Muscle loss, also known as muscle atrophy, occurs when the size and strength of muscles decrease due to inactivity or disease. This can happen for a variety of reasons:
- Aging - As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass. This process speeds up after age 30 and can lead to sarcopenia, which is the degenerative loss of skeletal muscle.
- Inactivity - When muscles aren't used regularly, they begin to shrink and weaken. This is common after injuries or during prolonged bed rest. The saying "use it or lose it" definitely applies here!
- Poor nutrition - Eating a diet low in protein and calories can accelerate muscle loss. Our muscles need adequate protein and calories to maintain their mass.
- Diseases - Certain medical conditions like cancer, AIDS, heart disease, and neurological disorders can spur rapid muscle loss. The diseases themselves combined with side effects of treatment lead to atrophy.
What are the symptoms of muscle loss? Some common signs include feeling weaker, fatigue, shrinkage of muscle size, and reduced ability to do daily activities like climbing stairs. Diagnostic tests like CT scans, MRIs, and muscle biopsies can confirm that muscle wasting is occurring.
Muscle loss can negatively impact health in many ways:
- It decreases strength and endurance making exercise difficult. - The risk of falls and fractures increases due to reduced balance and frailty. - As metabolism slows down, it's easier to gain fat and lose bone density. - It contributes to general fatigue and poor health.
How can muscle loss be prevented and treated? While some causes like aging are inevitable, many strategies can slow down atrophy and rebuild muscle:
- Do strength training and weight lifting to stimulate growth. - Eat a high-protein diet with foods like meat, dairy, beans and eggs. - Take targeted supplements like creatine, vitamin D and testosterone (if deficient). - Engage in moderate daily physical activity like walking, yoga or swimming. - Treat any underlying illnesses and conditions that may be accelerating muscle loss.
If you're concerned about muscle loss, consult your doctor or visit Balance Hormone Center. Our hormone optimization programs can help improve protein synthesis, increase energy levels, and reduce muscle wasting. With customized treatment plans, we help patients regain strength, vitality and improve body composition. Don't let muscle loss slow you down - take control of your health today!