Glute strains are common injuries that can occur during physical activities such as running, jumping or lifting weights. They can also happen due to everyday wear and tear. If you’ve experienced a glute strain, you know first-hand how painful it can be, and may ask do glute strains hurt all the time? While chiropractic care and physiotherapy can help with your injury, what you eat can have a significant impact on your recovery time. A registered dietitian or naturopathic doctor can help you make proper nutritional decisions to make sure your food choices are not impacting your recovery. To help you get back to 100%, we’ve put together a list of foods to avoid while you heal.
Processed Foods: Foods that are high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats can impair the healing process. Examples of processed foods include potato chips, crackers, and candy. These foods can also increase inflammation which can make the pain and swelling worse.
Alcohol: While it may be tempting to have a drink to “numb the pain”, alcohol can actually slow down the healing process. Alcohol can also dehydrate your body and contribute to inflammation.
Caffeine: While caffeine can be found in many foods and beverages, it can also contribute to dehydration. A lack of hydration can slow down the healing process and increase inflammation. This means you should limit your intake of coffee, tea, and energy drinks while you recover from a glute strain.
Red Meat: While protein is important for healing, red meat can be counterproductive. Red meat is high in saturated fat and can increase inflammation in the body. Instead, try to eat lean proteins such as chicken, fish, or plant-based options.
Dairy Products: Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can also increase inflammation in the body. This can make pain and swelling worse. Instead, try alternatives such as almond milk, tofu, or plant-based yogurts.
When you’re dealing with a glute strain, it’s essential to nourish your body with foods that promote healing. Avoiding processed foods, alcohol, caffeine, red meat, and dairy products can help reduce inflammation and promote healing. Opt for nutrient-dense foods such as lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help your body recover. Remember, proper nutrition is just one component of healing from a glute strain, so always make sure to follow the advice of your dietitian or naturopath. If you would like to take a more active approach, read more about the best treatment for glute strains.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Bhavin Mistry, BASc, MAN, RD or another Kitchener registered dietitian at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
