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Tonic water is great if taken in the right spirit!
Excellent G & T''s are available throughout Spain, including the Caminos.
Buen, cramp free, Camino.
Jameson every time but without the tonic. This was to be had in several bars along the Camino but I stuck to vino tinto as they served the Jamesom in very large measures, not good for walking the next day.You come from County Clare Pat so I am sure that you have a suitable alternate to the immortal G & T. Just realised there is only one t(onic) difference between immortal and immoral. Thanks Scruffy for giving me another excuse. Love it!
Beware, though. There are no 'half measures' along the Camino. Our G&Ts always came in glasses akin to buckets!
Our English brethren invented the Gin and Tonic as a preventative against the disease though one would probably have to drink two liters or so in order for it to be effective against the anopholes - . . . .
Sooo not true! I have seen a Facebook post and photo from late 2014 with the caption, "We will always be infamously known and remembered as the Gin and Tonic Pilgrims." I was introduced to this Camino Cure by some members of that group!it will be difficult to find a gin and tonic in most cafe/bars along the Camino,
Scruffy, my friend suffers quite a lot with leg cramps when he is in bed.His doctor gave him quinine tablets and they get rid of the cramps in a very short time.Mind you they would probably spoil a glass of gin!!Despite my successful assaults on SdC the Better Half always gets worried about two weeks before I go. In the past it was the danger of attack from bears, other wild animals, or kidnapping by gypsies. We have progressed, it is now only cramps. Never suffered from cramps but I have witnessed pilgrims suffering through them late night in albergues and I know the potassium of bananas will help. She has a sovereign cure.
Quinine was discovered to be a good medicine against malaria. Our English brethren invented the Gin and Tonic as a preventative against the disease though one would probably have to drink two liters or so in order for it to be effective against the anopholes - perhaps this is the secret they utilized to overcome the tropic heat of India and the Caribbean. True there is malaria in Spain but not along the CF.
The wife claims that tonic water is an effective means of preventing cramps. Never heard that but I pass this on for general knowledge, perhaps it may actually work, so if anyone has experience please let us know. If this is a good thing we must temper the discovery by the sad truth that it will be difficult to find a gin and tonic in most cafe/bars along the Camino, so pack your own
Ohh I like that idea! Gin and tonic for me!Despite my successful assaults on SdC the Better Half always gets worried about two weeks before I go. In the past it was the danger of attack from bears, other wild animals, or kidnapping by gypsies. We have progressed, it is now only cramps. Never suffered from cramps but I have witnessed pilgrims suffering through them late night in albergues and I know the potassium of bananas will help. She has a sovereign cure.
Quinine was discovered to be a good medicine against malaria. Our English brethren invented the Gin and Tonic as a preventative against the disease though one would probably have to drink two liters or so in order for it to be effective against the anopholes - perhaps this is the secret they utilized to overcome the tropic heat of India and the Caribbean. True there is malaria in Spain but not along the CF.
The wife claims that tonic water is an effective means of preventing cramps. Never heard that but I pass this on for general knowledge, perhaps it may actually work, so if anyone has experience please let us know. If this is a good thing we must temper the discovery by the sad truth that it will be difficult to find a gin and tonic in most cafe/bars along the Camino, so pack your own
Never suffered from cramps but I have witnessed pilgrims suffering through them late night in albergues and I know the potassium of bananas will help. She has a sovereign cure.
Quinine was discovered to be a good medicine against malaria.
The wife claims that tonic water is an effective means of preventing cramps.
I used to get horrible leg cramps, and tried tonic water. The leg cramps went away (with my anemia), but tonic water is so disgusting to me, I couldn't drink it. I would rather eat a banana.
But yes, tonic water works.
Splenda works great in this drink too!@CaminoDebrorita (I love your name), I am a diabetic, so I have to be careful. So if I try this, I would have to use NutriSweet or some other sweetener. But that's a good idea and I thank you.
Vodka and tonic works well, too, for you non-gin drinkers And don't forget to put lime in it to prevent scurvy!Yes my doctor told me the same, to drink one or two tonic waters during the day to prevent cramps. I had to drink it neat as I don't like gin.
Mustard is worth the try, but not French's which is mostly vinegar and spice with not enough real mustad seed in the mix. Perhaps the real stuff from Dijon will do it. I sincerely hope that this is not leading into something like which bocodillo goes best with G&TA nurse that used to help us with my father-in-law swore that mustard (just plain old prepared mustard, such as "French's") helped with leg cramps.
