Why do athletes drink pickle juice and what are the health benefits of knocking back shots of cucumber brine?
FOOTBALL fans have spotted England players drinking from certain bottles during their opening match against Serbia.
It has now been revealed why Gareth Southgate’s squad have been given a secret ‘magic potion’ during the Euro 2024.
Which players were seen drinking pickle juice at Euro 2024?
After Kieran Trippier suffered an injury scare in England‘s 1-0 win over Serbia on June 16, he was seen consuming an unknown substance.
Fortunately for the Newcastle star, he only suffered from cramp and swiftly returned to his feet before ingesting two sachets a Three Lions doctor handed him.
However, the situation sparked a number of false online rumours, with some falsely accusing the full-back of “doping live on television”.
“Eh, what’s going on here? Trippier giving himself an injection mod game,” one fan said on X.
Another added: “When Trippier gets caught on doping on live tv. England should be disqualified.”
Despite the claims, it has now been confirmed that Trippier was drinking pickle juice.
Why is the England football squad is drinking pickle juice at Euro 2024?
The England squad has stocked up on pickle juice for the Euro 2024 campaign because the drink has properties to help combat cramps.
And it is not a brand new remedy discovered before Euro 2024.
Way back in 2019, football fans spotted then Arsenal ace Lucas Torreira gulping down some pickle juice.
How does pickle juice help with cramps?
Pickle juice is believed to stop cramps 40% faster than drinking water.
This is due to its content of vinegar, sodium, and potassium.
These components trigger a reflex in the mouth that signals muscles to ease cramping.
Pickle juice is also said to be useful for the rest of us who do not play professional sports.
It can offer several benefits, including relieving alcohol-induced hangovers, regulating blood sugar levels, and enhancing gut health through antioxidants.
The juice can also improve breath freshness by eliminating bacteria in the mouth.
WHAT DOES PICKLE JUICE TASTE LIKE?
FOOTBALLERS and tennis stars swear by the recovery powers of pickle juice – but does it actually taste any good?
We put The Pickle House’s original juice to the test and found out it didn’t tickle everyone’s taste buds.
Laura Morelli said: “No wonder why it fixes cramps – who would think about pain when you have to sip on this!”
Rachael Clarke said: “It tastes really salty. It’s gross. The aftertaste lingers and it’s leaves my mouth feeling like I have swallowed a blended McDonalds burger.”
Natasha Wynarczyk said: “It’s so sour and the vinegar smell is so overpowering. It does feel like I’m drinking pure vinegar.”
Valerie Browne said: “It’s tasty! I have some vinegar in the mornings and this is like a white wine, cider vinegar. I could drink it regularly.”
Sam Morgan added: “It’s like drinking sea water. The initial taste knocks you back but it settles a bit after that. I think a quick shot of this is probably enough for anyone.”
Thank you to The Pickle House, who provided us with their juice. You can buy it here.
Which athletes drink pickle juice?
Various athletes across different sports have been reported to use pickle juice as part of their performance strategies.
Over in tennis, Carlos Alcaraz has been seen drinking pickle juice – a notable occasion being during the Spaniard’s five-set victory over Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon last summer.
I was downing pickle juice, having that like Kool-Aid, just trying to get that done
Frances Tiafoe
Frances Tiafoe made headlines with his choice of replenishment following his win over Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov in the 2019 Australian Open.
Speaking about the gruelling four-set match, Tiafoe said: “I had the break, but started to feel my body.
“He played a good game to break me. After that, as you asked me, I was trying to stay alive.
“I was downing pickle juice, having that like Kool-Aid, just trying to get that done.
“I’m talking straight up: just downing it. It tasted terrible. I’m feeling terrible right now, man.”
How much pickle juice is effective to get rid of cramping?
Research suggests that consuming approximately 30-60 ml of pickle juice can effectively alleviate muscle cramps.
Relief typically occurs quickly, often within 85 seconds to 2.5 minutes after ingestion.
To use pickle juice for muscle cramps, simply measure out the desired amount and drink it promptly.