Women with menstrual problems can make good use of this home remedy: cucumber juice.
“Drinking cucumber juice for menstrual cramps may be effective due to its high electrolyte content, particularly sodium and potassium, which may relieve muscle cramps,” California emergency room physician Joe Whittington said on TikTok last week.
He added: “The vinegar in cucumber juice can also promote muscle relaxation and relieve pain by stabilizing blood sugar levels.”
Who takes this advice to heart? Comedian Brittany Furlan, wife of rocker Tommy Lee and host of the podcast “This Is the Worst.”
“I’m dying of cramps and then out of the blue my husband says, ‘Why don’t you just drink some pickle juice?'” Furlan, who suffers from endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome, explained in a recent episode.
Furlan, 37, said her “cramps went down to a minimum within five minutes of taking the juice. It’s kind of unbelievable.”
She claims that 61-year-old Lee heard about the cure on Instagram – and Whittington is taking credit for it.
However, the effectiveness of cucumber juice against cramps has long been controversial among athletes and health experts.
“I think it really helps with recovery and hydration,” professional MMA fighter Jason Markland told The Post in 2019. “You don’t feel an immediate change, but you know it’s working. If you get cramps in your workout and you drink it, you can feel the difference.”
Chris Mohr, fitness and nutrition consultant at Fortune Recommends Health, says the sodium in pickle juice helps compensate for salt loss during intense exercise, which can lead to muscle cramps.
“Cucumber juice is thought to help with muscle cramps, especially those in the legs, feet or arms, which are usually caused by exercise or other physical activity,” Mohr told Scary Mommy in June. “However, there is not much evidence that cucumber juice could be helpful for menstrual cramps caused by hormone fluctuations and uterine contractions.”
If you want to try cucumber juice for menstrual cramps or other cramps, Whittington advises: “It’s best to drink it in moderation, as the high sodium content can pose a risk for certain health conditions.”
Whittington also reports that the salty stuff can help with a hangover.
The brine’s alleged benefits also include treating sore throats and de-icing sidewalks when temperatures drop.