Now there's an idea. G&T tablets, just add aqua con gas?Scruffy, my friend suffers quite a lot with leg cramps when he is in bed.His doctor gave him quinine tablets and they get rid of the cramps in a very short time.Mind you they would probably spoil a glass of gin!!
Straight from the Google Guru," Tonic water (or Indian tonic water) is a carbonated soft drink, in which quinine is dissolved. Originally used as a prophylactic against malaria, tonic water usually now has a significantly lower quinine content and is consumed for its distinctive bitter flavour." Not really that bitter anymore but certainly distinctive. Comes in cans, bottles, and 2 litres.Well, I'm looking for that miracle cure for night cramps. I never get them when I'm walking the Camino, I only get them at home and I assume it's tied to my hour on the elliptical. Bananas don't work for me. Magnesium doesn't work for me. I had never heard of quinine, but a quick google search pulled up a reliable source (Consumer Reports) warning against using quinine tablets. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...me-leg-cramps-no-longer-recommended/index.htm
Forgive my ignorance since I don't drink gin and tonics -- Is tonic water different than agua con gas, something like Perrier?
But I also saw ads for a homeopathic remedy -- does anyone have any experience with this pill? (if the link doesn't work, it's called Hyland's Leg Cramps)
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/hy...5-eb79-de88-b3a3-000000fc51fe&kpid=sku6043043
I would so much love to stop waking up in the middle of the night with these painful cramps.
Well, I'm looking for that miracle cure for night cramps. I never get them when I'm walking the Camino, I only get them at home and I assume it's tied to my hour on the elliptical. Bananas don't work for me. Magnesium doesn't work for me. I had never heard of quinine, but a quick google search pulled up a reliable source (Consumer Reports) warning against using quinine tablets. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...me-leg-cramps-no-longer-recommended/index.htm
Forgive my ignorance since I don't drink gin and tonics -- Is tonic water different than agua con gas, something like Perrier?
I would so much love to stop waking up in the middle of the night with these painful cramps.
Straight from the Google Guru," Tonic water (or Indian tonic water) is a carbonated soft drink, in which quinine is dissolved. Originally used as a prophylactic against malaria, tonic water usually now has a significantly lower quinine content and is consumed for its distinctive bitter flavour." Not really that bitter anymore but certainly distinctive. Comes in cans, bottles, and 2 litres.
Hi, potassium tablets work for me, preferably the slow release ones (hence “Slow-K”). Tonic water is carbonated water, with quinine added, and although it tastes bitter there is quite a lot of sugar in there as well. Jill
Thanks, Jill, maybe I will try potassium tablets before I try the diet tonic water. So I wonder if there are any pros or cons to the choice between potassium tablets and diet tonic water, aside from the obvious that one or both might not work for me.
I used to get horrible leg cramps, and tried tonic water. The leg cramps went away (with my anemia), but tonic water is so disgusting to me, I couldn't drink it. I would rather eat a banana.
But yes, tonic water works.
Our doctor friend said never add salt to a drink as it is an emetic...............
I wonder if you could make an expedient cramp and salt replacement drink by adding sodium chloride (table salt) to a bottle of tonic water?
Just a thought...
Never heard in my entire life of a malaria case in Spain ( I´m 56) Maybe yo have hear it in the mouth of a gin tonic lover. It could be a good pretect for wives.Despite my successful assaults on SdC the Better Half always gets worried about two weeks before I go. In the past it was the danger of attack from bears, other wild animals, or kidnapping by gypsies. We have progressed, it is now only cramps. Never suffered from cramps but I have witnessed pilgrims suffering through them late night in albergues and I know the potassium of bananas will help. She has a sovereign cure.
Quinine was discovered to be a good medicine against malaria. Our English brethren invented the Gin and Tonic as a preventative against the disease though one would probably have to drink two liters or so in order for it to be effective against the anopholes - perhaps this is the secret they utilized to overcome the tropic heat of India and the Caribbean. True there is malaria in Spain but not along the CF.
The wife claims that tonic water is an effective means of preventing cramps. Never heard that but I pass this on for general knowledge, perhaps it may actually work, so if anyone has experience please let us know. If this is a good thing we must temper the discovery by the sad truth that it will be difficult to find a gin and tonic in most cafe/bars along the Camino, so pack your own
Quite true, reading far too much history I know that malaria was not actually erased in Spain until after World War II. The First World War, the Spanish Civil War saw recurring outbreaks of the disease. Hemingway and Gerald Brenan write of the disease, Orwell as well, it was horrific, entire villages disappearing. I have not read of any outbreak in your 56 years either, it is a historical concern and appears far too often in literature.Never heard in my entire life of a malaria case in Spain ( I´m 56) Maybe yo have hear it in the mouth of a gin tonic lover. It could be a good pretect for wives.
