Is it OK to drink pickle juice while pregnant?
Pickle juice has become a popular drink in recent years, touted for its potential health benefits. Some pregnant women wonder if it’s safe to drink pickle juice during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know.
What is pickle juice?
Pickle juice is the brine left over after pickles have been removed from the jar. The main ingredient is vinegar, usually distilled white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Pickle juice also contains the spices and seasonings used to flavor the pickles, such as dill, garlic, and mustard seeds. It may contain traces of the pickles themselves as well.
Nutrients in pickle juice
Pickle juice is low in calories and rich in sodium. A 1-cup (237-ml) serving contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 13 |
| Sodium | 1,730 mg |
| Potassium | 56 mg |
As you can see, pickle juice is very high in sodium. The potassium content helps balance some of the effects of sodium, but not completely.
Benefits of pickle juice
Here are some of the ways pickle juice may benefit health:
- Replaces electrolytes lost through sweat, such as during exercise
- Provides antioxidants from the vinegar, spices, and vegetables
- May aid digestion and relieve constipation due to the vinegar
- Help regulate blood sugar levels thanks to acetic acid in vinegar
However, most of these proposed benefits need more scientific research.
Downsides of drinking pickle juice while pregnant
There are some potential downsides to drinking pickle juice during pregnancy:
- High sodium content — Consuming too much sodium during pregnancy can increase swelling and blood pressure. The recommended intake is 1,500 mg per day or less.
- Heartburn — The vinegar may worsen pregnancy-related heartburn.
- Blood sugar fluctuations — Vinegar may interfere with blood sugar control, which is important during pregnancy, especially if you have gestational diabetes.
- Safety of raw vegetables — Pickles can harbor harmful bacteria, so homemade or improperly stored pickle juice may not be safe.
Is it safe to drink pickle juice while pregnant?
There are no scientific studies on pickle juice specifically during pregnancy. However, we do know the following:
- Pregnant women should limit sodium intake to avoid complications.
- Raw vegetables and improperly prepared pickles can contain dangerous bacteria.
- Blood sugar control is very important during pregnancy.
For these reasons, most experts recommend avoiding pickle juice or consuming it only in moderation during pregnancy.
Guidelines for drinking pickle juice while pregnant
If you want to incorporate pickle juice in your diet while pregnant, here are some guidelines to follow:
- Limit intake to 1–2 ounces (30–60 ml) per day max.
- Dilute with water to reduce sodium content.
- Opt for pasteurized, refrigerated pickle juice to avoid bacteria.
- Drink only from reputable brands and don’t make your own.
- Avoid drinking if you have high blood pressure, swelling, gestational diabetes, or heartburn.
- Talk to your doctor first, especially if you have a high-risk pregnancy.
Healthier ways to get electrolytes while pregnant
If you’re looking for a good source of electrolytes during pregnancy, try these healthier options instead of pickle juice:
- Coconut water
- Fruit-infused water with orange slices, berries, etc.
- Decaf iced green tea
- Skim milk
- Vegetable juice
- Chicken or vegetable broth
- Oral rehydration solutions
- Sports drinks diluted with water
Other ways to enjoy pickles during pregnancy
You can still enjoy the flavor and crunch of pickles during pregnancy, just avoid drinking the pickle juice. Here are some ways to incorporate pickles in your diet:
- Add sliced pickles to sandwiches, burgers, salads, etc.
- Snack on pickle spears.
- Make deviled eggs with a bit of pickle relish.
- Add chopped pickles to potato salad or coleslaw.
- Sprinkle chopped pickles on top of tacos or nachos.
The key is moderation. Avoid eating multiple whole pickles in one sitting.
Conclusion
Drinking small amounts of pickle juice occasionally while pregnant is unlikely to cause harm. However, it’s best to minimize intake due to the high sodium content. Speak with your healthcare provider, especially if you have any medical concerns.
Stay hydrated and replenish electrolytes with healthier alternatives like coconut water and diluted sports drinks. And enjoy pickles as a tasty snack or ingredient, just not as a beverage.
Focus on an overall balanced diet with a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats during pregnancy. That way you and your baby get the nutrition you need for a healthy pregnancy.