10 Foods To Stop Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps are painful, involuntary contractions of a muscle, part of a muscle, or even a group of muscles. These contractures are normally very brief but can be uncomfortable, especially if they are long-lasting or wake you up from sleep.
There is no one cause of muscle cramps, but there are a few factors that can contribute. Intense exercise without proper recovery, dehydration, low electrolytes, certain medications, and certain vitamin deficiencies are all common contributors. Some research shows that getting nutrients like potassium, magnesium, and sodium can reduce muscle cramps.
Eating nutrient-dense foods is therefore an excellent way to decrease muscle cramps and prevent them from happening in the first place.
These Foods Can Help You Avoid Muscle Cramps:
1. Avocados
Avocados are rich in potassium and magnesium – which act as electrolytes. Electrolytes are electrically charged substances that your body uses for many functions – including muscle contraction. When your electrolyte levels become imbalanced, involuntary muscle cramps can arise.
2. Coconut Water
Coconut water is also rich in electrolytes – it provides phosphorus, calcium, sodium, magnesium – which all may help to decrease muscle cramps.
3. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes are vitamin-rich and delicious! One cup of mashed sweet potato can deliver over 20% of your recommended daily intake for potassium and nearly 13% of the recommended intake for magnesium.
4. Bone Broth
Bone broth helps fight muscle crams on multiple fronts. It’s liquid, so it’s hydrating – which may reduce muscle cramping. It’s also rich in sodium, calcium, and magnesium.
5. Salmon
Salmon is an excellent food for relieving muscle cramps! It’s an excellent source of protein and healthy fats. Rich B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, and more work together to improve muscle health and boost recovery. It’s also rich in iron, which is essential for healthy blood cell production – which can assist in proper oxygenation of muscle tissue.
Salmon is also a great source of vitamin D. Being deficient in this essential nutrient may lead to muscular deficiencies, such as muscle pain, weakness, and spasms.
6. Watermelon
Dehydration is one contributor to muscle cramps – so eating watermelon, which has high water content, can help relieve cramps. This fruit is composed of nearly 92% water, and on top of that – is rich in magnesium and potassium for an electrolyte boost.
7. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is high in protein, which is necessary for muscle recovery and growth. Eating greek yogurt after a strenuous workout can help you boost your muscle recovery, and replenish certain nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, and more.
8. Bananas
Bananas are well-known as muscle cramp relievers – and for good reason. Bananas are rich in potassium! Eating a banana before your workout can keep your potassium levels from getting too low.
It also is high in complex carbs, which helps regulate insulin levels.
9. Spinach
Spinach is a great way to give yourself a vitamin boost. It’s rich in vitamins A and K, magnesium, potassium, and folate. Its calcium content also enhances muscle function, repair, and recovery.
10. Lentils
Legumes are loaded with magnesium. One cup of cooked lentils contains around 70mg of magnesium! Lentils are also high in fiber, which helps control blood sugar and keep bad cholesterol in check.
If you’re having trouble relieving your muscle cramps or muscle pain, we are here to help. Our expert staff takes your entire lifestyle into consideration – the foods you eat, how much exercise you get, and more – when recommending a treatment plan.
Our goal is to not only help you feel better, but give you the tools you need to ensure that you continue feeling better long after you walk out of our clinic doors. Click below to make your appointment today:
