Exercise + Ginger = Ahhh
photo by fotoosvanrobin
Well, I’m finally wrapping my head around having another injury. Sure, it’s not cartilage damage. But isn’t a paper cut either, folks. The bad news is that my foot hurts. The good news is I’m not even close to being depressed about this. The way I see it, the pain doesn’t touch what I go through with my knees. And I’ve only had foot pain for a couple of weeks. I guess I’ll start to get bummed when I go on a year. Or, oh, six. (Evil stare at knees.)
So I’m hopefully optimistic (I said that in a really chipper voice that sounds just like everyone else who uses that phrase) I’ll be able to overcome this injury with physical therapy. It seems from what you all said, I’m not likely to be in pain for years. From there, it will be all about prevention. Because if there’s anything I’ve learned from my knee pain, it’s that an injury never goes away. (No, it comes back with a wild vengeance and then taunts you for years and years and years.)
For the record, I’m the only non-athlete I know with this many sports injuries. I’m not sure how I get them all what with the lack of running, jumping, walking, and general fitness in my life.
If any of you real athletes would like to take ‘em off my hands, let me know. I hear runners are prone to Runner’s Knee (go figure) and I have two up for grabs. I’m also giving away the left and right foot, each with their own injury for added fun. All I ask in return is for your uninjured body parts. And a signature next to “No Returns.”
So, to be kind to all my non-injured readers (and to prove I’m not jealous of you at all) I’m going tell you about an article I read today. And, no, it doesn’t say people who are injured all the time live longer muwahahaha. Ahem.
The article reported on a study from University of Georgia researchers who found that eating ginger daily can reduce the muscle pain you feel after exercise. If you hate ginger, here’s the good new: The study was done with ginger supplements. I’m sure you can eat it, too, but it’s not a prerequisite to feeling like a million bucks the day after a workout.
I feel only so-so about ginger, but I do have a strangely intense desire to try ginger tea. I’d grate some ginger and boil it like tea leaves in water. Then I’d strain the ginger and add lemon and honey. Or maybe I’d leave the grated ginger in the cup so my abs don’t hurt from tonight’s crunches.
Are you a ginger fan? How do you like it? (Like most foods, I prefer this candied.)
14 comments
I like ginger, but not in huge amounts. I really like the pickled ginger they give you at sushi restaurants. It’s also supposed to be good for digestion.
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This is going to sound strange… but I only like ginger when it comes on the plate they serve sushi on. Other than that… I won’t touch the stuff.
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My friend has this sort-of-weird-but-kinda-makes-sense remedy for colds: she warms up a bit of Coke and puts some ginger in it. I guess the pairing would be interesting, but… really? :S I’m not sure. Ginger is very good for you! It’s very much prized in Chinese medicine.
Wei-Wei
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Tracey Reply:
May 20th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Wei-Wei–It sounds weird, but could be good. I’m thinking of a mix between Coke and ginger ale. I’ve heard of grosser things. (Ketchup on eggs? Ew.)
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I love Ginger Chews – so addicting …strong though! I like candied ginger in trail mix too…and ginger tea is good too…but I mix all my teas with hot chocolate and scoops of cocoa powder…;)
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I am not a huge fan of ginger. Add to that the fact that I am really intimidated by it so I rarely ever cook with it!
I’m sure you’ve heard that turmeric is great for reducing inflammation…I drop that stuff in everything!
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What an interesting post girl! i know sometimes its hard to find uses for ginger, but the potassium in bananas is supposed to help with muscles too! I always eat them after spinning because I sometimes get cramps in my calves
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I am a big ginger fan. I put a ginger in my green monster smoothie every day. Yum
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I hope your foot feels better! Hopefully, all you need is more time and some good TLC
I do love ginger…I use it like a spice. I’ll just mince some up, ultra fine, and add it to my stir fry veggies along with a couple tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce and a squeeze of an orange or a touch of orange juice…YUM! I also eat it plain when I go out to sushi…I just give it a lil’ dip in the soy sauce. Again, hope you feel better!
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I eat ginger with sushi and like ginger tea (for stomach calming) but I had no idea it could take away muscle pain. Hmmm . . . I may have to road test that one.
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I don’t care for ginger either. Even candied. This study sounds really interesting!
I really am sorry about all your pains. Thinking of you.
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ah I love ginger!
vitamin E does a lot of good for muscle soreness when taken immediately after a strenuous workout. do some research and test it out; I used to take supplements of it.
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girl this is so funny because i JUST put ginger on my tofu!! ive never had it before..til today! and then i read this-its FATE
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I looove ginger. I’m currently hooked on gingerberry kombucha. It’s also great for your digestion, so you’re reaping double the benefit!
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