Coconut Water for cramps?

[Marie13]

Doesn’t pickle juice work, too? And that’s very tasty.

 

[RyanT]

Has anyone in this thread actually had their electrolytes tested and found they were low on potassium and had cramps and started drinking coconut water and it made the cramps go away, or are most people doing it as a precaution? I'm all for anything that will help eliminate cramps (I actually had to end a dive early once because of a cramp that wouldn't go away) but would appreciate something a little more scientific too. I am fortunate that, after taking benadryl nightly for a couple of years, I can now take it before a dive and not fall asleep while underwater

If your potassium levels are low enough to generate muscle cramps, then you are also likely to have some cardiac arrythmias. One of the biggest contributors to muscle cramps is essentially running out of energy in skeletal muscles. The reason that bananas, coconut water, etc. help is that they have sugar, which is a fuel source for working muscles. Good conditioning and good nutrition go a long way towards helping stave off cramps.

 

[Dark Wolf]

I have never had my electrolytes tested. I also drink coconut water mainly because I like it and to keep hydrated. I drink a ton of water at work, and don't really care for bananas.

Very interesting thread!!

Lobo

 

[scubadada]

You can also be overhydrated for diving, everything in moderation

 

[dirtfarmer]

I drink it in moderation during the hot months because I'm very active and yes I don't get legs cramps anymore.

 

[JamesBon92007]

If your potassium levels are low enough to generate muscle cramps, then you are also likely to have some cardiac arrythmias. One of the biggest contributors to muscle cramps is essentially running out of energy in skeletal muscles. The reason that bananas, coconut water, etc. help is that they have sugar, which is a fuel source for working muscles. Good conditioning and good nutrition go a long way towards helping stave off cramps.

Are you referring to potassium levels that would be indicated as such in a blood test? I have not had any doctor tell me any cause for my cramps other than low Vitamin D, but I did see a vein specialist once and he told me the check-valves in two of my veins were not functioning properly and did an endovenous ablation on them. It didn't seem to do anything for the cramps but eventually some leg pain I had was gone. I also saw an artery specialist who told me my leg arteries were like PVC pipe and were supposed to be like vinyl tubing. That was a result of high cholesterol. Fortunately, my cholesterol is down to normal now thanks to modern medicine. I think I'll give the coconut water a try and quit the benedryl and see how it goes. While investigating any possible adverse effects of long-term benadryl usage I discovered that there are many people who are addicted to the stuff. I'm not worried about that because I only take one a day and those people are often taking 25-50 per day. As far as the nutrition and conditioning go I don't think I'm a candidate because I eat very healthy and exercise very regularly. I don't really eat that much German Chocolate Cake

 

[Jayfarmlaw]

Add me as a firm believer in Coconut Water. When we get to Cozumel, I will usually hit the grocery store and stock up for several days. I put several in the freezer and toss a couple of frozen ones in our drybag. By the time we have our surface interval, they are still a little slushy but drinkable. Cramps are no longer an issue on our second dive. I don't know if it is the electrolytes or potassium or what, I just know it works.

My wife is a Mayan banana fanatic. (The little short ones) We have always had those on board when we can find them and I will eat several throughout the dive day. The addition of the coconut water is when the cramps more or less stopped.

@JamesBon92007 my favorite is pineapple flavored CW. There is a brand that I can only find in Mexico called acapulcoco (spelled correctly) that is very good. They also have mango, cherry, and a few other flavors as well.

I have not found any in American brands that taste as good, but when I get sick with the flu or whatever bug may knock me down, I try to drink CW as well. the stuff just works.

Other cramp remedies that work when not diving are pickle juice and just a big spoon full of plain yellow mustard. When I get dehydrated I get bad cramps (Charlie horses) at night. Both rememdies are very effective.

Good luck, safe travels.
Jay

 

[Blueringocto_73]

Just a little warning based on personal experience. Yes I like coconut water for hydration. And I do use the potassium supplements when a cramp would be more likely.

But one time many years ago, I took only twice the maximum dose of Potassium supplement because I felt so good on a normal dose. Bad idea! i felt some discomfort in my chest after about an hour. Then it got worse. There was an arrhythmia that was so uncomfortable that it was unbearable.

Then it was gone. Just watch out if you do use the supplement.

 

[Dark Wolf]

Sorry guys, got home from work last night and forgot to post.

The coconut water I have been buying is Azul brand. 16.5 ounce cans. 400 mg of potassium per serving, 2 servings per can. I get em for $1 each.

A teaspoon of salt will knock out a cramp, if your diet allows.

Lobo

 

[RyanT]

@JamesBon92007, Yes, if your potassium levels can be tested with a blood test. Cardiac muscle has some special physiological properties compared to skeletal muscle, but the basic electrophysiological process governing contractions is the same for both muscle types. If your potassium levels are low enough to generate muscle cramps then you may very well experience cardiac arryhmias as well. People tend to attribute muscle cramps to potassium levels far too often. The bigger contributor to muscle cramps is simply fatigue. We store fuel (glucose in the form of glycogen) that is used for energy production (ATP) in muscle cells. Once the muscles have used their stored energy, they can tap fatty acids and glucose from the blood to continue ATP production. Even in the blood stream, however, that fuel supply is limited and/or may not be transferred fast enough enough to generate ATP inside hard working muscles. When ATP levels in the muscles drop, the muscles tend to be unable to release and a cramp ensues. This is one of the reasons that things like coconut water and bananas are helpful, they simply supply a lot of sugar