Indian tonic water for cramps

Federal government websites often end in. The site is secure. In a linked research article, Garrison and colleagues 1 report on the seasonal variability of nocturnal leg cramps. Instead, I will focus on the role of quinine in the management of this common condition.

Leg cramps can be a real pain — literally! That quest for relief has led many to turn to an unexpected remedy: tonic water. But does this fizzy beverage really hold the key to alleviating leg cramps? We spoke with Kaylee Jacks, a sports dietitian at Texas Health Sports Medicine, to dive into the science behind tonic water and explore whether it's truly a helpful solution or just an old wives' tale. Before we get into its potential benefits, let's start by understanding what tonic water is. Tonic water is a carbonated beverage that contains quinine, a bitter compound derived from the bark of the cinchona tree.

Indian tonic water for cramps

Tonic water is a soft drink containing quinine, which gives it a bitter taste. Quinine is a common treatment for malaria. Some people believe that it can also help with leg cramps and restless legs syndrome. Quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree. This tree is native to central and South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean and western parts of Africa. Doctors continue to use quinine as a part of malaria treatment. However, it is typically a second-line treatment option and may have adverse effects at therapeutic doses. Researchers cite the poor tolerability of the drug and the risk of severe health consequences as reasons to limit regular medicinal use. As a food additive, quinine offers a bitter taste. Manufacturers usually add small amounts to tonic water.

While anecdotal evidence suggests that tonic water might provide relief for some individuals with leg cramps, the scientific evidence is inconclusive and limited.

Q: I have suffered from nighttime leg cramps for years. These agonizing muscle cramps have affected my sleeping habits. Recently, I read that quinine contained in tonic water is effective in treating leg cramps. Have you had experience with this treatment? A: Doctors used to prescribe quinine to treat leg cramps. In fact, quinine used to be sold over the counter for this purpose. The dose of quinine that many doctors prescribed was to mg.

Tonic water is a soft drink containing quinine, which gives it a bitter taste. Quinine is a common treatment for malaria. Some people believe that it can also help with leg cramps and restless legs syndrome. Quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree. This tree is native to central and South America, as well as some islands in the Caribbean and western parts of Africa. Doctors continue to use quinine as a part of malaria treatment. However, it is typically a second-line treatment option and may have adverse effects at therapeutic doses. Researchers cite the poor tolerability of the drug and the risk of severe health consequences as reasons to limit regular medicinal use. As a food additive, quinine offers a bitter taste. Manufacturers usually add small amounts to tonic water.

Indian tonic water for cramps

Quinine is a bitter compound that comes from the bark of the cinchona tree. It was originally developed as a medicine to fight malaria. The tree is most commonly found in South America, Central America, the islands of the Caribbean, and parts of the western coast of Africa. Quinine was crucial in reducing the death rate of workers building the Panama Canal in the early 20 th century. Quinine, when found in small doses in tonic water, is safe to consume.

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Quinine, when found in small doses in tonic water, is safe to consume. That left people like this reader in a terrible quandary. Tonic water is a carbonated soft drink that may contain sugar and has little nutritional value. Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Using ice or heat and gently massaging the affected muscle may provide some relief. Copy Download. The trial should be considered only after treatable causes have been ruled out, and nonpharmacologic and potentially less toxic pharmacologic agents have been tried. Notes See also research article on page and at www. They can occur in people with musculoskeletal problems like flat feet or high arches; metabolic disorders such as diabetes; thyroid issues; vascular problems' side effects from certain medications; or neurological conditions such as Parkinson's. Side effects. We suspected it might be a placebo effect. But we think the bitter taste of quinine could be triggering special receptors in the mouth, throat and stomach. To learn more about the science behind this and many other simple treatments you may find our eGuide to Favorite Home Remedies of interest. The FDA acted in this manner because of a perception that quinine is not effective for this condition and that its risk potential far exceeds its efficacy potential. Close Thanks for visiting.

Q: I have suffered from nighttime leg cramps for years. These agonizing muscle cramps have affected my sleeping habits.

However, these are more common side effects for quinine taken as a medication. Watching drug commercials on television is a scary proposition, especially when the announcer says things like:. It is believed to help reduce the frequency and intensity of muscle contractions that cause cramps. As mentioned, that would require at least 10 glasses of tonic water and take a long time to go to work. Quinine has been used for centuries to treat malaria, thanks to its antimalarial properties. More from CBS News. Publication types Review. I tried it. The foods and drinks that pass by your lips can have a dramatic impact on your health, starting from the first moment they enter your mouth. Patel they've been sipping on quinine water to help ease leg cramps. A glass of tonic has one tenth the prescribed leg cramp dose of quinine. It can trigger rare but potentially life-threatening reactions, such as bleeding issues, kidney damage, abnormal heartbeat, or a severe allergic reaction. They can be activated by a variety of flavors including vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, garlic or chili peppers. Before we get into its potential benefits, let's start by understanding what tonic water is.