Cramps are a major obstacle for athletes, and they can strike at the worst possible moments. You may have gotten used to some post-training muscle cramps, but when they hit in the middle of a sports event, they can stop you completely in your tracks. Although they are common, cramps are also able to be combated with a variety of supplements.
We created the Fixx Nutrition sports range to help athletes beat cramps using all-natural ingredients. Whether you have on-and-off cramps or struggle with more consistent, painful muscle contractions, these are the top supplements to help prevent and stop cramps fast.
Muscle Cramps Causes
Muscle cramps are caused by involuntary contractions of muscles. The underlying cause can range from a wide range of factors, like low electrolyte levels, dehydration, neuromuscular disorders, and certain medical conditions.
Regular cramping can indicate a health condition that needs medical treatment. However, athletes are prone to cramps when they are low on electrolytes.These minerals and vitamins act as modulators, controlling electrical impulses that cause your muscles to activate when you need them to.
Low electrolytes deprive your muscles of minerals they need to function properly. In turn, this makes you more likely to have cramps. Research shows that a lack of magnesium, potassium, and calcium are especially more likely to contribute to muscle cramps.
What Are the Best Supplements to Get Rid of Muscle Cramps?
CrampFix triggers a neurological response, which is why it can work so rapidly. This low-PH product activates the sensory nerves in the mouth, sending a signal to stop nerve pathways from overfiring.
That’s why we recommend CrampFix, our number-one cramp relief supplement for athletes. It offers preventative benefits and rapid relief in 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
CrampFix uses pure electrolytes, water, vinegar, and natural sugar to reduce muscle contractions and restore healthy function. It can also be used as a preventive measure before training or sporting events and as part of your recovery.
Additional Natural Cramp Supplements
There are many types of food you can eat that naturally help prevent and alleviate muscle cramps. Having a healthy diet as part of your training routine can help you avoid muscle cramps and promote optimal performance whenever you train or perform sporting events.
Avocado
Avocados contain high amounts of potassium and magnesium, which are great for boosting muscle performance. These two minerals act as charged electrolytes to help ensure stable muscle contraction and relaxation. Many athletes are prone to experiencing cramps at the beginning of a session due to increased muscle activity; ensuring you have enough electrolytes in your system beforehand can help reduce the chance of painful symptoms during physically demanding activities.
Watermelon
Watermelon is 92% water, making it an excellent fruit for combating dehydration. However, be mindful of eating too many fruits that are extremely high in sugar. High blood sugar levels can lead to dehydration, further increasing your risk of muscle cramps.
Greek Yogurt
Fancy a parfait? Your muscles will likely thank you. Unsweetened Greek yogurt is a great choice thanks to its high potassium, calcium, and phosphorus content. It’s also full of protein, which is essential for helping your muscles recover after activity.
Fermented Foods
Fermentation requires high volumes of sodium, which can be valuable for athletes when they’re tackling cramps. The high sodium content of pickle juice is why brine has long been a go-to quick-fix for athletes during games or sporting events.
Research shows that drinking pickle juice reduced cramp time by 49.1 seconds in a group of men. Meanwhile, fermented foods like pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut are also rich in electrolytes that can help prevent involuntary muscle contractions.
Preventing Muscle Cramps as an Athlete
Muscle cramps can be debilitating, especially if they flare up no matter what precautions you take. While some people are more disposed to developing cramps, there are some preventative steps you can take to keep yourself pain-free.
- Train regularly and safely. Follow a training routine that includes rest days. Overworked muscles don’t grow faster; you only increase the risk of strain, injury, and cramps by pushing fatigued muscles beyond their limits.
- Stretch your muscles before and after exercise. Warm-up with dynamic stretches that target your large muscle groups, and perform static stretches during your cool-down to lengthen your muscles and support a healthy recovery. Active stretches before exercise help “wake up” the muscles and activate them for performance; cool-down stretches encourage relaxation and reduce nerve excitability, reducing the risk of cramps.
- Increase activity levels systematically. Gradual increases are key to maintaining steady performance and reducing the risk of muscle cramps. Delving right into an intense workout or suddenly ramping up your physical exertion could lead to cramps.
- Stay hydrated. Make sure you replace any fluids you lose, and replenish them during physical activity to support healthy muscle performance and recovery.
If you constantly struggle with muscle cramps despite all your best efforts, consider speaking with your doctor. They may be able to offer deeper insight into the underlying cause and help you prevent them in the future.
Conclusion
Muscle cramps are most often caused by overexertion, low electrolyte levels, and dehydration. Athletes have to take additional measures to protect their bodies, especially when they’re training rigorously or gearing up for a big event. Dietary supplements like electrolyte-rich fruits and vegetables are the best camp busters, but professional supplements offer on-the-go relief.
CrampFix was designed by athletes and experts with health and convenience in mind. It delivers preventative benefits and rapid cramp relief to ensure you can keep your eye on the prize.
Fixx Nutrition is your go-to cramp relief source, as well as your training champion partner. We’re here to support all athletes on their journeys, whether they’re weekend warriors, passionate enthusiasts, or professionals.
