workout cramps

As common as they are and terrible as they can be, no one really understands cramps. They are a medical mystery.

Then there’s the dehydration proposal: you just need more fluid.

Then there’s the electrolyte hypothesis: what you really need is sodium and potassium.

AND THEN THE COMBO PLATTER: Michael F. Bergeron, who directs the environmental physiology laboratory at the Medical College of Georgia, said the electrolyte hypothesis applies to a specific type of cramp that is related to excessive sweating. It occurs, he said, when the fluid that bathes the connection between muscle and nerve is depleted of sodium and potassium, which was lost through sweat. The nerve then becomes hypersensitive, Dr. Bergeron said.

You can experiment with making efforts to stay hydrated

By supplementing your diet with bananas (for the potassium)

and refueling with ergogenic drinks to replace electrolytes.

Though these techniques don't always prevent cramping.

When the cramps do occur,

you should lay flat on your back,

or stand up straight,

and reach your arms over your head

until the cramp resolves.

Muscle cramps can be a side effect of medications like diuretics, which can lead to a potassium deficiency that can cause cramps.

HENSE BANANAS

but i know for a fact that more people get cramps from cardiovascular exercise than are taking diuretics or blood pressure medication

There is a difference between muscular cramping and a side stitch

AS PER YAHOO RESEASRCH

CAUSES OF A SIDE STITCH ARE

trapped gas, swollen liver, and/or stomach muscle cramps.

However a recent theory holds that

strain on the ligaments connecting the liver to the diaphragm is the cause.

I AM INTREGUED.....

The liver "hangs" from the diaphragm by fibrous bands called ligaments. Running exerts a steady downward force on your liver, stretching these ligaments. In addition, when you exhale (usually as your left foot hits the ground), your diaphragm is pushed up. That means your liver falls with gravity as your diaphragm rises, placing considerable strain on those poor ligaments.

ONE WOULD ASSUME THAT JUMPING EXCESSIVELY WOULD HAVE THE SAME EFFECT

The result? A stitch. The cure? Stop running immediately and press your hand just below the pain. This should raise your liver up, relieving the strain on the ligaments. Inhale and exhale evenly as you press down.

HAVE YOU EVER NOTICED THAT IS WHAT WE ALL DO NATURALLY

BORN BRILLIANT, WHAT CAN I SAY?!

THEIR SUGGESTION FOR PREVENTION:

take deep, full breaths while running

If you take shallow breaths,

your diaphragm is consistently raised,

which wreaks havoc on your ligaments.

gee thanks ask yahoo.....

stop running and grab your side

how will i ever remember that!?