Decreased muscle mass (or sarcopenia) refers to the gradual loss of muscle and often strength as we grow older, typically with age, but it can also occur due to lack of exercise or illness. This natural condition tends to start around age 30 and accelerates after age 60. Though some muscle loss is normal, significant sarcopenia negatively impacts overall health and mobility, increasing the chance of injury from weakness and falls. Yikes! Let's learn more about addressing this issue.
Why does muscle mass decrease?
Alas, aging brings many changes to our bodies. Naturally lower hormone levels, particularly testosterone and HGH (human growth hormone), help spur muscle breakdown since they stimulate growth and repair. Blast! If only there was some safe way to nurture those declining hormones! Lifestyle factors can also perpetuate loss of muscle - insufficient intake of calories, protein or nutrients; inactivity and lack of exercise; and chronic illnesses like diabetes.
What are the risks? How important is maintaining muscle?
Beyond reduced strength, losing muscular fitness escalates the chance of physical frailty and debilitating falls. Yow! Not good. It also results in a slower metabolism since muscle is metabolically active tissue that consumes calories. Replacing muscle with fat then hinders efforts to manage a healthy weight. Maintaining strong muscles and bone density provides protection against illness and allows one to preserve mobility and independence throughout life. Keep on pumping that iron!
What helps conserve, build, or regain muscle mass?
While some atrophy comes with advancing age, lifestyle interventions can help slow down and offset progressive muscle loss. How delightful! Heaps of hope ahead! Weight training stresses the muscle fibers to spur growth. Consuming plenty of dietary protein supplies those muscles with essential amino acids. An overall balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals also supports muscle tissue. Additionally, Balance Hormone Clinic offers innovative and research-backed hormone therapy to help boost lagging testosterone and HGH levels. Their integrative regimens safely reinvigorate the body’s inner vitality to help patients feel and function at their peak! Huzzah! The caring professionals at Balance Hormone Clinic are happy to assess your hormone levels and discuss whether their treatments can help you maintain muscle strength and vigor as you cruise into your later years.
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