There are many pains in the world, but one of the most unbearable ones is the muscular pain. Whether it is due to the biting cold or a heavy-duty workout, injury or some medications, we have all had our share of muscle pain. The reason it happens is that your muscles tighten and affect the circulatory system. It prevents nutrients from reaching the muscle cells.
Due to this, lactic acid builds up and cause soreness. What you eventually end up doing is popping a painkiller. But, have you ever tried an alternative to nourish your muscle cells? No? Then read on to find out a few unconventional ways to getting rid of that biting muscle pain.
Epsom salt
Magnesium is a primary constituent of Epsom salt, and unlike other minerals, it can easily be absorbed by the skin and works wonders for aching muscles. It relaxes skeletal muscles, flushes out lactic acid and reduces inflammation and the associated pain. So, if you’ve got a muscle that’s shouting out loud for help, don’t wait any more. Dissolve a cup of Epsom salt in a warm tub and soak the affected area in it for about 15 minutes or till the time the water cools down.
Cherry juice
Yes, it is true that cherry juice can make your muscle pain disappear in no time. It is the high levels of antioxidants present in it that do wonders. Since it has become one of the most sought after post-workout drink, you should not wait to gulp a glass down. Perhaps you could add some cherry juice to your smoothies too!
Medicinal mushrooms
Cordyceps mushrooms have long been used in herbal medicines as they increase sexual vigour. But off late, there have been numerous other health benefits of such mushrooms that have come to the limelight. They are known to improve blood flow, reduce lactic acid build-up and reducing pain caused due to inflammation.
Caffeine
Researchers from the University of Illinois have found out that caffeine helps in reducing quadriceps muscle pain. According to one of the researchers, what led them to this study was that in one of the earlier researches they found out that caffeine affects a system in the brain and spinal cord involved in pain processing, which led him to speculate that it could reduce pain.
If you want to start your day with coffee to rid muscle pain, do so in moderation and don’t gulp down cups and cups of it. Too much of anything is bad for your system.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Good news for those of you who are undergoing a tough strength training workout regime. According to a research, taking a fish-oil pill once a day can alleviate muscle soreness within 48 hours post your demanding workout. If you do not want to pop the fish oil pill, you can start eating foods that are naturally rich in omega-3. For instance, salmon, nuts and spinach. Omega-3 helps in boosting blood circulation, reduces inflammation in your muscles and prepares you for the workout the next day.
Capsaicin in pepper
Pepper contains capsaicin, a substance that is potent in blocking pain. So, over-the-counter capsaicin muscle rub creams work effectively in lessening muscle pain. Capsaicin tricks the brain into thinking that the area it is rubbed on is physically hot and so the nervous system responds by releasing a neuro-transmitter called Substance P. When this Substance P is released, no more pain signals travel to the affected area, and so the sense of pain depletes significantly.
So, the next time your muscles shout for some pain relievers, make sure you implement one of these to test the efficacy. And, if you have some other remedies for sore muscles, don’t forget to drop us a line in the comments section below.
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