Do you enjoy running, but struggle with a health problem related to illness or a running-related injury? Rodale Wellness has several suggestions for runners who are interested in tweaking their diet to recover from either malady.

Rodale Wellness is quick to note that these ideas are most applicable for runners who have everyday body aches, pain, or with being sick. If you have a serious medical issue you should consult with your physician.

If you have issues with anemia, consider eating foods like red meat, dark and leafy vegetables, or nuts and seeds. These can help you get the vitamin A, B12, and C needed to beat anemia.

For low energy, try eating chocolate. Seriously! It has lots of flavonoids which can aid in beating fatigue.  Green tea, which has lots of antioxidants, can also help as well.

If you are sick, try foods that have lots of vitamin C, like citrus fruits. Berries, nuts and seeds, and vegetables work too. Even yogurt can be useful in fending off illness.

Speaking of nuts and seeds, they can also address athletic amenorrhea. Other foods include salmon, beef, and dark-meat chicken.

Feeling dehydrated from your workout? Take a drink of coconut water or 100% pure cranberry juice while exercising. Afterwards, try coconut water in sparking mineral water with some freshly squeezed lemon juice.

To keep bones strong eat foods with lots of omega-3 fats, such as dark and leafy vegetables, eggs, and even seaweed!  

When recovering from an intense workout eat foods with protein. These include foods like chicken, fish, and quinoa.

To treat inflammation, eat avocado, nuts and seeds, and beets. Spices like cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric also have anti-inflammatory traits too.

Want to learn more about how food can help treat health problems that come up for runners? You can read the full post by Rodale Wellness here:  “9 Kitchen Solutions for Common Running Aliments.”