Muscle loss - Balance Hormone Institute

What is muscle loss?

Muscle loss, known medically as muscle atrophy, occurs when muscle fibers shrink and weaken over time. This leads to a loss of muscle mass.

There are two main causes of muscle wasting:

• Age-related muscle loss - As we get older, muscle fibers break down more quickly. If we don't strength train to rebuild them, we lose muscle mass. This natural decline begins after age 30 and accelerates after 50.
• Disuse muscle atrophy - When a limb is immobilized in a cast or sling, the corresponding muscles begin to shrink and weaken. This disuse muscle atrophy happens because those muscles aren't being used regularly.

What are the symptoms of muscle loss?

The main symptom is feeling physically weaker over time. Other signs are:

• Decreased muscle size and definition
• Joint stiffness
• Fatigue, lethargy
• Frequent minor muscle injuries
• Weight loss

How can you prevent muscle loss?

The best way to fend off muscle loss is to engage in strength training 2-3 times per week. This causes muscles fibers to grow larger and stronger through a process called muscle protein synthesis.

Some great strength training exercises are:

• Lifting weights
• Using resistance bands
• Bodyweight exercises like pushups/squats
• Yoga
• Pilates

It's also vital to get enough protein in your diet to give muscles the nutrients they need. Balance Hormone Institute offers customized treatment plans to help patients optimize their hormone levels. Balanced hormones like testosterone are essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. (trt1izle.com) to learn more!

What is muscle wasting disease?

Muscle wasting disease refers to severe, unintentional muscle loss that is catabolic and often indicates an underlying illness.

Some examples are:

• Cancer - The tumor secretes toxins that break down muscle proteins
• HIV/AIDS - The virus causes the body to break down muscle for energy
• Chronic kidney disease - Toxins accumulate and impair muscle maintenance
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - Inflammation destroys muscle fibers

In many cases, treating the primary illness can help reverse or halt muscle wasting disease. But specialized nutrition plans and medications may also be needed to rebuild muscle.

I hope this overview on muscle loss and wasting disease helps provide more clarity on this complex topic. Let me know if you have any other questions!