According to experts, unhealthy or inadequate food is also one of the reasons behind muscle tension or cramps. Regularly including certain foods in the diet can solve some of these problems. Experts say that potassium is an important mineral in preventing cramps. It helps in maintaining communication between muscles and nerves. Protein can also help prevent cramps. Protein is also beneficial for muscle and tissue repair. Healthy foods that help reduce muscle cramps–
1. Banana
Bananas are a great source of potassium. It helps the body break down carbon and build muscle. Potassium is a very important element for the properly functioning of muscles and nervous systems.
2. Sweet Potato
Like bananas, sweet potatoes are also a food rich in potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains six times more calcium than bananas. You can also eat simple potatoes and sweet pumpkin to get the same benefits.
3. Watermelon
The amount of sugar in watermelon is low. The amount of water in it is very high. Watermelon keeps the body hydrated and increases the natural sugar rate in the blood, which helps to reduce pain.
4. Broccoli
Broccoli is very beneficial for health. It contains a lot of fiber and iron. You can eat broccoli to get rid of unbearable pain in the lower abdomen during periods.
5. Ginger Tea
At this time, the body starts to weaken with pain. Its analgesic properties help reduce arthritis pain, cramps, and muscle pain. Ginger tea helps to reduce pain and refresh the body. Try eating ginger tea instead of coffee.
6. Nuts
Many nuts are beneficial for muscle health because they contain high levels of protein and magnesium. Lack of magnesium usually causes muscle weakness, cramps, and seizures. So playing nuts regularly eliminates this problem.
7. Beans And Lentils
Different types of pulses and beans contain vegetable protein and magnesium. Besides from this, there is a high amount of fiber in chickpeas and beans. They reduce the pain of period cramps as well as common muscle cramps.
8. Greek Yogurt
It helps to hydrate our body and replenishes the lost nutrients- the probiotic properties present in yogurt work to reduce bloating and other digestive problems. Eating yogurt during periods can help reduce anxiety and depression and muscle aches and cramps.
9. Cantaloupe
Cantaloupe is rich in calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium, and lots of water. As we exercise, our body flushes sodium out with our sweat. If you we lose too much water, we will get dehydrated, and muscle cramps may happen. Eating cantaloupe after a workout can help.
10. Apple Cider Vinegar
Lack of potassium is one of the reasons for frequent muscle tension. Apple cider vinegar contains nutrients that control the fluid balence in the body. Mixing a tsp of apple cider vinegar in a glass of warm water and drinking it every day can get rid of muscle tension.
11. Green Leafy Vegetables:
They are rich in magnesium and calcium. Adding lettuce, kale, spinach, cabbage, or broccoli to your diet may help prevent muscle cramps. Studies show consuming foods high in calcium can help reduce pain from periods.
12. Milk
Milk is one of the best sources of calcium, sodium, and potassium. It is also rich in protein, which is involved in muscle contraction.
13. Avocado
Avocados are rich in potassium and magnesium. They are beneficial for muscle health. Potassium and magnesium take part in muscle repair. These two minerals act as electrolytes.
14. Coconut Water
Coconut is pure water-like fruit. This contains a lot of potassium which helps to reduce muscle cramps. Coconut water plays a part in hydrating the body. It also replenishes electrolytes naturally. Coconut water act as an alternative to saline.
15. Papaya
Papain present in papaya is a natural remedy to reduce pain. They are also high in potassium and magnesium. Consuming more potassium-rich foods may help decrease muscle cramps.
16. Salmon
Salmon fish is high in iron, which is required for healthy blood cell production. The oxygenation of muscle tissue, and blood flow, which are important for muscle cramp prevention. Moreover, it is a good source of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for muscle function. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to spasms, muscle pain, and weakness.
17. Sardine
Sardines are high in nutrients that may help relieve and prevent muscle cramps. They are high in selenium which plays a vital role in muscle function. Low selenium levels in the body may lead to muscle weakness.
18. Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate may reduce period cramps. Dark chocolate is high in magnesium, which can ease aches and relax muscles.
19. Orange
Orange juice may help reduce muscle cramps. It is full of potassium and magnesium. It helps to hydrate our body which eventually relieves cramps.
20. Tomato
Tomato is a great source of potassium that may prevent muscle cramps. It also has water content which supports you to stay hydrated.