"Tone" is the term that describes the state of tension in your body's tissues. In most cases, tone refers to muscle tone, or the degree of partial contraction in your muscle fibers when your muscles are at rest. The National Institutes of Health states that muscle tone is regulated by the nonstop action of motor impulses from your brain and is crucial for maintaining your posture. Certain dietary supplements may help improve your muscle tone, although you should always clear the use of supplements for this health purpose with your physician first.
Muscle Tone
Maintaining adequate muscle tone is an important consideration for many people, and numerous factors may cause decreased muscle tone throughout your body. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, decreased muscle tone, also known as hypotonia, may be caused by traumatic injuries, environmental factors, genetic disease, muscle diseases or central nervous system disorders. The most common cause of poor muscle tone, however, is lack of sufficient physical activity. Engaging in regular physical activity, especially strength training, is an effective way to restore muscle tone. Dietary supplements may help improve muscle tone, too, especially when used in combination with regular bouts of exercise.
Beneficial Dietary Supplements
Certain dietary supplements, both herbal and non-herbal, may be beneficial in improving your muscle tone. Some of the most helpful herbal supplements for this health purpose, notes certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," may include Tribulus terrestris and yohimbe. Beneficial non-herbal supplements to help boost muscle tone may include calcium pyruvate, chrysin, conjugated linoleic acid, D-ribose, ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate and 7 keto-DHEA. More scientific research evidence may be needed to prove the true effectiveness of these supplements in increasing your muscle tone.
Highlighted Supplement
Conjugated linoleic acid may be a useful dietary supplement in improving your muscle tone. According to Dr. Alan R. Gaby, a medical doctor and the author of "The Natural Pharmacy," CLA is a slightly altered form of linoleic acid -- an essential fatty acid -- and has historically been used in enhancing athletic performance. CLA may help improve your muscle tone, decrease your body fat and enhance your lean muscle mass and exercise tolerance. Further scientific inquiry may be required to determine the actual health benefits of this dietary supplement.
Additional Information
Poor muscle tone may be a sign of a serious underlying health problem that requires the attention of a medical professional. If you suffer from hypotonia unrelated to a sedentary lifestyle, schedule an appointment with your primary care provider as soon as possible to be properly assessed and treated. Dietary supplements have long been used to help stimulate increased muscle tone, although supplements alone may not be enough to achieve your desired health or fitness goal.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Muscle Tone
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: What is Hypotonia?
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 2010
- "The Natural Pharmacy"; Alan R. Gaby, M.D.; 2006
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