Soothe Muscle Cramps With Tonic Water
Source: Prevention Magazine, June 1999
What's a gin and tonic -- minus the gin -- got to do with muscle pain
relief?
The answer is quinine. Several studies suggest that quinine is
effective in treating and preventing nighttime leg cramps. However, a few
years ago, the Food and Drug Administration banned the over-the-counter sale
of this drug because of health risks associated with doses ranging between
260 and 325 mg. The amount of quinine in 8 ounces of tonic water -- to give
it the bitter taste -- is only about 27 mg.
Is tonic water safe?
Think of the millions of people who have been drinking tonic water for
years in mixed drinks," points out Paul Davidson, MD, associate clinical
professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. "This
small dose of quinine appears harmless."
Is tonic water powerful enough to relax muscles?
"Tonic water isn't strong enough to help everyone," says Dr. Davidson,
"especially people with severe muscle cramps, but it's certainly worth a
try."
Fred Kantrowitz, MD, a rheumatologist at Beth Israel/Deaconess Hospital
in
Boston, has a different point of view. "It's remarkable, because for some of
my patients it has worked incredibly well."
Not only has Dr. Kantrowitz seen it help older adults with nighttime leg
cramps, but several of his patients with fibromyalgia and younger patients
with calf cramps have benefited too.
Look for the standard yellow label that distinguishes tonic water, which
says "contains quinine." Doctors recommend drinking 4 to 8 ounces (1/12 to 1
cup) mixed with ice and lemon (for flavor) an hour before bedtime. If it's
going to work for you, you should notice improvement within a few days. If
not, discontinue use.
Talk to your doctor if you're taking prescription medication for leg
cramps
and want to try drinking tonic water instead.
