Tag: Muscle atrophy

Protein makes up about 20% of your body's mass and is vital for virtually every bodily function. This is why the question, 'Can we live without essential amino acids?' has a definitive, and critical, answer for human health.

While some high-concentration cell studies have shown caffeine can increase myostatin mRNA expression, research on human coffee drinkers reveals a more complex picture. This disparity leads many to question whether a daily caffeine habit will inhibit their hard-earned muscle gains.

According to the American Council on Exercise, if you don't consume enough calories, your body may look for energy by breaking down your own muscle tissue. This happens because muscle is a metabolically active tissue, and your body prioritizes immediate energy needs over maintaining lean mass. Understanding this process is crucial for anyone trying to manage their body weight or improve their fitness.

Studies show that adequate protein intake is vital for tissue repair and regeneration after an injury. This raises a key question for many athletes and active individuals: **are protein shakes good for muscle injuries**, or is consuming enough whole food alone sufficient for optimal recovery?

While widely praised for its weight loss benefits, including improving insulin sensitivity, berberine’s impact on muscle tissue is more nuanced than many realize. The compound’s mechanism involves activating the AMPK pathway, a master regulator of cellular energy that can influence both anabolic and catabolic processes. For this reason, the question of whether berberine causes muscle loss is met with conflicting information and requires a closer look at the available research.

Research has shown that just one week of inadequate protein intake can negatively affect the muscles responsible for posture and movement, particularly in adults over 55. This raises a critical question for many: will lack of protein cause muscle loss?

According to the American Council on Exercise, if you don't eat enough calories to sustain basic bodily functions, your body will seek energy from sources beyond stored fat, including your muscles. This natural survival mechanism can have profound and lasting impacts on your metabolism, strength, and overall body composition.

Creatine, a popular supplement for athletic performance, is increasingly being researched for its potential therapeutic benefits, with early studies suggesting it may aid recovery from injury and disease. The question, "Does creatine help with surgery?" is a complex one, involving its role in cellular energy, muscle preservation, and potential interactions with anesthesia.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cachexia, a condition commonly affecting those with advanced chronic diseases, can cause significant and often irreversible muscle loss. The colloquial term, 'the disease where your body eats muscle,' refers to various medical conditions that lead to muscle wasting and degeneration, impacting strength and mobility.

According to a study published in *The Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle*, sarcopenia—the age-related loss of muscle—can be worsened by malnutrition. Specifically, numerous nutrient deficiencies cause muscle atrophy by disrupting the balance between muscle protein synthesis and degradation. A deep understanding of these nutritional gaps is crucial for both prevention and treatment.