Healthy Muscle - The Needed Herbs and Supplements for Muscle Health

The muscle movements are those that allow us to walk into a room or to drink a glass of water. Some muscle movements are voluntary, that is consciously controlled, for example, we can move our feet to walk or move hand to bring the cup to mouth in other to drink water. Other muscle movements are involuntary, that, which is not controlled.

Three types of muscle:  the skeletal, heart and smooth muscles.

> The skeletal muscle (or striated) are under voluntary guidance. It weighs 40-45% of human weight and represents the largest proportion of muscle in the body. The skeletal muscles are structured bundles of muscle fibers that are arranged in order. Small muscles can contain only a few bundles of muscle fibers and large muscles containing hundreds of bundles. Nerve impulses leads to the release of acetylcholine (a type of neurotransmitter), and stimulates the muscle in this way. This starts a chain of events in which sodium ions, potassium and calcium act in filaments of muscle proteins (actin and myosin), leading them to slide one over the other, causing a contraction of the muscle.

Each muscle contains a specialized nerve fibers that determines the strength of contraction with another set of nerve fibers in the tendon down the stretch. The information obtained from these fibers is transferred to the brain and is essential for muscle activity.

> The smooth muscle involuntary act ensures the movement of internal organs, for example, the intestinal peristalsis, the contractions of the uterus (during childbirth), the movement of the bladder, bronchus and lung wall blood vessels. The smooth muscle is formed by elongated, fusiform cells. In most organs and cavities, these cells are arranged in sets as an outer layer and along an inner layer that goes round inwards. The smooth muscles respond to neurotransmitters, hormones and changes in the composition (acidity) of the liquid surrounding the fibers.

>The heart muscle or myocardium is found only in heart. It is a unique type of muscle that has the ability to contract rhythmically about 100000 times a day to promote blood in circulation. The heart muscle is similar in structure to skeletal muscle. The contraction is stimulated by the autonomic nervous system, hormones and the stretching of muscle fibers.  

The roles of muscles are:

• to provide energy in the moving parts of the body.

• to produce heat - if you go for a brisk walk a cool day, we see as we walk that muscles produce heat and after a while we start to sweat.

• to work together with links to support the joints and tendons concluding muscles to bones - ensure the knees, elbows and other joints are in shape and mobility.

Muscle Problems

> Problems caused by toxins

Alcohol and other toxic substances can have a negative impact on the health of muscles. Studies in alcoholics have shown that those who drink excessively are experiencing a gradual weakening of the heart and skeletal muscle, possibly as a result of ethanol-induced damage to muscle proteins.

Alcohol consumption increases the risk of stroke. This is because it can be damaged by alcohol in arterial muscles, which causes an increase in blood pressure. Lesions in skeletal muscle may be so severe in some alcoholics who can ultimately lead to severe disability and inability to walk.

The most common disorder of muscle injury is followed by symptoms caused by the inadequate blood supply to a muscle (including myocardium). Stretching or damage to muscle can cause bleeding into the tissue. The healing leads to the formation of a scar in the muscle that reduces the physical size.

> Problems caused by poor blood circulation

Smooth muscle function depends on a good supply of blood. Peripheral vascular disease which restricts the supply of blood can cause muscle pain during exercise. Angina, chest pain caused by inappropriate blood supply to the heart muscle, occurs in coronary artery disease. The cramp is a common and painful condition caused by prolonged contraction of a muscle. The cramp normally takes a few seconds and can be caused by lack of blood flow, poor posture, stress, fatigue, and sometimes very intense exertion or exercise causing lactic acid accumulation in muscle.

In carpal tunnel syndrome, pain, swelling and numbness in the hand result in a squeeze tube on the wrist. Studies suggest that people with carpal tunnel syndrome may benefit from taking pyridoxine (50mg).

Autoimmune Disorders

The Myasthenia Gravis is a disturbance in the transmission of nerve impulses to muscles. Often starts by causing a drop of the eyelid and diplopia. Other autoimmune diseases associated with muscle are a systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Effective Herbs and Supplements for Health Muscle

> Glucosamine KCl – It involves in the formation of glycosaminoglycans, the network of structured collagen forming the joints, tendons and ligaments.

> Fish oil - contains essential omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids involved in the health of cell membranes and the health of nerves. The omega-3 provides the material for the production of inflammatory prostaglandins.

> The antioxidant vitamins C and E, zinc, selenium, manganese and copper are involved in the metabolism of essential fatty acids and health of cells and nerves.

> Calcium and vitamin D - calcium is important for muscle contraction, nerve health, and together with vitamin D for bone building.

> Calcium & Magnesium - the contraction of muscles requires these two minerals.

The supplementation with magnesium has been shown to be effective in treating muscle cramps. A study in Sweden with 73 women who experienced cramps in the legs due to pregnancy showed that supplementation with magnesium for 3 months significantly reduced the incidence of cramps compared to taking placebo.

> Devil's Claw - has been used for arthritis, gout, muscle pain and various forms of muscular rheumatism. Studies have shown that extracts of Devil's Claw has anti-inflammatory properties and can therefore help reduce pain.

> Evening Primrose Oil - contains omega-6 polyunsaturated essential fatty acids involved in the health of cell membranes, nerves and the cover sheath covering the nerve endings.

> Vitamin B6 - a lack of vitamin B6 has been associated with carpal tunnel syndrome.

General tips for maintaining muscle in good condition

Eat five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables every day. This will give you nutrients and especially sodium that are necessary for the health of muscles. Drink plenty of water each day, at least one liter. The health of muscles is essential to health of the nervous system that is nourished with vitamins B, calcium, magnesium and essential fatty acids. Bare mild your muscles by walking, swimming and other exercises to help you stay in shape. The exercises proposed for the health of muscles include the weight transfer exercises (walking, jogging, dancing, etc.), and weight lifting exercises that strengthen muscles. The above two types of exercise are known as weight-bearing exercises that makes the bones and muscles "work" against gravity.