Loss of skeletal muscle and functioning, commonly referred to as Sarcopenia, may result in frailty and diminished mobility in older adults. Sarcopenia increases the risk of falling and can lead to losing independence. Regular exercise and healthy diets are well-known strategies that can aid in maintaining the strength of muscles and their functioning. However, metabolic issues associated with the loss of skeletal muscle mass aren’t widely studied. For instance, the mechanisms through which vitamin C may influence the physiology of skeletal muscles as we age have not been studied in depth.
In light of the absence of research examining the importance of vitamin C for the physiology of skeletal muscle in older people, Ailsa Welch (University of East Anglia) and colleagues examined the relationships between plasma and diet-related vitamin C and indirect measurements of skeletal mass in 13,000 healthy older and middle-aged people. Fat-free mass was utilized to measure skeletal muscle mass and calculated through bioelectric impedance analyses.
In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of Sarcopenia and its causes and methods to manage and prevent this disease. Because Sarcopenia does not have a singular root, the treatment and prevention require a holistic strategy that includes dietary methods, hormonal replacement supplements to the diet, and exercises.
Understanding Sarcopenia
Sarcopenia is the aging-related loss of muscle mass, strength, and function. It usually begins when you reach the age of forty but becomes more severe after about 75. While physically inactive people commonly see it, Sarcopenia can also be found in those who are active all their life. Thus, although regular physical activity is crucial for avoiding Sarcopenia isn’t the sole contributing reason for this health condition. As with osteoporosis, Sarcopenia can be multifactorial and could be the result of low hormone levels, inadequate diet protein, nutritional imbalances, insufficient exercise, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
The two are closely related conditions. One frequently occurs in conjunction with or after the other. Muscles create the mechanical strain that keeps our bones in good shape. When the activity of muscles is decreased, it can increase the likelihood of loss of bone mass. This often leads to a vicious cycle of diminished health and function.
What Is Sarcopenia?
Sarcopenia translates to “lack of flesh.” It’s an age-related condition. Muscle degeneration is more frequent in people who are older than 50.
As they are middle age, adults lose about 3% muscle power each year at a rate of 3. This makes it difficult for them to carry out various routine tasks.
The problem is that Sarcopenia reduces life expectancy for the people it affects, contrasted with those with normal muscular strength.
Sarcopenia is due to an imbalance between signals to stimulate muscle cells and tear them down. Cell growth processes are called “anabolism,” and cell teardown processes are called “catabolism.”
For instance, growth hormones interact through protein-destroying enzymes, which help ensure muscle remains in the growth cycle, trauma or injury destruction, and healing.
This cycle is constantly occurring, and muscles maintain their strength throughout the years when everything is in equilibrium.
Foods High in Vitamin D
A few studies suggest a connection between postmenopausal females suffering from Sarcopenia and vitamin deficiency. Therefore, it’s an excellent idea to include more vitamin D-rich foods in your diet. Vitamin D supplementation is linked to enhancing the strength of muscles, increasing bone density, and warding off cancerous diseases. To boost the vitamin D level, consume things like cod liver oil, organic eggs, and swordfish. And mushrooms and fortified food items like organic milk.
Foods High in Protein
Protein is the primary muscle fiber lost from Sarcopenia; you must add an adequate amount. The most important foods to include are eggs, lean cuts of meat like turkey, chicken, tuna, salmon, beef, almonds, Greek yogurt, kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, and Ezekiel bread.
Foods rich in omega-3 Fatty acids
Research suggests that women who use omega-3 supplements experience an increase in the strength of their muscles and have benefits such as increased cholesterol, heart, and overall brain health. Supplements can be taken at any time (be sure to talk to your physician before you take any! ). It is possible to start with foods rich in omega-3s to boost your endurance naturally. They include eggs with omega-3 content, flax seed, chia seeds, walnuts, fatty fish like mackerel and salmon, oysters, anchovies, and so on.
While eating the right foods to help your body’s needs is essential, exercising and training for resistance can strengthen your body and make it healthier. If you’re trying to begin moving more throughout your day, consider taking just a few minutes to practice this simple yoga routine using only the weight of your own body.