Choose Seaweed to Ease Muscle Cramps

Cramps can affect anyone 

At Mara HQ, we were a little devastated by the Scotland v Australia 2015 Rugby World Cup score. But it also got us thinking.

Prior to the game, Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg had been complaining of extreme muscle cramps that were incredibly painful and disabling. We couldn't help but wonder, if the Scottish rugby team regularly ate seaweed, would the score have been different?

What causes muscle cramps

During periods of strenuous physical activity, cramps can result from a build-up of lactic acid. Whether it's rugby or seaweed harvesting, without warm up and cool down exercises, it will be harder for your muscles to release this by-product.

Dehydration is another reason for muscle cramps. During exercise, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc and amino acids are excreted through sweat. This leads to an imbalance in mineral salts, many of which work together.

A deficiency in essential minerals can result from a diet lacking nutrients too, causing cramps even if you don't regularly exercise.

Muscle cramps can also be attributed to a change in surroundings, such as a new bed or sports pitch.  

How seaweed can help

Simply put, seaweed is a great source of mineral salts, including magnesium, potassium and calcium. Crucially, magnesium is more easily absorbed in the presence of calcium, so seaweed has everything you need.

Staying hydrated and eating mineral-rich seaweed is a great way to replenish nutrients that have been lost during exercise. If you're a gym bunny, eschew sports drinks in favour of the best workout snack: seaweed. For older people or those who enjoy an occasional kick-about in the park, a meal with seaweed can still make a difference to a healthier lifestyle.

Try it today: use code SEASKEPTIC for 15% off all products in our online shop, and let us know what you think in the comments.