Atrophy is a medical term that describes wasting of your body's tissues, and it usually involves a reduction in the size of your muscles, ligaments and other tissues. Atrophy of muscle tissue is more common and significant than ligament atrophy. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports there are two principal types of muscle atrophy: disuse and neurogenic. Before using nutrients to help treat your muscle and ligament atrophy, visit your doctor to discuss all nutrient-related options.
Atrophied Muscles and Ligaments
Disuse atrophy is caused by decreased physical activity. People who are commonly affected by this health problem include bedridden individuals and those who have jobs that encourage a sedentary lifestyle. If you have a health problem that impairs your ability to ambulate, you may also develop disuse atrophy. Neurogenic atrophy occurs when you experience motor nerve damage, or damage to the nerve that controls the movement of one or more of your muscles. Possible causes of neurogenic atrophy include polio and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
Beneficial Nutrients
Numerous nutrients may be beneficial in treating your atrophied muscles and ligaments. In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch states that some of the most helpful nutrients for this health purpose may include colostrum, conjugated linoleic acid, creatine, D-ribose, MSM, ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate, 7 keto-DHEA, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine sulfate, free-form amino acids, manganese and vitamin C with bioflavonoids. Further clinical research testing may be necessary to examine these nutrients' beneficial health effects.
Highlighted Nutrient
Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate, or OKG, may be one of the most helpful nutrients in strengthening your muscles and other tissues. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, author of "The Natural Pharmacy," animal studies have indicated that ornithine -- when used in combination with arginine -- may stimulate muscle-building activity in your body by boosting your output of growth-promoting hormones. Ornithine has historically been used in preventing muscle tissue breakdown and encouraging muscle growth. A larger volume of clinical research studies may be needed to assess this nutrient's true health benefits.
Considerations
Atrophied muscles and ligaments are a serious health problem that may indicate an underlying condition that requires the attention and intervention of a skilled health-care professional. If you experience wasting of your muscles and other tissues, visit your doctor as soon as possible to be properly assessed and treated. Nutrients alone will not be enough to restore your muscle and ligament tone, and their use does not guarantee a beneficial health result. A supervised exercise program is also an important part of treatment for atrophied muscles and ligaments. Discuss possible side effects and drug interactions with your doctor before using nutrients to help treat your health problem.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Muscle Atrophy - Overview
- MedlinePlus: Muscle Atrophy
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
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