Not every health trend sounds so appealing that we instantly want to try it. In fact, most of them require us to do things we wouldn’t usually do. Case in point, the latest fitness hack that’s proving popular among pro athletes is drinking pure pickle juice.
You’re probably imagining the bitter taste in your mouth right now with some consternation, but wait for the full pitch. A number of top tennis players are chugging the stuff in-between sets. And if the pros like it, it can’t be that bad, right?
Retired wheelchair tennis star Dylan Alcott is one of the drink’s biggest fans and has openly praised it in the past. “I was on the pickle juice early in the third set. Whoever invented that, they need a raise,” he said after a win at the 2022 Australian Open.
Well, not only is it not bad, pickle juice is proven to carry a number of benefits that can be useful during exercise. So, should you try it? Here’s the full run-down.
What are the benefits of pickle juice?
When should you drink pickle juice?
If you’ve got some pickle juice and you’re looking for when to drink it, there are a few things to consider. Primarily, you should think about what you’re drinking it for.
If you’re sipping pickles for the gut health benefits, you can drink it anytime. If you’re trying to replace the salts and electrolytes lost from sweat, we’d recommend sticking to a standard hydration drink – they tend to taste much better.
If you want to drink pickle juice for its anti-cramping benefits, you’ll want to consume it when you start feeling those cramps coming on. The drink should provide fast relief so you can keep giving your all during exercise.
Are there any downsides to drinking pickle juice?
For all its benefits, there are also a number of negatives to consider before incorporating pickle juice into your regular diet – and we don’t just mean the taste.
Due to its high sodium content, drinking pickle juice can lead to increased water retention and bloating, which in turn can lead to increased blood pressure. Although, this is true of all hydration drinks that contain electrolytes and salts.
Pickle juice has also been known to cause indigestion when consumed in large quantities, while its acidity can cause issues for people with acid reflux.
We tend to take a ‘don’t knock it ’til you try it’ approach with health trends, but as always, do some research and make sure pickle juice is right for you before trying it.
