Please Pass the Mustard

I’m going to go way out on a limb and guess that the last time you had a leg cramp your immediate reaction was to either stretch it, rub it, ice it or a combination of any of these responses. What if I told you that you should eat some yellow mustard for an almost immediate relief to the cramping? As crazy and perhaps to some, disgusting as this may sound, there have been countless stories of people having almost instantaneous relief when consuming just a teaspoon of yellow mustard. Professional athletes have been told for years by their coaches to swallow a few teaspoons of mustard to fight off leg cramps.

For many people, leg cramps occur at night while they sleep and not while engaged in sports. Such cramps may be caused by dehydration (which can be associated with diarrhea, insufficient fluid intake, excessive sweating), a deficiency of calcium, potassium, and/or magnesium, or for reasons unknown. So, does this mean you should have a packet of yellow mustard on your night stand at bedtime? Perhaps. Anecdotal evidence suggests you should. A quick internet search reveals claims that a few squirts of mustard sends those cramps off to la-la land and you right along with them.

mustard for crampsSo why does this work? One of the reasons it is suggested that this odd remedy is helpful is because the condiment contains acetic acid (in vinegar), which prompts the body to produce more acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter that prompts muscles to work. Mustard is also a good source of magnesium. When our muscles tighten, calcium is released into the muscles. Magnesium counteracts the effects of calcium, reducing muscle cramps. Magnesium has also been shown to reduce the severity of asthma, lower high blood pressure, restore normal sleep patterns in women having difficulty with the symptoms of menopause, reduce the frequency of migraine attacks, and to prevent heart attack in patients suffering from atherosclerosis or diabetic heart disease.

According to a report in the American Family Physician, nighttime cramps occur in up to 60% of adults. If taking a squirt of mustard doesn’t work, is there really any harm done? If the cramping doesn’t cease, the added benefits of mustard being high in selenium, a potent anti-oxidant that has recently been linked to the decrease in oxidative stress as well as the prevention of cancer, you are still providing your body with a powerful weapon for overall wellness.

However, I will caution you to not be tempted to smear mustard all over your legs. It doesn’t work that way…. unless of course you are suffering from a mild to moderate burn in which case yellow mustard may be good for that as well. (Mind blown?)

Ready to #feelbetter?

You're just a click away from a wicked good massage!

Book Now!

Change the Angle of Your Stretch!

Change the Angle of Your Stretch! We have all heard time and again that stretching is a great way to reduce the risk of injury as well as aid in recovery from a work out. So why is it that we still get injuries and our bodies feel sluggish, even when we stretch? The broad…

Read More

6 Stretches to Reduce Back Pain

6 Stretches to Reduce Back Pain At some point or another, we all have experienced some form of back pain. As I have explained in some of my previous posts, the degree or level of pain that is experienced is subjective to the individual based solely on their own neuro-signature. Simply put, no two people…

Read More

Life Hack: Under Pressure

Life Hack: Under Pressure When we think of a “hack” to something, we typically envision some unique way of doing something better and more efficiently than normal. However, some hacks can simply be a means of saving money, not just time. Last winter, we added some new construction to our home of 15 years. The…

Read More

Just Keep Moving

Just Keep Moving If you are sitting at your desk right now reading this, you may be wondering how it’s already September and summer is (un)officially over. The kids are back in school. Students from all over the globe have reentered our neighborhoods and roadways. The traffic suddenly seems to be more packed. Alas, another…

Read More

Have A Dose

Have A Dose The readers of this newsletter are all patients of The Boston Bodyworker, so there is no reason to try and “sell” you on the benefits of massage therapy. However, often we hear our guests struggle over expressing why they get a massage on a regular basis. It is our responsibility to not…

Read More

Life Hack: Wall Angels

Life Hack: Wall Angels So, while your boss is away, and the office is emptying out earlier and earlier as we reach the apex of summer time in Boston, you’re still grinding away making the most of this opportunity to get ahead. But wait, what is that pain you’re starting to feel between your shoulder…

Read More

Actions Triumph Words

Actions Triumph Words Over the years, we have all found certain quotes or guidance to motivate, lift and energize our spirit and those of others. I have so many favorites, but there are three in particular that I have been repeating to myself, my kids and even the kids I coach, more than any others…

Read More

Preach; Calories In vs. Calories Out

Preach; Calories In vs. Calories Out Summer time is the time of year when we typically want to look our best. Let’s face it, despite the fact that we live in a world that is openly less critical of body types and encourages us to see each other for what we do and how we…

Read More

Life Hack: 4th of July!

Life Hack: 4th of July! With the fourth of July just around the corner, we though you might enjoy some Red-White & Blue Homestyle life hacks that are fun, crafty and some are even edible! Check out these life hacks from our friends at BuzzFeed. My personal favorite is #16. Send us your creation if…

Read More

Why Run When You Can Sprint?

Why Run When You Can Sprint? Time and again, I hear from so many that the reason why they don’t work out more is because they don’t have time. Well, what If I told you that you can achieve the same health benefits of a 30-minute run in less than 60 seconds? REALLY! As the…

Read More