Compression of nerves, nerve damage, strain and cramp are the primary causes responsible for muscle pain. They lead to blood flow issues, dehydration and other muscle related disorders. Insufficient supply of minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium may also lead to muscle stress. Cramps are manifested by painful contractions and tightening of muscles. These feelings put us in an unbearable ordeal which may last for a few minutes or may even continue for days. Overuse of muscles, traumas such as a fall from a height, twists and other concussions may result in muscle stress and sprains.
However, there are solutions to this painful issue. Consumption of certain food may be helpful to eliminate cramps and relax your muscles. Let us explore what food might come to our rescue:
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Blueberry smoothie:
It is recommended that before and after exercise we should consume blueberry smoothies. They help in the recovery of muscles after they have been damaged. Blueberries are loaded with antioxidants and they help mitigate stress, inflammation and muscle damage caused by over exercises.
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Hot pepper:
Hot peppers such as chilli peppers, cayenne pepper and tabasco peppers contain a fiery substance called capsaicin. This is a familiar pain reliever which many of the tropical ointments are known to contain. Adding peppers to your dishes in generous amounts would help a lot.
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Bananas, legumes, almonds and brown rice:
These foods are loaded with magnesium and consequently, they are excellent pain relievers.
Magnesium helps maintain healthy muscle and nerves function. They help mitigate muscle pain and do a great job in relaxing your muscles.
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Tart Cherries:
Loaded with a quantum of antioxidants they act as great anti-inflammatory agents reducing your muscle pain to a great extent. Consumption of tart cherry juice prior to stressful exercise can manage your muscles pain very well. Tart cherry juice can also get rid of muscle soreness and inflammation.
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Peppermint:
This is another excellent muscle relaxant helpful in treating sore muscles, back aches and headaches induced by tension. Peppermint contains menthol which has anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic and analgesic properties. It speeds up the blood circulation that mitigates pain and spasms.
It is recommended that you drink a cup or two of peppermint juice on regular basis. Making peppermint tea is rather easy. Steep one teaspoon of fresh or dried peppermint leaves in hot water for about 10 minutes. Let the solute and solvent mix well and settle. You can sip it at your leisure.
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Vegetable soup:
Regular consumption of vegetable soup helps calming your nerves. It eliminates foreign bodies present in your system freeing it from infections. Add pieces of tomatoes, green peppers, slices of carrots, garlic, spinach and thyme in your soup and enjoy the drink. High in antioxidants, these vegetables have a magical effect in relaxing your overstressed muscles.
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Honey:
This is a wholesome food containing a high concentration of tryptophan known to reduce anxiety and having a relaxing effect on nerves. Honey is rich in potassium which has a soothing effect or your nerves. It combats stress hormones as well.
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Milk:
Milk has a calming effect on your muscles and it acts fast. Milk contains tryptophan which helps in the synthesis of serotonin known for its calming effect.
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Celery:
Celery reduces your blood pressure. When your blood pressure is lowered, it causes a muscle relaxing effect.
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Cold water fish:
Cold water fish like sardines, mackerel and salmons are rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. They trigger production of serotonin and results in a muscle relaxing effect.
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Oatmeal:
This food is an all-rounder enriched with antioxidants. Oatmeal is a complex carbohydrate which helps in enhancing the absorption of tryptophan. More tryptophan in your system will lead to a higher level of production of serotonin. Serotonin brings in a soothing effect on your stressed out muscles.
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Chamomile:
The medicinal properties of Chamomile have been acknowledged since ancient times. It contains around 36 flavonoids having anti-inflammatory properties. It delivers a calming effect to your body, relaxes the strained muscles and aids in quick healing of tissues.
A survey conducted reveals that drinking chamomile tea helps relieving menstrual cramps in females by relaxing the muscles of the uterus. For making tea, steep one tablespoon of chamomile flower in a cup of hot water. Let it settle for 5 to 10 minutes. After straining, drink the tea while it is still warm. Drink 3 times a day for effective results.
The foods mentioned above are wonderful gifts of nature to mankind. Make it a point to consume them with religious regularity. It is true that there are pains and sufferings in life. It is also true that nature has worked out wonderful ways to provide us solutions to fight these issues in life.