Bid adieu to muscle cramps naturally with the help of these 7 foods

Have you ever woken up in the middle of the night due to muscle cramps or spasms? Isn’t it gut-wrenchingly painful? Well, not just painful, it is also your body’s way to signal that your muscles are tired, and your body is deficient in some important minerals.

We usually suffer from muscle cramps due to  overuse of muscles, especially while exercising or walking. Lack of calcium, sodium or potassium also causes muscle cramps. Low level of blood supply in body parts can cause muscle cramps, especially while performing a physical activity.

Sometimes, muscle injuries or spinal nerve compression can also cause muscle cramps, and dehydration and menstruation are also some common causes. Stretching and massaging your muscles gives you relief from muscle cramps. 

Here’s how food can help with muscle cramps

“Water intake is very important to cure muscle cramps. Apart from this, eating nutrient-rich food is also crucial to combat such cramps. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium prevent muscle cramping from occurring, as they act as electrolytes. This ensures proper muscle functioning and maintains muscle health,” explains nutritionist Manisha Chopra. 

Here’s a list of seven foods that will help you deal with muscle cramps

1. Bananas

Bananas are rich in minerals like calcium, potassium and magnesium that help to maintain electrolyte balance that is essential to prevent muscle cramps.

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2. Sweet potatoes

They are rich in vitamin A and C, potassium, fibre, calcium, and magnesium. These nutrients are vital for proper muscle function. The high potassium content in sweet potatoes prevents muscle cramps.

3. Avocado

Rich in potassium and magnesium, avocados are beneficial for muscle health. Potassium and magnesium act as electrolytes, which prevents muscle cramps.

4. Watermelons

Watermelons prevent dehydration, which is one of the most common causes of muscle cramps. Healthy muscle function requires adequate water content in the body, and lack of water in the body causes muscle cramps.

5. Milk

Milk is the best source of electrolytes such as calcium, potassium, and sodium. It is also rich in protein, which helps in muscle repair.

6. Coconut water

Coconut water helps in rehydrating the body and replenishes electrolytes naturally. It is rich in calcium, phosphorus, potassium and magnesium, and helps to reduce muscle cramps.

7. Papaya

Papaya is an excellent source of potassium and magnesium, and is known to ease muscle cramps.

If you are into fitness, then you must incorporate all these foods to protect yourself from injuries.