What is it for?
Cramps associated with exercise are involuntary and painful contractions produced during or shortly after physical exercise. As a general rule, they appear in those muscle groups involved in the sports activity and in many occasions they force to stop it completely. When a cramp arises, it can completely stop the activity being performed by an athlete due to a partial or total inability to continue generating normal muscle contractions.
There are many theories trying to discern the reason for these cramps, from nutritional deficits, loss of water and hydration, environmental factors such as heat and reasons related to the nervous system. On the other hand, due to the impossibility of identifying specific mechanisms in the prevention of cramps, part of the research has focused on the treatment of cramps at the time of their occurrence.
In this regard, the incorporation of shot beverages, i.e., the inclusion of small amounts of drinkables that meet a high acidity level (low pH), such as vinegared pickle juice broths, can be of great help. These preparations have high levels of acetic acid, which is speculated to interact with some receptors of the nervous system responsible for producing the sensation of stiffness in the muscle fibers.
On the other hand, the shot format in which citrus flavors are combined with vinegary flavors may be more effective than pickle broth alone. By this route, using these shots makes them easier to transport and use in different sports modalities such as team sports, cycling or running sports.
Benefits:
- Reduces the feeling of stiffness produced by cramps.
- Reduces discomfort and pain caused by cramps.
- Reduces the painful symptomatology of cramps.
- Helps to resume sports activity after suffering a cramp immediately.
Possible interactions
If you performing the use of any pharmacological treatment, consult your healthcare professional. Especially if you are diabetic or use drugs that decrease potassium levels, since the continued use of the shots could increase the acute effect of the treatment.
What dose to consume?
Consume a shot between the immediate period in which the cramp occurs and a minute and a half after its onset. It is advisable to have the shots in a place close to the sports practice or to carry it with the sports equipment, in order to make an acute use of it.
