Muscles can become sore from working them too hard as in DOMS, Delayed Onset Muscles Soreness, or from an imbalance of minerals and vitamins. When ill, the entire body can become achy and sore. A tear in the muscle or strain can lead to increased inflammation and pain. No matter what causes the tenderness, helpful topical and oral solutions are available.
Water
Keeping well-hydrated helps keep muscle aches at bay, at least those caused by exercise. Since much of the body's water can be lost through sweat, so can other nutrients. Keeping higher levels of water in the body before a workout allows for a better balance of electrolytes in the body. A study in the October 2005 edition of the Journal of Athletic Training observed the effects of hydration and hyperthermia during a workout versus dehydration and hyperthermia when compared to the onset of DOMS. Those in the dehydration group felt more pain and tenderness after working out.
Mineral Balance
Calcium and magnesium work together to help the muscles contract and relax. Without a balance of these minerals, some muscles may not contract, while others may go into spasm. Muscle spasms or cramps are sometimes caused by lost electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports. Supplementing with a multi-vitamin or a calcium magnesium supplement should help decrease the cramping.
Astaxanthin
This carotenoid is similar to that of beta-carotene, but found in specific forms of algae. The astaxanthin is a red color that often gives coloring to the marine animals that eat it, like lobsters, crawfish and crabs. This nutrient is an incredibly powerful anti-oxidant that helps reduce inflammation and pain. In addition to helping with aches and pain from inflammation, it's also an effective immune booster.
Bromelain
Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been used as early as the late 1800s post-surgery, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. It's made from the inner core of pineapples. Bromelain can be taken before and after a work out to help decrease muscle soreness. Working out releases free radicals as a byproduct; the anti-inflammatories work to bind free-radicals which cause damage to the cells, and remove them from the body more efficiently. Additionally, bromelain is great for inflammation caused by a muscle or tendon tear.
Topical Supplements
Most grocery stores carry many brands of topical pain reliever. Some have a hot tingly feeling while others may feel cold and mentholated. All of these over-the-counter options help to temporarily relieve the feeling of pain, but rarely fix the cause of the pain.
Member Comments