How to Fight Muscle Cramps with Food
Muscle cramps are a common issue. At one point, we’ve all had them. There are dozens of reasons why they manifest – dehydration, stress, overexertion, menstruation. However, regardless of where they come from, they’re never a welcomed guest.
There are, however, many ways to relieve muscle cramp pain, such as stretching, massages, and electrolyte supplementation. And we bet you didn’t know that there are foods that provide the perfect balance of nutrients to kick em to the curb, did ya? Bonus: they’re all delicious too!
Bananas can relax you!
We all know from our middle school days that bananas are loaded with potassium. This is a mineral that helps muscles to contract and relax. Plus, bananas are also full of magnesium. And magnesium is loaded with minerals that can calm the mind and the body. Half a banana at the onset of muscle cramps can shorten the duration significantly!
Fighting Muscle Cramps with Sweet Potatoes.
There’s no need to relegate these tasty spuds to Thanksgiving day. Sweet potatoes are as chock full of nutrients as they are flavor. They boast a vast repast of vitamins and minerals. Such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C. And the calcium content, in particular, is an excellent remedy for muscle cramps and lowering the intensity of spasms. Plus, creating a mental sense of ease.
Healthy fats such as avocados are great for cramps!
Guacamole can solve most problems, admittedly, but most folks might not think of it as a cure-all for muscle cramps. Avocados are calorie-dense, full of healthy fats, and a great source of potassium too. Therefore, they are arguably a perfect fix for muscle pain than bananas! So don’t be shy about breaking out these creamy treats.
Beans and Lentils get rid of toxins!
One of the most insidious causes of muscle cramping is an overabundance of toxins in the body. Luckily, beans and lentils have got your back. High in fiber and magnesium, beans and lentils will help to sweep out the impurities in your digestive tract. They replenish the body to its natural state and ridding your constitution of the common toxins of day to day life.
Melons are high in water content.
Not only are cubed cantaloupe cups refreshing after a hard workout, but they’re also a great defense against muscle cramps. Watermelon gets bonus points for its high water content. This helps to hydrate and overload the system with vitamins and minerals.
Milk has lots of protein, which helps reduce muscle spams.
Protein deprivation can cause muscle pain in particular. High-intensity exercise and milk boast not just complex carbohydrates but lots of natural protein to rejuvenate your muscle tissue and prevent spasms.
Pickle juice provides lots of sodium.
One of the most popular quick fixes is not just for hangovers. But for muscle cramps and soreness too. Pickle juice provides sodium and hydration. Plus, a mysterious element that isn’t completely understood. However, it causes the nervous system to cease spasms, though nobody really knows why. And it’s tasty too!
Dark leafy greens have calcium.
Calcium and magnesium are paired up with fiber in dark leafy greens. Such as spinach and kale. This delicious fare is great for menstrual cramps. In particular, probably owing to its high antioxidant values.
Orange juice is excellent to rehydrate and needed to relieve cramps!
A cup of OJ is rifled with calcium, potassium and also an excellent choice for hydration. It can be just the thing to waylay muscle cramp progression before an active day. It goes well with avocado toast, by the way.
Nuts and seeds are high in omega-3 fatty acids.
Much like avocado, nuts and seeds feature high omega-3 fatty acid contents and magnesium too. These little guys are calorically dense and can be a great snack to help prevent the pain of muscle cramps.
Salmon helps improve circulation, which helps get the blood flowing!
Who doesn’t love that fancy red meat steak, paired with a few asparagus spears? The good news is that salmon can help to improve circulation. In turn, it can get the blood flowing into spasming muscle tissue, relieving pain.
Tomatoes are full of minerals.
These beefy fruits are savory and juicy, full of minerals. And with a high water content almost rivaling that of watermelon. Try it in juice form or sliced for a quick, salty snack.
Water should be your first defense.
The reigning king of the war against muscle cramps is doubtless none other than water. This should be the first line of defense against spasms. We need between 12 and 16 cups of water daily, spread out throughout the day. A great way to stop muscle cramps before they begin? Keep a filled water bottle with you at all times and sip on it continually. Muscle cramps won’t stand a chance!
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