in the kitchen with brandi
By Brandi Givens , RD
Back in the Gym ?
Foods That Reduce Muscle Soreness
It ’ s that time of year again . Pickleball enthusiasts everywhere are setting annual goals for improving their personal game . As part of reaching those targets , many players refresh their commitment to exercise and aim to build strength through resistance training .
A major barrier to sticking with any exercise routine is the annoying muscle aches that come a day or two after you push yourself . The pain of delayed-onset muscle soreness ( DOMS ) is sometimes so great that the athlete avoids the next workout or loses determination altogether . Fortunately , studies show that certain healthy foods can curb that discomfort while you ’ re building brawn for your backhand .
How Can Healthy Foods Help ?
DOMS is caused by exercise-induced muscle damage , a common side effect of building strength . If we fuel our bodies with nutrients needed to help fix the damage before it happens , it makes sense that we will heal faster and there may even be less damage in the first place .
Foods high in protein are a great place to start since you need their amino acids to build and repair muscle . Other nutrients are helpful because they reduce the inflammation that causes pain . Here are a few evidencebased eats that may speed muscle recovery , keeping you in the gym and on the court .