Leg Cramps, Pain, Sleepless Nights, Startling Pain.
Many years ago someone told me that leg cramps would go away if the person drinks tonic water. That’s right, Tonic Water.
I did some research and found little research on the topic. I did find that the amount of quinine in tonic water is minuscule compared to that which is used for malaria treatment. I also learned that while the high doses can be dangerous, there is no danger in the fewer than 83 mg in tonic water. Despite this, some will say that tonic water is dangerous, but it seems epically unlikely that it is more dangerous than driving a car, sleeping under a tree, or walking in the rain.
Over the same number of years, I have suggested to patients that they try it for their muscle cramps. There is little to no risk, and if it works, BAM! Done, just like that, and without the risk of lab made drugs prescribed by a doctor who has been told that the quinine in tonic water is dangerous.
This is taken from post from Harvard University “Quinine is FDA-approved only for treating malaria and is sold with a warning against using it to treat leg cramps or muscle pain, because it increases the risk of bleeding and heart rhythm disturbances.”
Of the patients who have tried this, none of them have had side effects, and most of them have had relief from their leg cramps.
They are your cramps, you can choose how you would like to deal with them, and whether or not the “risk” is worth it to you.
~Dr. Lou
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