MUSCLE Loss Leads to Disease

MUSCLE Loss Leads to Disease - part 1

Muscle loss occurs naturally with the aging, however its the speed of decline and amount that is very preventable.

Much like bone, your muscle density and strength gradually decrease over time. This is called primary sarcopenia. In our experience, most people do not realize... this does not need to happen! Particularly in the extremes that it does, AND... it is an underlying cause of many diseases and conditions!

It is a WIN - WIN situation if treated...there is MUCH a person can do to prevent this.

What are the causes of Sarcopenia?

o Increased inflammation (visceral fat) that amplifies the rate of muscle wasting

o Decreased physical activity and inadequate protein/calorie intake

o Hormonal changes resulting in decreased hormones that are needed for muscle growth (testosterone, estrogen, growth hormone)

o Age related molecular changes

o Decreased motor neurons due to apoptosis (cell death)

In fact did you know there is also a definable condition called secondary sarcopenia which is caused by:

disuse (hospitalization, immobility, low physical inactivity),
and/or disease (cancer, neurodegeneration, endocrine issues),
and/or inadequate nutrition (Choi, 2016)

...wait a minute, my doctor never told me about this??

...Unless you have an acute problem such as high blood pressure, heart condition, diabetes, kidney(lower GFR's), neuropathy etc its been our experience that your doctor may not

recognize age related changes (per your age) such as sarcopenia, low hydration, lower appetite, lower energy and activity level as being EQUAL to disease. WHY? ...likely because education on the subject is minimal, interest in non-pharmacological prevention with seniors is low, time with patients minimal and limited resources available.

The correlation between treating sarcopenia and the prevention / reduction of other health conditions is undeniable!

The old saying "if you do not use it, you will use it" applies to the senior population.

Stay tuned for part 2 on this topic...

by the
BODiWORKS Institute

Comments

Non-Pharmaceutical Parkinsons Treatment

What is a person “to do” while living with Parkinson’s’? Understandably, there are now more medications for the management of *symptoms, but what about the ‘aging senior’ that is labelled with this disease… Do not become the disease! This is difficult while managing everyday. Why not take some progressive action? But what action? Two important, successful treatments that provides numerous benefits to the PD senior are: 1) WBPA – Whole Body Periodic Acceleration therapy 2) Exercise Prescription/Therapy WBPA (or Exer-rest) has been shown to aid persons with PD. WBPA increases vasodilation through an increase in eNOS (nitric oxide) into the blood stream. This NO helps facilitate neuro-relaxation through specific neurotransmitters excitation. This has the effect of reducing fatigue, enhancing motor performance, recovery and overall mental awareness. Whole Body Periodic Acceleration Therapy (WBPA) is a recogn

Empower Yourself About Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes: Empower Yourself The Science… Type 2 Diabetes is a condition that develops when normal levels of insulin are no longer producing the correct response from cells. In healthy people, insulin binds to insulin-receptor proteins on the cell membrane, signaling to the cell to transport glucose from the blood into the cell. Once in the cell, it is used to create energy for cellular processes, or it can be stored as glycogen to be used later. A problem arises however, with insulin resistance. This means that cells do not take up the glucose, causing sugar levels in the blood to remain high. In an effort to transport glucose from the blood to the cells, the pancreas produces more insulin which circulates in the bloodstream. High plasma levels of insulin and glucose due to insulin resistance is characteristic of ‘metabolic syndrome’ – a condition that combines obesity, high blood pressure and insulin resistance. Eventually, the pancreas is unable to pro

Exercise and Movement is MEDICINE

If you believe that medicine will save your life, why do you not believe exercise or movement will? This topic is a common discussion we have with many folks, especially those over 70years of age. The idea that being sedentary, meaning moving less than 10% of your day which is a lot, can kill you is a stretch. However, not being able to move is a difficult thing for many elderly people. We cannot understate the value for those who may, with a little assistance and professional guidance, move better and increase mobility. Here are some very important reasons why exercise and movement is so important for seniors in particular. AND why intervention is helpful when mobility is difficult. 1. Falls Prevention and reflex maintenance It may come as no surprise that falls are the number one cause of fractures, trauma, loss of independence, injury and even death. Due to the falls, secondary infections during hospital admission and/or surgical intervention rank hi

Search This Blog