Does eating bananas before running really help cut cramps ?

Question

i need to know because when i run, i don't really get tired its just i get cramps in my side and thats what makes me stop. any suggestions ?

please, & thank you

Answer 1

Electrolytes can aid with muscle cramps--like those that can happen in your legs. Bananas are known for their potassium, but that will not help what is happening with your side. In fact, eating them before running is likely to make it worse.

You have side stitches occurring, not a traditional muscle "cramp" (though some do call them that).

You need to *avoid* eating and drinking before your running.

You can benefit by developing proper smooth running form so that you're not bouncing up and down. You can work on breathing slowly and deeply from your belly. You can generally work on developing your core (abdominals, lower back...). You can start off slower and let your body gradually warm up -- it can take 20-30 minutes for the body to truly transition over to "running mode."

When a side stitch happens, you can raise your arms over your head. It can also be beneficial to clench your abdominals as though you were going to do a crunch (but you remain upright), and purse your lips and breathe out slowly and forcefully.

Eating/drinking before running is the most common cause, followed by being too "bouncy" when you run. Otherwise, it's somewhat common for beginners.

Eating bananas (and/or sodium, magnesium, yellow mustard, etc.) might help normal muscle cramps, but what you describe is best referred to as a "side stitch" if you're looking it up -- it's not a "cramp" in the traditional sense for which things like bananas might apply.

Answer 2

Anything with potassium is supposed to help cramping.  I get cramps a lot now in my legs because I'm pregnant, adn my doctor told me to eat two bananas and drink a glass of orange juice daily..  It helped a TON!!!

Answer 3

you should eat anything heavy before you run.. when i run i get cramps that are below my rib cage on the sides.. my uncle told me its from carbonin dioxide buildup.. he said that you should stop raise your arms above your head and take a few deep slow breaths.. also when you run your hands should not be going above your chest..

Answer 4

I just got new running shoes! May be we can run sometime.

Answer 5

So they say, but for sure they do give you Potassium and this is a good thing.

Answer 6

The K in bananas help with muscle cramps but it takes a while for the body to absorb those nutrients. Plus bananas dont have a great deal of K so it won't do much unless you eat alot, which is not good for you before you run. Try to take a K pill or something like that. I don't think the cramping in your side is a muscle cramp though because you shouldn't use upper body muscles while running, but I'm not a doc either.

Answer 7

I've used bananas and cottage cheese for a quick energy boost prior to running for awhile now and they seem to work well, although unrelated to cramps.  You may want to watch food and fluid ingestion immediately prior to running, as well as your breathing patterns.  On the occasions I cramp up it helps to slow down and breathe deliberately.

Answer 8

ya i think so it gives u loads of energy cos its filles with pottacium hope this helps

Answer 9

i have heard that remedy before, but i don't know if you eat the banana before or after running.

Answer 10

the answer is here http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;...

Answer 11

Here's some reasons why bananas are good for you and what it does for you when you exercise.

What could be better than this completely natural pharmacy! It is compact, healthy, easy to carry, and easy to use. So why not go bananas? It's good for you.

Not only does the banana taste wonderful, it also has an abundance of sucrose, glucose, fructose and potassium. It is rich in fiber and contains 5 times the vitamin A found in apples and 4 times the pectin. The banana is able to boost energy, and is a safe preventative against many ailments. Below is a list of reasons why you should have a closer relationship with the banana.

Mosquito Bites:

Rub the inside of the banana skin on the affected area. In most cases it will reduce swelling and irritation.

Seasonal Affective Disorder or, SAD:

Bananas contain the natural mood enhancer, tryptophan.

Exercise:

Bananas give an instant, sustained boost of energy. Eat two bananas to produce enough energy for a 90 minute workout.

Overweight:

Studies show that if you are in a high pressure job, chances are you tend to binge on comfort food caused by panic induced food cravings. Try eating a banana every two hours to control blood sugar, keep levels steady, and keep the cravings away.

Nervousness:

Eat a banana to help calm nervousness, they are high in B vitamins.

Ulcers:

Bananas neutralize stomach acid. They reduce irritation of the stomach by coating the stomach lining.

Morning Sickness:

You can keep your blood sugar up to avoid morning sickness by snacking on bananas between meals.

Hangover:

The quickest way to get rid of a hangover is to drink a banana milkshake. Peel 2 bananas and place in blender. Add honey to taste and milk to desired consistency. The milk will help re-hydrate your body while the banana and honey raise blood sugar levels and sooths the stomach.

PMS:

The banana contains enough vitamin B6 to raise blood glucose which in turn should affect your mood.

Anemia:

Bananas are high in iron and encourage hemoglobin production which helps in cases of anemia.

Boosting Brain Power:

Research has shown that the potassium in bananas can help in learning and brain stressing projects by making one more alert.

Heartburn:

The banana is a natural antacid. Simply eat a banana next time you have heartburn.

Constipation:

Because the banana is so high in fiber it can help restore normal bowel activity.

Stop Smoking:

If you are trying to quit smoking, the potassium, magnesium, B6 and B12 in bananas can aid in the recovery of nicotine withdrawal.

Warts:

Some people rub the inside of the banana skin on the wart several times a day. Others say to lay a small piece of banana still inside of the skin, face down against the wart and held in place by a band aid or surgical tape. Either way, the wart will be eliminated.

Answer 12

yeah if you eat a banana before you run, you shouldnt get cramps/not as many.

i know this because i started to do it before every cross country meet and it worked!

Answer 13

cramps in your side I do believe you can run through those...but im not sure, i get them somtimes and just keep going...depends on severity i guess...muscle cramps in the legs suck.  Bananas i have heard help.

Answer 14

I get a side stitch EVERY time i run..i hate it cause I am a good runner with them and i often think of what i could be without the side cramp. I wouldn't suggest eating a banana right before you run but if you eat them the night before or at least 2 hours before oyu run then yeah it might help. Also when you get the cramp (i use this method..it kinda helps) pretend you are blowing out candles on  a birthday cake...that helps you breathing get back to normal. Good luck!! Side stitches are the worst.