Salt tablets?

carsfan · 31-08-2013 08:07PM #1

On very long runs and during my one and only marathon, I have gotten bad muscle cramps in legs and arms and have heard that salt tablets may be a help.
Any idea where to get these and if they are likely to be beneficial?
Thanks

Krusty_Clown · 31-08-2013 11:13PM

Low sodium is not necessarily the cause of your cramps, but it's certainly worth a try to see if it alleviates your problem. Saltstick Caps tends to be the recommended brand. Not really available in Ireland, but you can get them from Amazon. Alternatively, try a sachet of diuralyte.

TFBubendorfer · 01-09-2013 12:52PM

I use succeed s-caps and they do help me with cramps. As Krusty said, that may not necessarily be the root of your problem, but I think it well worthwhile trying some.

Succeed is an American brand but luckily there are now a couple of UK web sites that sell them as well (albeit at a higher price), e.g. this one:

http://www.ultramarathonrunningstore.com/Succeed-S-CAPS-Electrolyte-Capsules-p/succeedscaps.htm

hot to trot · 01-09-2013 06:21PM

If you find electrolyte mixes and salt tabs hard to take , eletewater is worth checking out . I discovered it recently. 2.5 mls per 1 litre of water and it doesnt taste of anything as there isn't any artificial sweeteners or flavourings in it , So you wouldn't even know you are taking anything other than water.

If you dont like to carry your own water they also do a tab version. Dont think its as wxpensive as S caps

carsfan · 01-09-2013 10:39PM

Thanks for these links. Will try one of these and see how I go.

Rogue Runner · 02-09-2013 09:49AM

Old runner's trick, the night before a long run take a couple of magnesium tablets.

I'd second the dioralyte. I always carry a sachet on my long runs. No need to mix them, just knock the sachet back with a few mouthfuls of water and you should be right.

Salt tablets?

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