Top Foods That Help Your Body Recover

With our busy lives, we can forget how hard our bodies work to carry us every day. Our bodies work to provide us with oxygen, the ability to move around, to eat, to think. It’s easy to be consumed with all of our daily obligations and thoughtlessly endure all the stress that comes with them.

But stress can really weigh on our physical and mental health. Stress can cause us to feel fatigued and exhausted and can cause us headaches, muscle aches and pains, stomach issues, and sleepless nights. Stress can result from our daily tasks, illnesses, and even physical activity.

Typically, our bodies continue to function at their best no matter the amount of stress and wear and tear we place on them each day. Our bodies can be self-healing. One way our bodies rejuvenate themselves is through sleep. Sleep allows our brains and body systems to slow down, and the decreased demands on our organs allow more blood to flow to our muscles to facilitate recovery.

Another way our body recovers is by using the nutrients and vitamins contained in the foods we eat. Unhealthy foods don’t particularly help our bodies for numerous reasons. Healthy foods, however, are used as fuel by our bodies to heal us and help our body function optimally.

The Best Foods for Body Recovery

The best foods for recovery are foods that reduce inflammation, support the immune system, and are rich in the vitamins that your body needs to function at its best. Some of the best foods for helping the body recover include various vegetables, fruits, protein, legumes, and even desserts.

Vegetables

Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are rich in vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin C. Both Vitamin A and Vitamin C help strengthen the body’s immune system.

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and brussels sprouts are rich in Vitamins C and B. Vitamin B provides fuel for your cells to repair your muscles. Additionally, broccoli contains antioxidants that help to reduce inflammation in the body. Another vegetable that’s rich in Vitamin B is mushrooms.

Similarly, avocados are packed with nutrients and antioxidants, like magnesium and potassium. These nutrients support the function of your muscles, helping them to maintain the strength needed to carry and move your body every day. Magnesium and potassium are also inflammation-busters.

Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants and nutrients that your body loves like Vitamin C and quercetin. The latter antioxidant helps fight inflammation in the body. Other anti-inflammatory antioxidants contained in bell peppers are ferulic acid and sinapic acid.

Not only are tomatoes great sources of nutrients like potassium and Vitamin C, but they’re also rich in lycopene. This powerful antioxidant is commonly suggested for use in reducing inflammation in those suffering from certain diseases, including cancer.

Fruits

Berries are packed with nutrients and antioxidants that boast numerous benefits for your health. Contained in berries is Vitamin C, a vitamin that your body truly enjoys feeding on. Vitamin C has great healing properties while also protecting your body from free radicals. Berries are also rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants, some of the best nutrients for helping your body recover.

Protein

Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids, one of the best nutrients for healing wounds and sore muscles. Omega 3 fatty acids are also great for reducing inflammation and for immune support. In addition to containing omega 3 fatty acids, salmon is packed with Vitamin B, iron, and zinc – three vitamins that help support strong muscles and bones, and increase energy.

Another seafood rich in zinc is shellfish. Zinc helps support your immune system and helps your body heal injuries it sustains.

Eggs are another vital protein that is rich in many of the same nutrients as salmon: Vitamin B, iron, and zinc. Additionally, eggs contain Vitamin A which helps support your immune system.

Seeds and Nuts

Various types of seeds and nuts, like sunflower seeds and walnuts, are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. They’re rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps fight inflammation and supports healthy immune function.

Sweets

Believe it or not, you don’t have to give up your love of sweets to be healthy and support your body’s recovery. Dark chocolate contains carbs and antioxidants that can help your body refuel its energy as well as help your muscles recover.

AllCare Health & Pain Can Help You Recover

One of the best ways to help your body recover is by providing it with everything it needs from the food that you consume. Try your best to include more anti-inflammatory, strengthening, and immune-supporting foods for optimal recovery.

In combination with a pro-recovery diet, come see the pain specialists of AllCare Health & Pain if you are experiencing pain or discomfort. Even if you’re feeling perfectly fine, you may benefit from the treatments we offer as a way to maintain your body’s optimal functioning. Call us today at 201-386-9800 or contact us online to schedule an appointment.