Maintaining muscle strength and mass as we age is crucial for overall health and quality of life. Recent research highlights a promising dietary approach to combatting age-related muscle decline. This association held even after adjusting for various confounding factors, including physical activity levels and age.
Bobban Subhadra, the chief executive officer of biopharmaceutical company Biom Therapeutics, who has a doctorate in microbiology and immunology, told The Epoch Times that “sarcopenia is a significant concern because it leads to the progressive loss of muscle mass and strength, which can severely impact an individual’s quality of life. It increases the risk of falls, fractures, and disabilities, which can lead to a loss of independence.” Furthermore, sarcopenia is linked to other health issues, such as metabolic syndrome, frailty, and increased mortality risk.
A balance between protein degradation and synthesis helps maintain muscle mass. Microorganisms affect the synthesis and breakdown of certain amino acids because these microorganisms engage directly with the mucosal surfaces of the digestive tract. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein.
“We have to remember that protein is the preferred food of our muscles, and live microbes help to strengthen the immune system, which helps with protein synthesis,” Sandra Arévalo, a certified dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics with a doctorate in public health,.