Is Pickle Juice Good for You?
Updated: Oct. 06, 2023
Is pickle juice good for you? It can be! Read on to learn about the benefits of drinking the brine.
When you finish the last pickle, don’t toss that leftover juice! There are plenty of things to do with pickle juice. Drinking it has several health benefits, like pain relief and regulating blood sugar. It’s also a great substitute for sugary sports drinks.
The type of pickles you choose matters. Read the jar’s nutrition label, and choose a brand of pickles that’s free of artificial dyes and preservatives.
Provides a Good Source of Probiotics
Pickle juice from naturally-fermented pickles made without vinegar is rich in probiotics. Probiotics are made up of microscopic bacteria and yeast that help to keep the good bacteria in the body in balance. The good bacteria in the gut aids in digestion, metabolism, immune response and even mood.
If you love the flavor and health benefits of pickle juice, here are fun pickle-flavored foods.
Supports Post-Workout Recovery
A tall glass of pickle juice may not sound like the most refreshing drink after a tough workout, but it could help your body recover quicker. It’s rich in electrolytes, restoring levels of sodium, potassium and magnesium in the body after sweating from a workout.
Real pickle lovers will appreciate these pickle gifts—including a pickle of the month subscription.
Helps Regulate Blood Sugar
Drinking a small amount of pickle juice every day may help to regulate the blood sugar levels in your blood. The vinegar in the juice is known to prevent spikes in blood sugar. This helps to regulate both blood sugar and insulin levels. Take pickle health a step further and learn how to can pickles, step by step.
Cures a Hangover
If you find yourself hurting from having one too many cocktails last night, pickle juice may be the cure. The electrolytes from the juice help to rehydrate the body, which may ease hangover symptoms and help you feel better faster. Don’t miss our list of the best and worst rehydration drinks.
Provides Muscle Cramp Relief
Pickle juice can benefit in relieving muscle cramps, helping individuals who feel sore from working out. A 2010 study found that when dehydrated men drank 1/3 cup of pickle juice, they experienced faster relief from muscle cramps. Scientists believe the vinegar in the juice is responsible for the rapid pain relief.
How Much Pickle Juice Is Too Much?
It’s important to watch your intake of pickle juice because of its sodium content. It’s high in sodium and easy to overdo it. Just 1 cup of it contains about 821 mg of sodium.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that most adults limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. If you are currently following a low-sodium diet, your daily limit may be lower.
