The physiology of cramps can be complex. Nutrition may or may not have a role to play behind the why!!
Stretching out and massaging muscles can certainly be a good start but this is often NOT enough, since electrolyte balance plays a major role in muscle function and recovery.
Key nutrients include sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride and calcium.
On a personal level, having participated in master’s swim meet, while training for Ironman races, it is not uncommon for me to observe swimmers gathering at the lanes end in-between sets to mention their cramps. It amazes me how everyone in the pool suddenly becomes a nutritionist, and I bet you can guess which foods they suggest?
Did you have a banana in your thought processing just then? (well you are not alone) – as most of us know, bananas are a good source of potassium. Interestingly enough, they also have a decent source of magnesium and calcium. Its no wonder most of you would be right about recommending a banana at the side of the pool…. But, there may be the fine line between some other factors as to whether bananas may eliminate the cramps, or in fact preserve the cramp.
Did all you swimming nutritionists consider some very important physiology of sweat and muscle movement. What else may play a role?
– Hydration
– Supplementation
– Intensity and duration and type of exercise/training
– Medication side effects (probably the one you would want a professional to chime in on)
Why wait for the why, why not avoid the onset? Or at very least, fix the problem rather than exacerbate it.
TRAIN STRONG,
ILANA
