Does Your Diet Affect Your Flexibility

Have you ever wondered how gymnasts can achieve seemingly impossible feats? They fully control their bodies, bend their limbs, and stretch in ways that are not feasible for an average Joe. Even though athletes go through vigorous training every day to stay in tip-top shape, a big part of their flexibility can be attributed to following a healthy diet. It sounds too good to be true, but your diet has a direct effect on the flexibility of your body.

So, if you have been struggling to do yoga poses or just feel unable to stretch properly, keep reading to see whether changing your diet can actually help and the foods you need to consider if you want to become more flexible.

Is there a connection between your diet and flexibility?

The short answer is absolutely! However, first, keep in mind that there are some misconceptions when it comes to the word “flexibility.” Being flexible does not mean bending your limbs at unnatural angles like we might see circus performers do; it just means your body can effectively stretch without sustaining injuries. While some think that a lucky few are born with the ability to flex their body, there is little evidence to support that claim. Your body is like a machine, so to be able to function properly, it needs continuous maintenance. If you stuff your body with unhealthy food options like snacks and dishes full of carbs and excessive fats, chances are that your body will not be able to stretch properly. So, if you have noticed you are unable to stretch or do yoga without feeling sore, your diet might be the culprit.

Foods that enhance flexibility

Now that you know your diet can help you be more flexible, you may be wondering what type of food to include in your diet. Health experts at https://weightloss.media/ recommend that you steer away from junk food because it can make you feel sluggish and heavy, hindering your ability to move freely. Moreover, they point out that some healthy foods can loosen your muscles and joints and prevent aches when you stretch. 

These foods include:

Water

Yes, it is not exactly food, and you might be sick of hearing that drinking more water is a magical cure for everything. However, it is true when it comes to increasing your flexibility. From a scientific perspective, water constitutes 75% of your body, and it is responsible for lubricating your muscles. Thus, whenever you feel dehydrated, your muscles cannot effectively stretch. By drinking more water and avoiding dehydrating beverages like coffee, you will notice an improvement.

Fish

In addition to fighting hypertension and keeping cardiovascular disease at bay, omega 3 is a miraculous fatty acid that helps fight inflammation and improves joint flexibility. Research has concluded that elderly people who consume foods full of omega 3 have a lower chance of developing osteoarthritis, a condition that causes extreme joint pain. You can find omega 3 in abundance in fish. No worries though; you do not have to eat it raw. Cooking it like you normally do would suffice. Nonetheless, if you do not eat fish, you can substitute it with nuts or avocados.

Fruits and Vegetables

There is a reason why the Mediterranean diet encourages people to shift to a more plant-based lifestyle. Leafy vegetables like spinach and arugula fight inflammation and contain omega 3. Similarly, blueberries, for instance, also reduce inflammation and joint pain, leading to more flexibility. Watermelon is also effective in decreasing soreness, as it contains L-Citrulline.

Spices

If you want to improve your circulation, look no further! Spices have been gaining momentum for a while thanks to their healing properties, but did you know that they increase flexibility as well? Ginger and turmeric are great for repairing muscles, reducing inflammation, and enhancing your circulation. You can simply add them when cooking or drink herbal teas containing ginger.

Collagen and Silicone

Having healthy connective tissues and muscles mainly depends on consuming foods rich in collagen. Collagen is responsible for tissue repair, so including soy, nuts, and hummus, which are all good sources of collagen, in your diet can enhance flexibility. You must also consume whole grains, such as rice, oats, and wheat to supplement your body with silicone, as it increases collagen and helps calcium keep your bones healthy.

Although perfecting your stretches can seem hard at first, it can be a breeze if you make some slight dietary adjustments. Avoiding foods full of carbs, fats, and sugar can reduce bloating and inflammation. Moreover, getting a more generous serving of green veggies, spices, and fish and staying hydrated will enhance your joints and circulation. Just remember; it all comes down to what you put in your body.