If you have a hamstring strain eating healthy foods and maintaining a balanced diet is crucial for the recovery process. However, there are certain foods that you should avoid as they can prolong the healing time and cause more damage to your hamstring muscle. Although physiotherapy and chiropractic care are great options for manual recovery, considering a registered dietitian or naturopathic doctor as well, will show benefits in your recovery as they will make sure your getting the nutrients needed to help you recovery faster.
In this blog post, we will discuss the foods to avoid when you have a hamstring strain, why they should be avoided, and some healthy alternatives that you can incorporate into your diet to speed up your recovery process.
Processed Foods: Processed foods are one of the main culprits that you should avoid when you have a hamstring strain. They contain high amounts of saturated fats, preservatives, and refined sugars that can cause inflammation and slow down the healing process. Examples of processed foods to avoid are fast food, frozen meals, packaged snacks, and sugary drinks. Instead, try to incorporate whole, fresh foods into your diet such as fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources like chicken breast, fish, and tofu. Foods that are high in antioxidants like blueberries, kale, and spinach can also help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Alcohol: While alcohol may seem like a good way to relax and ease the pain, it can actually worsen your hamstring strain. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means that it can dehydrate your body and slow down the healing process. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the absorption of important nutrients and minerals that your body needs to heal. If you must drink, make sure to do so in moderation and try to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Non-alcoholic alternatives like herbal tea or sparkling water can also be a good option.
Fried and greasy foods: Foods that are high in fat and oil can cause inflammation and slow down healing. Avoid foods that are deep-fried or cooked in a lot of oil such as hamburgers, french fries, and onion rings. These foods also tend to be high in calories and can lead to weight gain, which puts extra strain on your hamstring muscle. Instead, opt for healthier alternatives like grilled or baked chicken or fish with vegetables. Foods that are high in healthy fats like avocados, nuts, and seeds can also be beneficial for your hamstring strain.
Caffeine: Caffeine can cause dehydration, which can interfere with your body’s ability to heal. Additionally, caffeine can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, which can put extra strain on your injured muscle. To avoid these effects, limit your intake of caffeine during the recovery process or avoid it altogether. Opt for non-caffeinated alternatives like herbal tea or water with lemon.
In summary, avoiding certain foods when you have a hamstring strain is essential for a speedy recovery. Processed foods, alcohol, fried and greasy foods, and caffeine are some of the foods that should be avoided to prevent inflammation and slow down the healing process.
Instead, try to incorporate whole, fresh foods that are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats to promote healing and reduce inflammation. Consult with your dietitian or naturopath for further advice on the best foods to eat during your recovery process. By eating the right foods and maintaining a balanced diet, you can speed up your recovery time and return to your active lifestyle.
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!
