Age-related muscle loss will affect everyone

Muscle loss due to age is known by the rather unsavory term sarcopenia. While the causes are not exactly agreed upon, we do know that age-related muscle loss contributes to:

• Less mobility
• Less ability to perform everyday tasks
• More vulnerability to injury
• Loss of independence 

Sarcopenia varies in intensity, but the most important determining factor is how much muscle you start with. If you are a relatively fit 40-something, the decline may not be as noticeable as if you have a weak musculature to begin with. As you move into your 50s and 60s the muscle loss accelerates until it supersedes the rate at which you can replace muscle; this deficit is what contributes to frailty in our elderly populations. 

What YOU can do about preventing sarcopenia

Exercise. By far and away, exercise is going to be the make-or-break factor in determining the severity of your sarcopenia. Think about it this way- if you are 40 years old, the only chance you have for preventing the deficit and preserving a healthy muscle ratio is to start building muscle now. Other factors such as nutrition, inevitable hormonal changes and inflammation are secondary in importance to nutrition. Maintaining a healthy weight and building muscle naturally is the best chance you have at mitigating the effects of sarcopenia. 

How we can help at Family Chiropractic & Natural Healing Center

At our office in Milpitas, we help you develop an exercise plan that cultivates the muscles that matter for keeping you upright and mobile as you approach old age. These include the core-stabilizing muscles, glutes, hamstrings and thighs. Our healing modalities reduce pain, improve circulation and ensure that your body is in a state of balance conducive to receiving the benefits of exercise. If you are interested in our services for fighting back against sarcopenia, give our office in Milpitas a call to schedule an appointment today.