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Minerals for Muscle Aches After Exercise

One of the negative effects of a hard workout is tired and achy muscles. Sometimes it seems that no matter how much you stretch before and after exercise, you cannot avoid muscle soreness. Luckily, there are several mineral supplements that can be used to repair tired and achy muscles after a workout.

  1. The Cause of Muscle Aches

    • After a workout your muscles may become achy and fatigued. There are a several causes of this soreness. The most common cause of muscle aches is a buildup of lactic acid. Lactic acid forms when your cells do not receive enough oxygen and creates the soreness you experience after exercise.

      Muscle aches that appear a day or two after a workout is called delayed-onset muscle soreness. This is caused by tiny tears in the muscle that have become inflamed.

    Calcium and Magnesium

    • Minerals are required for natural cell function. Since a lack of oxygen to the cells causes a buildup of lactic acid, it makes sense that the use of mineral supplements would aid in muscle repair and the relief of muscle aches.

      Two minerals that work together to do just this are calcium and magnesium. Calcium and magnesium balance each other in the body. Combine calcium and magnesium for quick and easy intake and absorption by the body to help with achy muscles after a workout.

      Calcium has long been known to be a mineral that is needed for strong bones and teeth and to help prevent osteoporosis. However, calcium alone is often not enough to fully repair muscles. Calcium needs magnesium in order to achieve its full effects. Magnesium has the ability to relax muscles. Magnesium is also known to aid in the maintenance of healthy blood pressure because it prevents nerves from becoming overexcited. Together these minerals work to relax and rebuild muscles and are wonderful supplements to take during exercise.

      It is recommended you take 500 to 700 mg of calcium and 250 to 300 mg of magnesium daily.

    Other Minerals

    • Several other minerals can also be useful in soothing muscle aches. Zinc, potassium, iodine and selenium are four minerals that you might want to have on hand when preparing for a tough workout.

      Zinc promotes immune health and its detoxification abilities are known to help treat the cold and flu by activating the production of white blood cells. Potassium is essential for efficient muscle contraction, and iodine keeps the thyroid gland in good working order. Selenium enhances the immune system and is crucial for optimal health and detoxification. The use of these minerals will help repair muscles that are tired and sore.

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