5. Bruises
Every athlete has bruises. But there are ways to treat them and help them disappear faster.
Ice, then heat: Apply ice for 15 minutes several times a day during the first 2 days. After that, use heat to help dilate the blood vessels and improve circulation in the area, which will help the body remove the blood in the bruise. Elevating the bruise above the level of your heart at any time can also help.
Watch for side effects: Aspirin, NSAIDs, antidepressants, and asthma medications can thin the blood and make you bruise easily.
Get more C: Vitamin C helps build protective collagen around blood vessels in the skin. Up your intake of citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables, and bell peppers.
And more K: Vitamin K helps erase bruising by helping blood to clot. Rub some vitamin K cream (available at drugstores) on a bruise a few times a day to help it clear faster.
Try arnica: Arnica (available at most drugstores) is a homeopathic remedy that has been shown to prevent and minimize bruising. A topical gel, it helps dilate capillaries under the skin, which allows blood to move out of the injured area. (See natural pain relievers for more science-backed natural solutions.)
6. Foot Odor
Your feet have more sweat glands per square inch of skin than any other part of your body—an average of 250,000 of them. So you can imagine what's going on after a good workout.
Your feet being encased in shoes and socks allows the bacteria proliferating on your skin to produce an evil substance called isovaleric acid that makes your feet reek.
Wash, dry, and powder: Wash feet thoroughly, especially between the toes, every day. Dry them well and apply a foot odor powder or cornstarch. And don't forget to apply the powder inside your shoes as well.
Use two pairs: Alternating days that you wear different pairs of the same make and model of shoe allows each pair time to dry out.
Up your zinc intake: Foot odor is one of many symptoms of zinc deficiency. Replenish your zinc level with oysters, nuts, peas, eggs, whole grains, and pumpkin seeds.
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- How to Break Through a Workout Plateau
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