Preventing Sarcopenia: Part 2

Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, can have significant impacts on overall health and quality of life.

Incorporating BCAA-rich foods or supplements into your diet can be beneficial for individuals looking to prevent Sarcopenia and maintain muscle mass as we age.

In addition to the supplements discussed in “Sarcopenia: Part 1”, Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids that play a crucial role in preventing Sarcopenia, which is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength.

Here's how BCAAs help in preventing Sarcopenia:

1. Protein Synthesis: BCAAs, including leucine, isoleucine, and valine, are known to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. This process helps in building new muscle tissue and repairing damaged muscle fibers, thus promoting muscle growth and maintenance.

2. Muscle Preservation: As we age, our bodies tend to lose muscle mass due to various factors like decreased physical activity and changes in hormone levels. BCAAs can help preserve lean muscle mass by providing the necessary building blocks for protein synthesis, thereby reducing the risk of Sarcopenia. These amino acids also play a role in regulating hormones that influence muscle growth and maintenance, such as insulin and growth hormone.

3. Energy Production: During exercise or periods of calorie restriction, BCAAs can be used as a source of energy by the muscles. This helps in preserving glycogen stores and prevents the breakdown of muscle tissue for energy production, thus maintaining muscle mass over time.

4. Muscle Recovery: BCAAs have been shown to reduce exercise-induced muscle damage and promote faster recovery after strenuous physical activity. By speeding up the repair process of damaged muscles, BCAAs contribute to overall muscle health and function.

Incorporating BCAA supplements or increasing dietary sources of these essential amino acids can be beneficial in preventing Sarcopenia and promoting healthy aging. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist before starting any new supplement regimen.

For an Active-Healthy Life,

Dr. Joe Gitto, BA, DC, FDNP, CFMP, CWC