The muscular system is one of the most important body systems--one that enables us to move, walk, bend, twist and jump. Muscles contract and relax in opposition to each other, which gives us the chance to lift a baby into our arms, shoot a basketball or hug someone. Muscles are needed for more than strength and support, but are vital to breathing and eating as well. Taking care of the muscles is an important part of overall health and wellness.
Step 1
Exercise every day to keep muscles healthy. Exercises helps build lean muscle mass and encourages muscle cell growth to replace dying or dead muscle tissue. Remember the old adage, "use it or lose it" applies to the muscles to maintain movement, flexibility and range of motion.
Step 2
Feed muscles with recommended daily requirements of proteins, carbohydrates and fats for optimal muscle growth and development. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the McKinley Health Center, recommended daily allowances of such nutrients depend on age, sex and weight. Up to 20 to 35 percent of daily calorie intake should be made up of fat, and carbohydrates should be roughly 45 to 65 percent of calorie intake. Carbohydrates provide fuel or energy for the body and muscles. Approximately 10 to 35 percent of our daily calories should be from proteins, which are essential for the preservation of lean muscle mass.
Step 3
Reduce stress and anxiety in your life, which cause hormone imbalances in the body, which in turn lead to higher demands for energy. An article published in the "American Journal of Heart and Circulatory Physiology" after studies performed by the South Carolina Medical University Department of Medicine found that stress may directly and negatively affect heart health. Cardiac or heart cells (which are muscle tissue) were affected in length, area and diameter.
