How Famous Athletes Include Pickles In Their Diets?
- P.T Usha ate pickles as a comfort food
When asked in an interview, P.T. Usha said that as she was just 16 during the Olympics of 1984, and wanted food that could give her both - proper nutrition and comfort in the foreign land. Thus, she used to carry Mango Pickles with her to the countries she travelled.
Data Source - Rev Sports
- Hikers are advised to pair pickles in their breakfast before hikes!
It is advised by the trek-guides to have homemade pickles (especially ones made with mustard oil) before they start the treks. Pickles, being high in sodium content, helps trekkers maintain the electrolyte balance as they might sweat too much while on journey and it also aids in muscle recovery.
People living in mountainous regions engage in physical activities like cattle grazing and face dry air and low temperatures, which reduce water intake and lead to frequent dehydrations. To overcome this, they include pickles in their diet for optimal hydration and sustained energy.
The Indian women's hockey team carried 100 servings of pickles to Tokyo!
It was a well-versed decision of the head coach, Wayne Lombard, to carry pickles for Japan’s condition - hot and sweltering. The team carried 100 servings of pickle (gherkin in vinegar) for proper recovery from muscle fatigue.
Data Source - The Indian Express
David Warner reveals that he drinks pickle juice when nervous!
In IPL 2019, David Warner revealed to the media that he kept on drinking pickle juice to deal with his nervousness. He was under pressure and it helped him cope with the tense situation as he was returning from a period when he was banned from the cricketing journey.
Yashashvi Jaiswal was spotted drinking an unknown drink!
Yashasvi Jaiswal was observed drinking pickle juice during an India vs Australia match in November 2024 match to potentially help with muscle cramps. He did this to reduce the cramp pain which he had on his hand in the 2nd innings of the match.
How Do Pickles Help An Athlete?
To an athlete, pickles have a lot to offer with consumption in a very small servings:
- Electrolyte Intake : Pickle juice is rich in potassium, magnesium and sodium. It has been found to stop cramping 40% faster than drinking water. As soon as the vinegar touches the mouth, it triggers a reflex that alerts our brains to tell our muscles to stop contracting and relax.
- Hydration : Hydration is the key to muscle performance, recovery, and increased energy levels. Pickle juice (also known as brine) is rich in water and electrolytes. It helps the athlete in rehydrating after a strained workout.
- Muscle recovery : Foods with high sodium content have proven to aid in fast muscle recovery. Pickles seem to trigger a reflex that reduces cramp-inducing signals in the muscles. This is beneficial to athletes prone to cramps while in training or competing.
- Improved Gut Health : Fermented Pickles (those made through natural fermentation) contain beneficial bacteria (probiotics) that support gut health. For athletes, a body with a healthy gut is important for nutrient absorption, immunity, and overall body recovery.
- Mental Refreshment : People pursuing sports have a very rigid diet. They might get frustrated and crave for something that is spicy and flavourful. Pickles generally become a go-to option for athletes in this case.
Data Source - Sodium content of Indian pickle brands
Potassium and sodium - Research Gate.
How Can An Athlete Include Pickles In Their Diet?
- For Advanced Athletes - Pickle juice becomes an essential supplement to recover fast. Some athletes use it post workouts but some prefer it using pre-matches as a precautionary measure. If you are prone to cramps, it is recommended to sip pickle juice before the game to help your muscles manage minor sprains during play.
- For Intermediate/Beginners - If you are not indulged in full-time sports, or play some sports as a hobby, you can add pickles to your regular diets instead of pickle juice. Pairing a spoon or two of homemade pickles will give you sufficient nutrients and electrolyte content to keep you hydrated and energetic.
Summary
Now we know how pickles can indeed be a performance booster in an athlete’s diet. It is a flavourful way in which it can provide hydration, electrolyte and sodium intake, muscle recovery, and improve gut health. When consumed in moderation, it can prove to be a true supplement for a person pursuing any sports. Moreover, we have seen famous athletes - ones whom we admire and take inspiration from promoting pickles and pickle juice on field.
Wow, thought of pickles only as a mere flavourful side dish, now I can indulge more after knowing its benefits
This is an informative blog and,I am happy to know that pickles are not unhealthy .
This blog is thoroughly researched and well written
Very nice to know that pickles have been of so much importance for Indian folks!