How to take care of your muscles, at every age

It’s never too late to start thinking about muscle health and the payoffs are so worth it.

We have more than 600 muscles in our bodies and they earn their keep in a million different ways – from pumping blood, to allowing us to move our limbs and helping us to chew our food.

We rely on them for so much but how many of us actively look after our muscles?

Muscles change as we grow older

Age doesn’t only lead to thinning hair, fading eyesight and creaky joints, it also affects our muscles.

Most of us achieve our peak muscle mass during our late 30s or early 40s – after that a gradual loss of muscle mass (known as sarcopenia) begins and this continues as we age.

Researchers in Germany have shown that from the age of 50, changes with ageing process can mean we lose more than 15 per cent muscle strength loss per decade.

What does loss of muscle mass mean?

A 2015 report from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research found loss of muscle mass can leave us more prone to fractures from falls, such as broken hips, collarbones, legs, arm or wrist.

Muscle atrophy (known as muscle wasting), can also occur and is usually caused by a lack of physical activity, often triggered by an injury or disease.

And research shows for women going through menopause, falling oestrogen levels can affect muscle function, leading to aches and twitches and sometimes bladder problems as the muscles of the pelvic floor become weaker.

All in all, not a pretty picture, so what can we do about it?

Quite a few factors can contribute to the faster ageing of our muscles with major risk factors include a sedentary lifestyle (yup all that couch, office, social media time), a bad diet and magnesium deficiency.

The hype about magnesium and why our muscles need it

Magnesium is an essential mineral and it’s responsible for a whole lot of things we take for granted – such as energy production to supporting normal healthy muscle function. In other words, it helps “fuel your tank” and gets you up and moving through the day.

And yes, a healthy, wholefood diet with lots of nuts and seeds, green and leafy vegetables, legumes and pulses, fish, fruit and dairy foods is the best way to get magnesium.

But with stats showing more than half of us are magnesium deficient, using a supplement can help keep your energy flowing when you’re stressed and help ease those painful muscular aches, pains, cramps and spasms.

Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Powder and Mega Magnesium Tablets contain Meta Mag®, an easily absorbed form of magnesium that helps ensure you get the most of out of your nutrients.

And the powder comes in raspberry or citrus flavours, making a delicious and easy-to-sip drink, while the tablets are a simple answer for those on the run.

Other reasons why you might need more magnesium

Life being life, there are times you need an extra hand to get through the daily stresses and the good news is, Ethical Nutrients also has you covered there.

Night cramps and racing mind

Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Night combines high-strength and enhanced absorption Meta Mag® with Passionflower, to relax the mind and body and help with healthy sleeping patterns.

Daily stress (work and kids, anyone?)

Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Energy and Stress has a scientifically designed magnesium, rhodiola, B-vitamins and nutrient combo to target physical and mental fatigue.

Muscle cramps

Ethical Nutrients Mega Magnesium Muscle Plus uses a unique combination of Meta Mag® with vitamin D and HMB to enhance healthy muscle mass, maintain strength and function, and relieve and reduce muscle cramps. Your muscles will thank you! 

Written by Liz McGrath.

This post is brought to you by the Ethical Nutrients MEGAZORB range of MagnesiumAustralia’s number 1 magnesium in pharmacy (IRI Scan Sales total dollar value, MAT to 26/01/2020).  

Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, consult your health professional.

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