Super Foods

Everyone has aches and pains from day to day living, especially athletes.  Here we have a quick reference to a variety of foods that can be used to cure many common pains from headaches to muscle soreness. These are great suggestions not just for athletes but for anyone experiencing pain and soreness they want to get rid of. 

Pain: Post Workout Soreness

Food: Pineapple and Papaya

Pineapples and papayas are full of Papain and Bromelain, both which are enzymes that occur naturally within the body.  Papain and Bromelain are used by the body to break down protein for the bodys use and reduce inflammation in deep muscle tissue.  Any athletes that have rigorous training schedules or are suffering from chronic soreness should be sure to include these fruits in their diets.

Pain: Headache

Food: Avocado and Olive Oil

Avocados and Olive are both rich in essential fatty acids, which are needed by the body because  it can not produce them on its own.  Essential Fatty acids play key roles in the bodies immune, nervous, cardiovascular, and reproductive systems. Essential Fatty Acids are needed by the body for proper cellular functioning and performance.  They also help to act as a natural lubricant, especially in the brain allowing for increased blood flow and reduced inflammation.  These powerful fatty acids can have the same effect on headaches as medicines like ibuprofen.

Pain: Stomach Ache

Food: Tuna Fish

Tuna is high in Omega 3s which are apart of the family of Essential Fatty Acids.  Omega 3s are excellent aids in digestion because they work to speed up the rate at which the body moves food through the intestines.  This increased rate of digestion and absorption of food can relieve even the most severe stomach aches. This movement is done by various hormones which are governed by Omega 3 fatty acids. A stomach ache can be quelled by eating a small serving of tuna, however a large amount of tuna will have the opposite effect.

Pain: Sun Burn

Food: Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate is rich in a substance called flavanol which is used in the fortification of cells against UV (ultraviolet light) damage.  Flavonal supports cells by limiting oxidative damage and inhibiting platelet destruction. Consumption of a bar of dark chocolate the day before or the day after a game played in the sun or a trip to the beach can do wonders for the skins ability to recover from the damage done by harmful UV rays.

Every food has its own unique properties and abilities, as an athlete it is important to know what certain foods can do you for you and your body.  Whether you are new to the power of foods or an expert it is always useful to refresh your understanding so that you can properly decide what to eat and when to eat it.