Strong and normally functioning muscles are reflected in an individuals carriage and grace of movement.  Weak muscles can be seen in every age group, from the wobbly neck of the infant to the stoop of all ages.  Muscle tone that is under par interferes with blood circulation, lymph flow, and digestion and often causes constipation.  Weak muscles of the internal organs result in their sagging, interfering with their particular functions.

Muscles are largely made up of protein and essential fatty acids; however, almost every nutrient is involved in their contraction, relaxation and repair.  For example, potassium, very low in diets of high fats and refined foods, is necessary for the contraction of every muscle in the body.  Besides a poor diet, a potassium deficiency can be brought on by stress, diarrhea, kidney damage, diuretics, or cortisone therapy.  The results of insufficient amounts of the mineral are fatigue, gas distention, spasms or twisting of the bowel, constipation, and possibly inability to pass urine.

Vitamin E is essential for the formation of the muscles of muscle cells and of enzymes that are needed for muscular contractions.  A deficiency of the vitamin increases the need for oxygen in the muscles, interferes with the metabolism of certain amino acids, and causes the loss of phosphorus in the urine and the B vitamins by rancidity.  In addition, too much calcium is left to settle in muscle tissue.  Pregnant women often have difficult deliveries because of the lack of enzymes needed for muscle contraction.  A deficiency can also be suspected if a child cannot sit up well at three months old.

Nutrients that may be beneficial in the treatment of muscle weakness:  Vitamin E, Manganese, Potassium, Zinc, Unsaturated fatty acids, Protein and all essential nutrients.

Information obtained from the Nutrition Almanac, Third Edition, Lavon J. Dunne

For nutritional support, visit Natural Health Products

Popularity: unranked [?]

This entry was posted on Sunday, July 5th, 2009 at 1:52 pm and is filed under CHILDRENS HEALTH, Mens Health, Uncategorized, Womens Health, health, minerals, nutrition, vitamins. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.