What is muscle loss?
Muscle loss, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle cells shrink or degrade. This leads to a loss of muscle strength, coordination, and endurance.
There are two main causes of muscle loss:
- Age-related muscle loss, also called sarcopenia, is a natural part of aging. After age 30, adults lose 3-5% of their muscle mass per decade. This accelerates after age 60.
- Disuse muscle atrophy occurs when a limb is immobilized in a cast or sling. The lack of physical activity causes muscles to degrade and shrink.
Muscle loss can also be a side effect of certain diseases, poor nutrition, and hormonal imbalances. The main symptoms are feeling weak, getting tired easily, trouble balancing, and a smaller muscle size.
How to Prevent Muscle Loss
- Exercise regularly - Strength training with weights or resistance bands builds muscle. Cardio also helps.
- Eat protein - Aim for 0.5-1 gram of protein per pound of body weight daily.
- Include vitamin D and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables.
- Consider a hormone clinic - Low testosterone contributes to loss of muscle mass. Optimal Hormone Solutions(/) offers comprehensive hormone treatments tailored to your needs. Their anti-aging programs can help you feel stronger, more energetic, and healthier at any age!
"I went to Optimal Hormone Solutions feeling tired and weak all the time. After my hormone therapy, I feel 20 years younger with more energy and muscle strength!" - Jane, 58 years old
Other treatments for muscle loss include:
- Testosterone replacement
- Certain medications like ACE inhibitors
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
By building strength, staying active, and getting proper nutrition and rest, you can maintain healthy muscle as you age! Let me know if you have any other questions on this topic.