Although pickle juice—which contains cucumbers, salt, water and sometimes, vinegar—is high in sodium, it may offer several health benefits. From fighting muscle and menstrual cramps to controlling blood sugar, here are some of the anecdotal claims.
Sunburns
Although there is no scientific research investigating the effectiveness, some people use pickle juice to soothe sunburns by either pouring it directly on the skin or soaking paper in the juice and applying the paper to the sunburn.
Diabetes
There is some research indicating that pickle juice made with vinegar may help reduce blood sugar after meals and improve the body’s response to insulin. One study, which was published in the journal Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice, reported in its conclusion: “The findings suggest that vinegar can be effective in reducing postprandial glucose and insulin levels, indicating it could be considered as an adjunctive tool for improving glycemic control.”
Muscle cramps
Although more research is needed, a 2010 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found evidence that pickle juice significantly helps with muscle cramps. The study found that by drinking 1.5 ounces of pickle juice for every 100 pounds of body weight, muscle cramps could be resolved in 1.5 minutes. The recovery was 45% faster than for those participants who drank no liquid at all.
Menstrual cramps
Along the same lines as muscle cramps, there is anecdotal evidence that the high sodium levels in pickle juice reduces cravings for salty foods and soothes the pain of menstrual cramps.
Potential side effects
While small amounts of pickle juice are probably fine, there are some risk factors in large quantities and for people with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure. These risks include:
- Water retention, swelling and bloating
- Increased blood pressure
- Gas, diarrhea and stomach pain
When in doubt, talk to your doctor before adding pickle juice to your diet as a regular supplementation.
