When your muscles stiffen, you may experience muscle tightness, also known as muscle tension. Overtraining or improper stretching after workouts are frequently the culprits.
To cure this issue, many people take painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs, but these drugs only offer transient relief and may cause negative effects. Try the natural techniques listed below to relax your muscles instead.
Pomegranate
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Pomegranates are a superfruit that includes several vitamins and minerals, fibre, and antioxidants. These nutrients can improve workout performance and reduce muscular pain. A healthy pregnancy can also be supported by pomegranate juice. It can control the placenta's oxidative stress and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases.
The anti-amylase properties of pomegranate rind and aril extracts stop carbs from being broken down in the digestive tract. This may lower postprandial glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity .
This fruit also contains a lot of potassium, which eases tension in the body and helps muscles relax. Additionally, it includes tryptophan, a natural stress reliever that also helps with digestion and sleep quality. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which magnesium controls, is the energy source that causes muscles to contract and relax. Dark leafy greens, avocados, almonds, seeds, bananas, and yoghurt all contain it.
Watermelon
Nothing beats a juicy slice of watermelon in the summer, and this tasty treat also has several health advantages. The fruit's juice and its ability to increase circulation, lower blood pressure, and relieve arterial stiffness are all benefits. Thanks to the vitamin L-citrulline, it has also been demonstrated to be helpful for reducing muscle soreness. The amino acid promotes circulation and lessens lactic acid buildup, which can cause soreness after exercise.
The melon is a great source of potassium, an electrolyte that regulates blood pressure, encourages good heart function, and aids in the body's elimination of pollutants and waste. The natural diuretic characteristics of it can help reduce bloating and fluid retention.
The melon is also a good source of nutritional fibre, which may nourish the body and stave off hunger. The seeds can be roasted to produce a nutritious snack, or they can be consumed whole or turned into a cool juice.
Chamomile
One of the best natural muscle relaxants available is chamomile. The daisy-like plant's blossoms contain chamazulene, bisabolol, and other powerful plant components (see photo above).
Chamamile has antispasmodic effects that help reduce stomach cramps and indigestion, as well as spasms in the muscles that make up the digestive tract. Additionally, it can lessen the swelling caused by burns or wounds and relieve skin conditions like eczema.
According to NCCIH, among the two plants that go by the name "chamomile," Matricaria recutita, or German chamomile, is the one that is most frequently used medicinally. The second is Roman chamomile, or Chamaemelum nobile. Both varieties of chamomile can be used as medicines, but the German variety has a stronger therapeutic impact than the less potent Roman chamomile since it includes the crucial azulene components. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, stay away from both herbal types. Large-scale consumption of them may result in contractions that result in preterm labour or low birth weight. Additionally, chamomile and several drugs, such as warfarin (Coumaden, Jantoven) and cyclosporine (Restasis), may interact negatively.
Blueberries
The nutrients in the little but formidable berry are so potent that they may prevent muscular spasms and hasten recovery. Antioxidants, which are abundant in blueberries, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. They also include vitamin C, which helps the body recover from stress by helping blood pressure and cortisol levels return to normal.
According to studies, taking a blueberry supplement can help prevent exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). As it prevents the creation of free radicals in the muscles both before and after exercise, it aids in speedier muscle recovery.
Blueberries are abundant in antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanins, just like acai berries are. Blueberries' colour and their anti-inflammatory qualities come from the anthocyanins. You can use this superfood to make smoothies, top oatmeal and breakfast bowls, or bake a faux cobbler for a nutritious dessert. Keep a supply of frozen blueberries in your freezer since they are just as healthy as fresh ones. They endured for almost six months.
