolenk, MA, MFT
@mostrolenk · X

Reflex inhibition of electrically induced muscle cramps in hypohydrated humans - PubMed https://t.co/oyQsg1pqsM https://t.co/sqf2rVZ9LO

Aug 31, 2025 · 7,068 followers View post →
ToddVercoe
@ToddVercoe · X

@ThrillaRilla369 https://t.co/NqJ4vbBjZS

Aug 16, 2025 · 5,777 followers View post →
William Lagakos
@caloriesproper2 · X

Reflex inhibition of electrically induced muscle cramps in hypohydrated humans https://t.co/Edm44bVYgw

Jul 24, 2025 · 1 like · 2,975 followers View post →
くまｼｬﾝ
@kumarou · X

RT @Hiroaki_Nanbu: じゃあ、痙攣を抑えるにはどうしたら良いかなのですが、ピクルスジュースやカプサイシン、マスタード、ニンニク、わさびといった辛い香辛料がどうも神経を抑制してくれるのではないかと言われています。 例えばこれとか。 https://t.co/WGy…

Feb 20, 2025 · 4 shares · 552 followers View post →
masa某
@masabow23F · X

RT @Hiroaki_Nanbu: じゃあ、痙攣を抑えるにはどうしたら良いかなのですが、ピクルスジュースやカプサイシン、マスタード、ニンニク、わさびといった辛い香辛料がどうも神経を抑制してくれるのではないかと言われています。 例えばこれとか。 https://t.co/WGy…

Feb 1, 2025 · 4 shares · 733 followers View post →
kurochan-neo
@CvmHotatechan · X

RT @Hiroaki_Nanbu: じゃあ、痙攣を抑えるにはどうしたら良いかなのですが、ピクルスジュースやカプサイシン、マスタード、ニンニク、わさびといった辛い香辛料がどうも神経を抑制してくれるのではないかと言われています。 例えばこれとか。 https://t.co/WGy…

Jan 31, 2025 · 4 shares · 151 followers View post →
とれたま
@toretama_npcc · X

RT @Hiroaki_Nanbu: じゃあ、痙攣を抑えるにはどうしたら良いかなのですが、ピクルスジュースやカプサイシン、マスタード、ニンニク、わさびといった辛い香辛料がどうも神経を抑制してくれるのではないかと言われています。 例えばこれとか。 https://t.co/WGy…

Jan 31, 2025 · 4 shares · 2,263 followers View post →
南部　博昭(Hiroaki Nanbu)
@Hiroaki_Nanbu · X

じゃあ、痙攣を抑えるにはどうしたら良いかなのですが、ピクルスジュースやカプサイシン、マスタード、ニンニク、わさびといった辛い香辛料がどうも神経を抑制してくれるのではないかと言われています。 例えばこれとか。 https://t.co/WGyH894wiO

Jan 31, 2025 · 16 likes · 4 shares · 1,636 followers View post →
zato enjoyer ⚢⚣
@AbsolvedOfGuilt · X

@Dr_LoveShark @kingepic22 Yes and no. It appears to depend on why the cramp happened and when you eat the pickle. Eating pickles regularly isn't likely to do anything, but if you drink pickle juice during a cramp, the cramp might be neutralized faster. https://t.co/sdLzPa1FXo

Dec 5, 2024 · 1 like · 422 followers View post →
Luis Aparicio Villa
@lapariciovilla · X

@TheTennisLetter This is study in 2009 already found that pickle juice or apple cider vinegar works against cramps but not because of electrolytes, which had nothing to do. It was the vinegar that caused a relaxation effect. https://t.co/WmoUma7GeF https://t.co/uZeU8nGd4v

Jun 9, 2024 · 517 followers View post →
Guille Casas
@GuilleNutri · X

@Veronutricion @jmgmoron Cada vez más frecuente en fútbol, rugby, y ahora en tenis! Referencia: https://t.co/AV92IILFrB

Jun 7, 2024 · 2 likes · 680 followers View post →
André
@iwearagasmask · X

@vasco_mendonca "Anecdotal evidence suggests that ingesting small volumes of pickle juice relieves muscle cramps within 35 s of ingestion. No experimental evidence exists supporting the ingestion of pickle juice as a treatment for skeletal muscle cramps." https://t.co/FaNudqn7Yp

Mar 13, 2024 · 2,285 followers View post →
Brandon Curry
@BrandoCurry · X

@RoyPhilpott @RoddyJones20 Pickle juice has acetic acid that works to inhibit the firing alpha motor neurons in muscles (aka stops cramping faster than water or high-electrolyte drinks, such as Gatorade). https://t.co/Ncd3MHp3RL.

Dec 2, 2023 · 1 like · 250 followers View post →
Brett Weisberg
@brettjweisberg · X

@businessbarista 2oz on-the-go format pickle juice shots packed with electrolytes for anti-cramp + hydration. no more drinking brine straight out of the jar! cramp relief science based on this study: https://t.co/9U6MeIkstQ am currently in formulation / brand development

Oct 30, 2023 · 2 likes · 286 followers View post →
Slobodan Peric
@JayJoJoJr · X

@DrHaidenthaler Podcaster aus den USA schwören ja auf pickle juice

Oct 18, 2023 · 426 followers View post →
Daniela Seidel
@Daniela_Seidel_ · X

@bimbas_world Altes Hausmittel ist Gurkenwasser. Hast du eingelegte Gurken im Haus? Gibt sogar ne Studie, die das belegt. «Physiopraxis» 2017; 15 (1); S. 46–49 DOI: 10.1249/MSS.0b013e3181c0647e (Studie Gurkenwasser) https://t.co/VIf8R9hMDz

Jul 24, 2023 · 28 likes · 27,841 followers View post →
Joachim's Training
@TrainingInNYC · X

@scottcarlinpt Remember this research from 2010 suggesting that pickle juice helped alleviate muscle cramps? I love me some pickles! https://t.co/iD4bdSnWCW

Jan 2, 2023 · 1 like · 781 followers View post →
CFBCOSDAWG
@CFBcosdawg · X

@Andy_Staples the modern theory on cramps in exercise is they are not sodium related. It is a neuromuscular issue. It is not the sodium in pickle juice that helps it is likely an acid in the vinegar that triggers a response. https://t.co/zJ7oAIIaE8

Sep 16, 2022 · 82 followers View post →
Bill Whittier
@TWhittier_RUSH · X

RT @IzabelaZakrocka: @TWhittier_RUSH @NephroSeeker Pickle juice seems promising https://t.co/XRkRwe7QDo and mustard, right @kidneymo? https…

Aug 21, 2022 · 1 share · 4,421 followers View post →
Izabela Zakrocka
@IzabelaZakrocka · X

@TWhittier_RUSH @NephroSeeker Pickle juice seems promising https://t.co/XRkRwe7QDo and mustard, right @kidneymo? https://t.co/fgzYyN2fm4

Aug 21, 2022 · 3 likes · 1 share · 967 followers View post →
Shaun Clark
@ShaunClarkpt · X

Enjoyed this? Follow me for more random threads around running, hiking and trail performance and like or retweet the first post please. Ref: Miller https://t.co/Vy155tiBQ3 2010, Reflex Inhibition of Electrically Induced Muscle Cramps in Hypohydrated Humans

Jul 26, 2022 · 515 followers View post →
シゲラのおっちゃん
@cardioathlete · X

@baobabustroll ガチレスすると60mlのピクルスジュースを飲むことで、筋肉の痙攣が45％速く、平均で約85秒以内に収まるそうです！ https://t.co/trievWKYtr

Jun 22, 2022 · 12 likes · 8,698 followers View post →
Ontological Argument
@ontologicalpro2 · X

@theIDPharmD @wildestdreams_3 It's a folkloric remedy for muscle cramps. https://t.co/deihq81yhK

May 12, 2022 · 1 like · 121 followers View post →
claimshero.eth
@claimshero__eth · X

RT @profeclaudioni1: "El jugo de pepinillos, inhibe los calambres musculares Este efecto no podría explicarse por la rápida restauración d…

Oct 24, 2021 · 5 shares · 128 followers View post →
Jose Antonio Lopez
@JoseALopezDN · X

RT @profeclaudioni1: "El jugo de pepinillos, inhibe los calambres musculares Este efecto no podría explicarse por la rápida restauración d…

Oct 22, 2021 · 5 shares · 1,387 followers View post →
JoaquimLamora
@JoaquimLamora · X

RT @profeclaudioni1: "El jugo de pepinillos, inhibe los calambres musculares Este efecto no podría explicarse por la rápida restauración d…

Oct 22, 2021 · 5 shares · 1,133 followers View post →
Carlos Munoz
@Munoz_Carlos · X

RT @profeclaudioni1: "El jugo de pepinillos, inhibe los calambres musculares Este efecto no podría explicarse por la rápida restauración d…

Oct 21, 2021 · 5 shares · 297 followers View post →
Manuel Sola Arjona
@arjona_manu · X

RT @profeclaudioni1: "El jugo de pepinillos, inhibe los calambres musculares Este efecto no podría explicarse por la rápida restauración d…

Oct 21, 2021 · 5 shares · 6,572 followers View post →
Profe Claudio Nieto
@profeclaudioni1 · X

"El jugo de pepinillos, inhibe los calambres musculares Este efecto no podría explicarse por la rápida restauración de los líquidos corporales o los electrolitos" Al primero que se lo leí fue al gran @arjona_manu https://t.co/L6hRB6MrMS

Oct 21, 2021 · 39 likes · 5 shares · 14,081 followers View post →
KJ, PA-C
@KTJanePA · X

@GrrlMD Funny, I read about an intriguing study re: pickle juice affecting a “neurally-mediated reflex that originates in the oropharyngeal region and acts to inhibit the firing of alpha motor neurons of the cramping muscle” https://t.co/8INf6JuYQw

Sep 6, 2021 · 1 like · 1,197 followers View post →
Jessee Dietch, PhD
@JRDietch · X

@sw4618 @shari_alaina @ClaussenPickles There are a few studies that suggest this is a real effect, too. Evidence-based reasons to try pickle pops! https://t.co/mHtBSufA3U

May 4, 2021 · 4 likes · 1,001 followers View post →
Iain O'Brien
@iainobrien · X

References: https://t.co/pychrJWgBo https://t.co/wnJckQRn7a

Dec 24, 2020 · 20,140 followers View post →