BBC Doctor Reveals ‘Surprising’ Health Effects of Drinking Tonic Water
A recent segment on BBC’s Morning Live has shone a spotlight on an unconventional remedy for muscle cramps as Dr Xand discussed the surprising medical effects of drinking tonic water. Appearing alongside hosts Gethin Jones and Michelle Ackerley, Dr Xand detailed various approaches to alleviating the painful condition, which becomes increasingly common with age. According to research, over one-third of those aged over 60 regularly suffer from muscle cramps, a condition that can be both sudden and debilitating.
During the segment, Dr Xand explained the nature of cramps by noting, “Muscle cramps, you can get them in any muscle in your body, typically they affect the muscles in the lower leg a bit more.” He elaborated on the unpredictable occurrence of cramps by adding, “There’s a whole phenomenon called idiopathic muscle cramps. Idiopathic is just the medical word for we don’t know what’s causing it.” These statements highlight the mysterious and sometimes inexplicable nature of cramping, which can affect anyone regardless of their overall health, as reported by Liverpool Echo.
Dr Xand also addressed the particularly common occurrence of nocturnal leg cramps, which many experience when muscles relax during sleep. He discussed the wide range of underlying causes, mentioning factors such as pregnancy, certain medications, neurological conditions, metabolic disorders, liver disease, infection, dehydration, and vitamin deficiencies. While the cramps are often short-lived, the discomfort and lingering tenderness can persist for hours, significantly affecting quality of life.
To ease immediate pain, Dr Xand suggested simple remedies such as stretching, massaging, or taking a hot bath. For those seeking longer-term relief, he recommended integrating stretching and massage before exercise, taking regular hot showers or baths, employing ice massages, staying properly hydrated, or even considering medication when necessary. He was clear that these solutions might work for occasional nocturnal cramps but advised that persistent or disruptive symptoms warrant a visit to a doctor.
Throughout the program, BBC viewers shared their personal experiences. One viewer mentioned taking magnesium and vitamin D, while another suggested that drinking tonic water helped reduce their cramp. Dr Xand acknowledged the potential benefits of supplements like magnesium, vitamins, leafy greens, and yeast extract. However, he offered a measured opinion on the tonic water remedy:
“Tonic water is the really surprising one because tonic water does contain quinine which is a very powerful drug. We really only use it to treat malaria in most cases because it can be quite toxic stuff.” He continued, “When I looked this up, I was like- there’s probably none in tonic water really, but they do still use quinine and there’s more than I would’ve thought. But to get any serious medical effect, you’d have to drink a few liters. So it’s probably a placebo effect from getting a low dose of quinine.”
Dr Xand concluded his appearance by urging viewers to experiment cautiously with different remedies, adding, “Think about if they’re making a difference, because you can spend a lot of money on supplements and most importantly, you could be missing something, like a kidney problem or a liver problem or a nerve problem.” He stressed, “Don’t just treat years of painful disruptive muscle cramps just with home remedies, do check in with your doctor it’s really important.” This balanced approach underscores the need for both innovative self-care and professional medical guidance when dealing with persistent health issues.