You may not be running as you normally would these days due to the situation that coronavirus has put us in, but if you are running, it’s especially important to take care of your body now so as not to need a trip to the hospital! Although our beloved doctors and hospital personnel are making sure our clinics and emergency rooms are safe and clean, a hospital visit could put you slightly at risk. And hey, it’s always good to make that extra effort to keep your body healthy!

Runners are no strangers to pain. Some runners might even enjoy it (to an extent). There’s nothing like the feeling of pushing your body to its limits and realizing just how much you’re capable of.

But all that pushing can lead to serious wear and tear. Even if you’re a casual jogger, the repetitive impact of running can cause both short- and long-term injuries and chronic inflammation.

What is plantar fasciitis?

One common problem that serious runners face is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is the thick band of tissue that runs along the underside of the foot, protecting the bones in your feet and making it easier to walk without feeling pain at every impact. Put another way, the plantar fascia is an important ligament that connects the toes to the heel bone.

What puts me at risk of a plantar fascia strain?

Running can cause the plantar fascia to strain, leading to an inflammatory response. This is called plantar fasciitis. It is the most common cause of heal pain and can make it extremely painful to put weight on your feet, especially after a period of rest. Plantar fasciitis pain is usually most pronounced during your first steps in the morning or after sitting down for long period.

How to treat plantar fasciitis

The treatment for plantar fasciitis should begin with rest, ice, and throwing out any shoes that don’t properly support your feet. You can also wear night splints and do stretches to help the plantar fascia heal itself.

But if you want to keep up your running routine, plantar fasciitis might become a regular problem. That could mean feeling the need to pop pain medication on a daily basis, which only covers up the condition temporarily. The best measures to take are preventive measures so as to avoid a strain altogether.

Preventative measures to avoid plantar fasciitis

A better long-term approach that can help you reduce the inflammation associated with plantar fasciitis is to start taking a daily dose of curcumin. Curcumin is the active compound in the spice turmeric. Over multiple decades, numerous studies on curcumin have shown that it is likely an effective natural therapy for reducing chronic inflammation. It has also been shown to have antioxidant properties, and it could help fight diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, and some forms of cancer.

Curcumin anti-inflammation properties can be very useful for runners. Joint pain and plantar fasciitis are both made worse by chronic inflammation. By disrupting the inflammatory process, curcumin may help runners feel rejuvenated without relying on pain medications.

Getting curcumin’s anti-inflammatory benefits is simple. You can eat foods that are spiced with turmeric and black pepper, such as curries. (The active compound in black pepper – piperine – helps drastically increase your body’s ability to absorb curcumin.) Although it should be acknowledged that you often don’t get the necessary dose of curcumin from meals like curry unless turmeric is a staple to your diet. You may love curry, but if you aren’t keen to eating it every day, you can simply drink ZYN. Not only do our products consist of turmeric, but there are other healthy foods that will boost your immune system and keep you healthy.

Every bottle of ZYN has your daily dose of curcumin paired with absorption-boosting piperine. Drinking a bottle after your next run will help you feel rejuvenated and could help your body fight chronic inflammation. Learn more about the health benefits of curcumin here.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.