What does tonic water contain that could help with leg cramps?

su, I'm a nurse, and although there's not an FDA guideline for dosing, it's generally recommended 2 - 3 ounces (60 - 90 ml) tonic water immediately upon retiring to bed. My sister suffers from leg & foot cramps (not dehydrated related) and I had told her about quinine about 25 years ago. She swears by it! You can get a prescription for quinine tablets (I'm a cardiovascular OR RN), it helps with CV-related issues....which ALWAYS check with your doc prior to taking.....and I know back about 20 years ago, most American healthcare insurance would cover costs. Unsure about that now. Hope this helps!

I leaned something new! How interesting

... application to feel it's working time is about 5 seconds. Cramps vanish that fast.

meaning its okay to have gin and tonic for cramps ?

I am having cramps because of limited intake of water, its an automatic signal of our body for dehydration.

Quinine is also used for malaria symptoms...it's a handy thing to have.

MommaMel, I had a friend who was prescribed quinine tablets but the chemist told her there was more quinine in tonic water & it's cheaper lol. I was sceptical but tried it & was pleasantly surprised to find it does work! Although I prefer to hydrate with plain H2O wherever possible but the tonic water is a good backstop...especially with a shot of gin lol

if you're having leg cramps, magnesium and potassium also help. a bit of apple cider vinegar in water with some honey is also helpful. of course, check to see if you are dehydrated as well. magnesium and potassium levels in a lot of people are alarmingly low due to the processed food that is so readily available. I'd rather go natural rather than feed Big Pharma's greed.

su, around 200ml per measure of gin I’d say..

marcelle, best question I have seen so far. So...is there an answer? Anybody know?

it's good for heartburn too

PinoyRonin1955, aka Charlie horse cramping. Those are some painful omg so painful I cry. So now if I face wine in evenings I drink lots of water. Dehydration sets them off in legs

Will try….👍

LazyLabradoodle29407, a drink with electrolytes also helps with cramps.

not understanding.... if it helps with cramps how come the side effects are cramps???!!

TwoTin16, not true. they still do.

magnesium supplements are an option

It works 4 oz daily

LazyLabradoodle29407, how much tonic water. do u use

Just drink a normal amount and not overdo it. If it helps good, If not no harm done.

I really like the taste of tonic water. It definitely and almost immediately stops my painful debilitating leg cramps. I wonder how much is to much? Refreshing mixer with gin or vodka and lemon or lime.