After your workout, you might feel a sense of accomplishment and immediately feel re-energized, but what you won’t be looking forward to is the muscle soreness that comes afterward.
Having sore muscles can make performing regular activities a hassle because the pain from your muscle aches can often feel unbearable. Luckily, for every problem, there is a solution and, in this case, there are a few natural remedies that can help relieve your muscle pain.
What Causes Muscle Pain
Fitness-related muscle soreness may be uncomfortable but is a common occurrence. This kind of muscle soreness can also be classified as delayed-onset muscle soreness, abbreviated as DOM. Whether you’re a runner preparing for the Olympics, or you’re just trying to make sure you’re toned in time for spring break, you’re bound to experience DOM at some point.
Muscles soreness usually happens within a day or two after you participate in a vigorous workout routine. What causes the soreness in your muscles is small, microscopic tears that rip your muscles during the intense workout training. So, those who want to get ripped this summer will literally have to rip their muscles in order to reap the desired results.
The soreness that you feel after your workout routine is a biological response that signals pain so that you won’t overwork your body during the recovery period.
If you are starting a new workout routine or challenging yourself by amping up your fitness routine, you should be aware that muscle soreness can’t be avoided. You can, however, lessen the pain and promote faster recovery if you follow a few simple tips.
Natural Remedies For Muscle Pain
Experiencing muscle pain can be a nuisance and prevent you from completing daily activities, staggering your productivity. Try these 3 simple remedies to help you get back on your feet:
Magnesium
Low levels of magnesium can cause muscle aches and pain, so it’s best to include foods rich in magnesium like almonds or flaxseeds, incorporating them into your daily diet. Magnesium is also good for promoting energy while calming the body, relieving any anxiety. Magnesium is available in powder form or oil, but foods high in magnesium are:
- Sesame seeds
- Sunflower seeds
- Black beans
- Spinach
- Cocoa powder
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used to cure common ailments and heal wounds for centuries. Did you know that apple cider vinegar can help relieve muscle pain too? Apple cider vinegar contains alkalizing and anti-inflammatory properties that collectively work together to reduce muscle pain and inflammation.
What’s even better about this magic potion is it helps promote muscle growth, as well. Try adding 2 cups of apple cider vinegar to a warm bath, or mixing 1 tablespoon into a glass of water. You can even make your own energy drink by mixing:
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of fresh pineapple juice
- a couple of fresh mint leaves
- 10 ounces of cold water
Pickles
Pickle juice is high in sodium and electrolytes, two things our body loses as we sweat during our workouts. Having the same amount of electrolytes as Gatorade, pickle juice has been proven to help replenish the body of this necessary substance.
The only downfall about pickle juice is that it’s low in potassium, which is one of the key elements to preventing muscle cramps. Coconut water contains high levels of potassium, so as unpleasant as this might sound, try a combination of the two by adding a tablespoon of pickle juice to your coconut water. This will help relieve muscle pain while hydrating your body.
On the Road to Muscle Recovery
Along with trying the discussed natural remedies, it’s always best to make sure you properly stretch and hydrate yourself after your workout. Moderate exercise after an intense training routine can alleviate soreness. A full body massage is also a wonderful treatment for muscle pain.
Working out is a great way to remain healthy, but excessive training can lead to injury and even brain fog if you don’t get your adequate rest. So, if you become extremely sore after your workout, try taking a break between your exercises to give your body the rest it deserves.
References
12 Home Remedies for Sore Muscles – Best Natural Muscle Pain Relief. (2018, February 01). Retrieved March 13, 2018, from https://commonsensehome.com/home-remedies-for-sore-muscles/
Is Pickle Juice Really That Great for Post-Workout Recovery? (2017, March 31). Retrieved March 13, 2018, from https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/drink/pickle-juice-after-workout/
