From elite athletes to weekend warriors, no one is immune from experiencing muscle soreness—it can happen to all of us. Whether you ran your first 5K race, went on a hike that was more rigorous than expected, or played your first game of pickleball, you might wake up the next morning with some aches and pains.

In this article, we’ll discuss what causes muscle soreness after exercise and discuss what foods and drinks can help you get back to feeling your best as quickly as possible.

What Causes Muscle Soreness?

Muscle soreness can be felt after trying out a new physical activity or engaging in one that is more intense than you’re accustomed to. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, exercise causes microscopic damage to the muscle fibers that were used during activity.

You may experience dull, achy and tight sensations in the muscles activated (or in the ones you didn’t even know you were using). You may not experience soreness right after wiping sweat off your brow, but it may creep up 12 to 24 hours later and could last for as long as 72 hours. Resting, stretching and hydrating can help to lessen muscle aches, but research shows that certain foods and drinks can also work wonders.

The 7 Best Foods and Drinks for Sore Muscles, According to a Dietitian

Read the full article over at Eating Well.