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5 Simple Methods To Prevent Muscle Loss

December 18, 2019

Muscle loss as you age is a very real thing. Some of it is just a result of the body getting older, something called sarcopenia. You don't have to just call it quits and accept that you are going to start losing your muscle once you hit your 30s, though. You can arm yourself with knowledge.

Below are a few things that you can do at home to fight muscle loss as you age. All of them are simple and can be done without great expense or inconvenience.

1. Eat protein

As individuals age, their bodies require more protein to maintain their muscle mass. The recommended daily allowance for protein for those older than 64 should be 1.2 g to 1.5 g for every kilogram of body weight. Rather than trying to eat all of the allotment in one sitting, eating it at regular intervals throughout the day will allow for better use and absorption.

5. Get a good night's rest

After a good workout and exercise, it's important to rest, so your muscles have time to recover. It's recommended that each adult get 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.

6. Magnesium

The Mayo Clinic notes that having enough magnesium in your diet is also critical for maintaining muscle mass. Some foods listed by the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center that are rich in magnesium include nuts, spinach, milk, bananas and dark chocolate.

7. Refrain from excessive alcohol consumption

Drink in moderation only as alcohol can cause dehydration, impacting muscle function. Mayo Clinic recommends up to 1 drink per day for women of all ages and men older than 65 and 2 drinks per day for men younger than 65.

8. Don't forget about the carbs

Carbs are vital to helping build muscle before or after a workout. For a healthy diet, stick to whole grains, but it's important not to skip carbs when aiming to build muscle.