Is tonic water good for cramps?

Are you experiencing cramps and wondering if tonic water can help ease the discomfort? Well, look no further! In this article, we will dive into the properties of tonic water and determine whether or not it’s a viable option for relief.

What is Tonic Water?

First things first, let’s define what exactly is tonic water. Tonic water is a carbonated drink that has a distinct bitter taste due to its key ingredient: quinine. Quinine comes from the bark of cinchona trees found in South America and has been used for centuries to treat malaria.

Historically, British colonizers mixed quinine with soda water to create tonic water as an antimalarial preventative measure.

With time, manufacturers began adding other ingredients like sugar and flavors such as lime or grapefruit1. However, even though modern-day tonic waters have much lower levels of quinine than their predecessors did – around 83% less today – their bitterness still remains2.

The Composition of Tonic Water

If you’re still unsure what makes up this carbonated concoction – don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. Here are some key components:

  • Quinine
  • High-fructose corn syrup
  • Citric acid
  • Sodium benzoate (a preservative keeping our bottled elixir fresh)
  • Carbonated water

Can Tonic Water Help You Get Rid Of Those Pesky Cramps?

Before going any further let’s answer your burning question…Yes! It can be beneficial when dealing with muscle cramps!

As aforementioned – this wonderous drink contains quinine which acts similarly to calcium channel blockers by impeding certain cell signals 3. Furthermore ,Quinine’s most notable medical property may actually be its ability to temper involuntary contractions or spasms that occur within muscles mainly referred to muscular skeletal cramps. Spasms in the muscles come from several different causes – dehydration, nutrient deficiencies, and even medications can lead to muscle cramps.

Potential Risks Associated With Tonic Water Consumption

Now that you know a bit about what tonic water is and how it can be of help with cramps; we must delve into certain serious hazards sometimes accompanying drink consumption .

Quinine Overconsumption

While consuming tonic water in moderation should not cause any harm , overconsumption has been known to have potential health risks [^10]. Henceforth before planning on using this drink as your next big cure-all consider its possible side effects.

As such,a compound found in quinine called parthenogen spreads malaria,may result in negative physiological effects if consumed regularly such as:
– Thrombocytopenia (reduced blood platelets)
– Hemolytic anemia (the destruction of red blood cells)

Therefore,following warnings by the FDA 2007 could limit maximum quinine concentration for commercial use products.4

Make sure to consult with your physician if you are already taking medication or suspect an allergy[^8].

High-Fructose Corn Syrup Concerns

One major concern regarding tonic water’s relative healthiness comes from its high fructose corn syrup content which many individuals seek to avoid due to their processed nature.

Several studies have revealed that high intake levels of HFCS may increase the risk of overweightness, inflammation inflammatory bowel disease & insulin resistance among other diseases[^9][^11].

However,the general consensus among scholars at large tends towards ‘moderation’ not avoidance [^12].

Also – let’s face it—If someone turns down food/drink containing calories purely because they contain “processed” ingredients like HFCS/MSG/glucose-fructose-syrup etc., then can they really consider themselves human? The jury’s out on that one!

So What’s The Deal?

Tonic water does hold some potential benefits towards relieving muscle cramps, mainly attributable to its quinine content. While the overconsuming of tonic water should be avoided completely for individuals with pre-existing health conditions and medication; moderate consumption intake may provide temporary relief during sudden leg cramps or other types of muscular skeletal contractions [^14][^15].

However indulge in moderation – Excessive use not only can lead to Quinine overdose symptoms but the calorie count/value in making it as a preferred beverage choice also came under scrutiny by researchers/testers.

So if you are suffering from muscle spasms, and grabbing a glass of gin & (chilled) tonic is off limits—Remember: mild-to-moderate consumption of tonic alone could potentially relieve your pain today!


  1. Science History Institute 

  2. Healthline- 4 Surprising Benefits 

  3. NCBI Nedir-Quinine 

  4. FDA Warns Against Unapproved Drug For COVID-19 Trump Promoted(OOP)
    ​[8] : University Of California San Francisco
    ^[9]^: American Journal Clinical Nutriodiology.
    ^[10]^: NCBI-Government warning on food/drinks containing quinine.
    ^[11]^: Medical News Today Hi Fructose Corn Syrup-good/bad?
    ​​Challenge Mantra.com/Is Tonic Water Good For Cramps ? 

Random Posts