Relief for Aching Muscles

2.62
If you're seriously engaging your power pantry goals, especially the ones involving physical activity, there's a good chance you're going to end up with muscle fatigue. I've been aware of the exercise after-burn for years: about a day-and-a-half after a strenuous workout, whether it is a long run, or waxing the truck, or a few dozen flights of stairs, I know I'm going to be sore.

Why? Technically, there's a depletion of primary nutrients and minerals, like potassium, magnesium, and sodium, and the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, . (There's a whole, confusing world of research on lactic acid, lactate, and the 'lactate threshold' which I'm not going to get into here...that alone is exhausting...) 

To function normally, our muscles need healthy supply of nutrients like these, and of course the best resources to supply these are nutrient dense foods (like veggies). And there's another great source of healthful nutrients that I have to mention: apple cider vinegar (ACV). I love that this simple, humble kitchen staple has so many valuable constituents, and I'd argue it confounds the most precisely formulated vitamins and supplements around.

Check out this page from WebMD on ACV and the impressive list of its nutrients and uses.
ACV on WebMD

Some of the great things ACV give us are acetic acid (helping replenish the acetylcholine), citric acid and malic acid, B vitamins, and even potassium and magnesium. No wonder it is great for muscle fatigue and recovery. Move over Gatorade!

So if you're exerting yourself and know the pain is on the way, consider mixing in several tablespoons of apple cider vinegar with your salad, and speed your recovery. Your muscles will thank you.

By the Way

Often it is hard to believe that simple solutions like ACV for muscle fatigue could possibly work, but it really does. I've put a couple tablespoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water the day after strenuous exercise, and I'm amazed at how it keeps the cramping and fatigue way.

For more interesting reading, simply google the benefits of apple cider vinegar, and read up.

If you appreciate Power Pantry posts, please leave a comment, 'like' this post, and take 30 seconds to subscribe. It's great to have you on board!