Salt?

On Tue, 28 Oct 2003 20:15:57 -0000, "Carrigman" <carrigman@DEATHTO

SPAMMERShotmail.com said:

Should one take salt on strenuous walks to avoid cramps?

I was doing the Coomloughra Horseshoe in County Kerry the other day and to my surprise got several
momentary cramps in my legs. Nothing to worry about, but curious nonetheless. Could I have avoided
these by either eating salty food on the trip or even by taking the odd pinch of salt?

You will need an electrolyte top up.. Some pottasium is not a bad idea, try a banana, or more
practical spome dried fruit. Of course the biggest difficulty is often keeping hydrated, drinking
plenty of water will help your performance on the hill.

Mind on that particular ridge, I would want my legs in working order. Still yet to complete it, I
had to turn back last time (1985) as my then girlfriend was freezing,waiting for me on Caher. I
still have the one 3000' hill left, Beencorragh, having finally bagged Lugnaquilla last week.

Richard Webb

In article <[email hidden]>, Carrigman
<[email hidden]> writes

Quoted message said:

Should one take salt on strenuous walks to avoid cramps?

Is it not the case that cramps are caused by potassium deficiency. Eating a banana will help.
--
Bill Grey billboy.co.ukbillboy.co.ukOpen ↗

Carrigman said:

Should one take salt on strenuous walks to avoid cramps?

Pop a pinch of salt into your drink, or just make sure the picnic lunch has a fair supply (packet of
crisps should do). The better "sports hydration drinks" have suitable salt replacement built in,
which is why they taste a bit naff if you haven't done any exercise yet!

Pete.
--
Peter Clinch University of Dundee Tel 44 1382 660111 ext. 33637 Medical Physics, Ninewells Hospital
Fax 44 1382 640177 Dundee DD1 9SY Scotland UK net [email hidden]
dundee.ac.uk~pjclinchOpen ↗