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Drinking pickle juice could ease your menstrual cramps, doctor reveals Credits: Social Media
By Ellissa Bain

Drinking pickle juice could ease your menstrual cramps, doctor reveals

By Ellissa Bain

If you suffer from painful menstrual cramps, drinking one bizarre liquid could be the answer – pickle juice!

A doctor has revealed that the vinegary liquid could ease your period pain, although there is limited research into its effectiveness.

Pain
Belly pain, a woman lies down in pain. Credit: Kinga Krzeminska (Getty Images)

Pickle juice could ease menstrual cramps

Speaking on TikTok, ER doctor Dr. Joe Whittington said that drinking pickle juice “can be effective” for period pains because of the high sodium and potassium content.

Muscle tissue relies on certain minerals and electrolytes to contract and relax, so foods containing these can help to ease cramping.

“Also, the vinegar in pickle juice can help stabilize blood sugar levels which also helps with cramping symptoms,” he continued.

It’s not just menstrual cramps that it works for either. Pickle juice can help any muscle cramping, including from illness and after exercise.

One study in the American Journal of Gastroenterology analyzed people with cramping due to cirrhosis (scarring of the liver) and found that 69% claimed pickled juice got rid of their cramps, compared with 40% who only drank tap water.

Another study in the Medicine & Science Journal electrically induced muscle cramps and found that the cramp duration was significantly shorter after drinking pickle juice compared to water.

However, Healthline notes, there is limited evidence to prove how effective pickle juice really is at relieving cramps and more research is needed.

@drjoe_md

Drinking pickle juice for menstrual cramps can be effective due to its high electrolyte content, particularly sodium and potassium, which can help ease muscle cramps. The vinegar in pickle juice may also promote muscle relaxation and reduce pain by stabilizing blood sugar levels. While anecdotal evidence supports its use, it’s best to drink in moderation, as the high sodium content could pose risks for those with certain health conditions. #picklejuice #menstrualcramps #periodpain #womenshealth #obgyn #doctorlife 🎥 via @thisistheworstpod

♬ original sound – Dr. Joe, M.D. 🩺

Proven ways to relieve period pains

As explained by the NHS, the only proven ways to relieve period pains are:

  • Having a warm bath or shower
  • Putting a heat pad or hot water bottle on your tummy
  • Massaging your tummy and back
  • Gentle exercise like yoga, swimming, walking or cycling
  • Taking painkillers

Cramps are a normal part of the menstrual cycle and occur when your womb tightens during your period. However, severe period pains can signal a more serious condition such as endometriosis, fibroids or pelvic inflammatory disease.

If your periods are extremely painful, heavy or irregular, you should speak to a doctor who will be able to provide further guidance.

Dr. Joe Whittington is a board-certified MD in�Emergency�Medicine based in California who graduated from UCLA and St. Louis University School of Medicine.