Hi, potassium tablets work for me, preferably the slow release ones (hence “Slow-K”). Tonic water is carbonated water, with quinine added, and although it tastes bitter there is quite a lot of sugar in there as well. Jill
Laurie, good luck finding the sugarfree version. Loblaw's, a Canadian supermarket, made it for a very short period about 15 years ago. Have not seen it anywhere where else since. A pity because I love the stuff, but not with all that sugar. Wouldn't a goold old electrolyte effervescent tablet to the job, with a bit extra salt on your papas fritas?Went to my pharmacy today and the pharmacist recommended against potassium without checking with my doctor, and he said that most of the effective tablets are under prescription only in the US (and the US is not like Spain, so if I don't have a prescription I won't get the medication). He said there could be negative impact on heart functions.
So I bought a box of the homeopathic Hyland's Leg Cramps pills. I guess I could also try the tonic but I hate drinking sugared soda and don't like the diet stuff either. But maybe it's worth it. For now, I'll lick a little salt and take these pills and see how it goes. Thanks, everyone. Laurie
Have you ever try simply having a diet hig in potasium? Bananas have lots of it. And cooked potatoes, veggies, nuts...Went to my pharmacy today and the pharmacist recommended against potassium without checking with my doctor, and he said that most of the effective tablets are under prescription only in the US (and the US is not like Spain, so if I don't have a prescription I won't get the medication). He said there could be negative impact on heart functions.
So I bought a box of the homeopathic Hyland's Leg Cramps pills. I guess I could also try the tonic but I hate drinking sugared soda and don't like the diet stuff either. But maybe it's worth it. For now, I'll lick a little salt and take these pills and see how it goes. Thanks, everyone. Laurie
Thanks, I´ll try it Pity I dont like gin.The quinine in tonic water does work to keep cramps at bay.
My doctor prescribed quinine tablets for cramp about 15 years ago, but they upset my stomach too much.
I discovered the quinine in tonic water and have been relatively cramp free since.
Have you ever try simply having a diet hig in potasium? Bananas have lots of it. And cooked potatoes, veggies, nuts...
Mustard. Simple mustard. Get some packets and carry them and when the cramps start just suck down a packet or a tablespoon.
Pickle juice also works.
So we are back to which bocadillo goes best with gin and tonic?Mustard. Simple mustard. Get some packets and carry them and when the cramps start just suck down a packet or a tablespoon. Pickle juice also works. No kidding. Google it. Atheletes use it. I've used it. It works.
Back up for a moment Scruffy, the Gin can wait... Have you been kidnapped by gypsies? Did they lure you in with a bear?Despite my successful assaults on SdC the Better Half always gets worried about two weeks before I go. In the past it was the danger of attack from bears, other wild animals, or kidnapping by gypsies. We have progressed, it is now only cramps. Never suffered from cramps but I have witnessed pilgrims suffering through them late night in albergues and I know the potassium of bananas will help. She has a sovereign cure.
Quinine was discovered to be a good medicine against malaria. Our English brethren invented the Gin and Tonic as a preventative against the disease though one would probably have to drink two liters or so in order for it to be effective against the anopholes - perhaps this is the secret they utilized to overcome the tropic heat of India and the Caribbean. True there is malaria in Spain but not along the CF.
The wife claims that tonic water is an effective means of preventing cramps. Never heard that but I pass this on for general knowledge, perhaps it may actually work, so if anyone has experience please let us know. If this is a good thing we must temper the discovery by the sad truth that it will be difficult to find a gin and tonic in most cafe/bars along the Camino, so pack your own
Walking into LBack up for a moment Scruffy, the Gin can wait... Have you been kidnapped by gypsies? Did they lure you in with a bear?You are fast becoming my favorite read!
Now that you mention it, there are a few places, say walking into Logroño, walking out of Leon, walking around the airport in SdC that I did truly wish for some bears to admire or for a band of gypsies to pop up, sadly has not yet happened!Back up for a moment Scruffy, the Gin can wait... Have you been kidnapped by gypsies? Did they lure you in with a bear?You are fast becoming my favorite read!
For those of us geographically challenged were is that?Living as I do just a short drive Northwest of Cognac I prefer cognac & tonic to prevent scuffy legs of a nighttime.
