A scientist has reportedly figured out the cure for muscle cramps while out on a kayaking trip.

Nobel Prize winning molecular neurobiologist Rod MacKinnon, while on a sea kayaking jaunt seven miles off the coast of Cape Cod, had the unpleasant, but entirely familiar experience of cramping arm and leg muscles, putting him and a friend at risk, being so far out to sea. 

After the episode, Rod decided to put his significant brain power to work, eventually figuring out what many have misdiagnosed as the root cause of cramps.

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For as long we we've been talking about it, nutritionists and scientists have wrongly been surmising that cramps were spasms brought on by muscle dehydration - hungry for electrolytes and experiencing tears in their microfibres. 

But now, thanks to Rod MacKinnon and his colleague Dr Bean, we know that this isn't likely to be the case. 

Instead of focusing on the struggling muscles, Rod concentrating on what was causing impulses in the nervous system, which were misfiring signals to the muscles, causing them to cramp. 

And they've discovered that the best way to circumvent cramps is to distract the nervous system with something else. 

What else exactly?

Well, they've decided that spicy or 'pungent' foods are actually the best way to bewilder your nerve receptors. 

According to Dr. MacKinnon, 'The strong sensory input causes inhibition of the motor output.'

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Apparently, instead of quaffing a bottle of water and the juice of some olives in the hope of replenishing water and electrolyte supplies, the best remedy might actually be to quickly consume a hot blend of  ginger, cinnamon and bell peppers.

For more information on the study, read here

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Natasha Bird
Former Digital Executive Editor

Natasha Bird is the Former Executive Editor (Digital) of ELLE.