For those of us geographically challenged were is that?
Not one to argue but armagnac not cognac is my choice, neither has ever cured me of being Scruffy.Living as I do just a short drive Northwest of Cognac I prefer cognac & tonic to prevent scuffy legs of a nighttime.
As mountaingoat999 says but I'm just a stones throw above Saintes, just of the Paris-Tours pilgrims way.For those of us geographically challenged were is that?
I hear what your saying but the farmer in my hamlet doesn't make gin only cognac.Not one to argue but armagnac not cognac is my choice, neither has ever cured me of being Scruffy.
Just to say that I changed my ways. Licking salt was just too nasty for my taste buds, I didn't want to drink sugary tonic, and I LOVE mustard. So for the last four weeks, I've been taking a dollop of Dijon mustard every night, and also have shifted my multi-vitamin to the nighttime (for the magnesium and potassium), and not a cramp in sight. Sure, it may be the placebo effect, but that's ok with me if it works. Thanks, annie!Mustard. Simple mustard. Get some packets and carry them and when the cramps start just suck down a packet or a tablespoon. Pickle juice also works. No kidding. Google it. Atheletes use it. I've used it. It works.
Just to say that I changed my ways. Licking salt was just too nasty for my taste buds, I didn't want to drink sugary tonic, and I LOVE mustard. So for the last four weeks, I've been taking a dollop of Dijon mustard every night, and also have shifted my multi-vitamin to the nighttime (for the magnesium and potassium), and not a cramp in sight. Sure, it may be the placebo effect, but that's ok with me if it works. Thanks, annie!
Everything we enjoy will kill us!!!Amazing. I'm trying the mustard. Pity the WHO has just told us ham and hot dogs are gonna kill us.
yes they say one minute something will kill us and the next minute it will cure us!!! Everything we like will kill us! We've got to go somehow anyway !Amazing. I'm trying the mustard. Pity the WHO has just told us ham and hot dogs are gonna kill us.
Everything we enjoy will kill us!!!
yes they say one minute something will kill us and the next minute it will cure us!!! Everything we like will kill us! We've got to go somehow anyway !
My favorite!View attachment 22218Interesting thread. Have noted the mustard info. But I really enjoy a G&T, as shown here with lime and cucumber - delicious on a hot day, pretty good at any other time!
Yes, don't I know it! In the work I did I was surrounded with the end stage of life.When it's time to go it's time to go!!! Would not like to live past the sell by date anyway! Now about that tonic, anyone ever tried it with vodka , that's really good. On and off on last 100 km this year I met 5 fellow Irish " girls" and they never even bothered with the TONIC .never laughed so much on a Camino.met them again in Santiago and my head hurts even thinking about it,but it was just what we needed after the long walk from Jpdp. Best wishes AnnetteI have news for you.
We are ALL going to die.
Yup. It's true.
I also suffer leg cramps from about 5/6 days after finishing the Camino. Never, ever have I had them when actually on the Camino. ... My theory is that, when we are walking these long distances daily, the muscles are being used in a different way, but once back to normal living conditions, the muscles start to shrink back to their normal function.
"Se non è vero, è ben trovato" as the Italian saying goes....." If it's not true, it's still a good possibility" I guess is a near enough translation.
I have made exactly the same experience ;-) A Spanish friend of mine, also a pilgrim, said once to me "Las piernas te piden andar." "The legs beg you to walk." So now I just walk the cramps off and eat bananas ... Buen Camino, SY
What is tonic called in a Spanish store along the Camino?
Mustard. Simple mustard. Get some packets and carry them and when the cramps start just suck down a packet or a tablespoon. Pickle juice also works. No kidding. Google it. Atheletes use it. I've used it. It works.
Well, I'm looking for that miracle cure for night cramps. I never get them when I'm walking the Camino, I only get them at home and I assume it's tied to my hour on the elliptical. Bananas don't work for me. Magnesium doesn't work for me. I had never heard of quinine, but a quick google search pulled up a reliable source (Consumer Reports) warning against using quinine tablets. http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/...me-leg-cramps-no-longer-recommended/index.htm
Forgive my ignorance since I don't drink gin and tonics -- Is tonic water different than agua con gas, something like Perrier?
But I also saw ads for a homeopathic remedy -- does anyone have any experience with this pill? (if the link doesn't work, it's called Hyland's Leg Cramps)
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/hy...5-eb79-de88-b3a3-000000fc51fe&kpid=sku6043043
I would so much love to stop waking up in the middle of the night with these painful cramps.
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