At any stage of life, regular exercise and eating well are extremely important. But these practices become even more essential as we age.
Unfortunately, aging brings some unavoidable declines, such as age-related muscle loss – called sarcopenia – and age-related decreases in strength/physical capabilities. While some losses are expected and unavoidable, scientists better understand muscle formation and loss now, meaning there are indeed ways to combat such losses.
WHAT HAPPENS TO MUSCLE AS WE AGE?
Muscle is constantly being broken down thanks to normal metabolic functioning. When we lift weights and eat well, we rebuild those muscles and can even build them to be bigger and better.
As we age, however, our body’s ability to rebuild muscle slows down significantly. Because of this, many older adults experience decreases in strength and physical inabilities, which can lead to slips, falls, and higher propensity for injuries.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO REBUILD MUSCLE?
Luckily, there’s something we can do to rebuild muscle. Yep, you guessed it: Take protein supplements! There are two types of protein supplements: whey protein and collagen protein.
- Whey Protein: This milk-based protein contains several types of proteins, such as beta-lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin, immunoglobin, and other disease-resistance factor proteins. Additionally, the strong presence of all essential amino acids in whey protein is an excellent reason to take it, especially in older age.
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Collagen Protein: This is what a lot of individuals think of as “gelatin”. Collagen, like all proteins, is made up of amino acids. Of these amino acids, nine are considered essential, i.e. they cannot be synthesized by the body and must be acquired through the diet. If you lack the amino acids that combine to form collagen, your body’s cells can’t produce enough of it.
In the hydrolyzed form, the collagen is processed in a way that breaks up the proteins into smaller pieces. This makes it highly digestible and able to be absorbed and easily distributed into the different tissues of the body.
HOW MUCH EXTRA PROTEIN DO I NEED?
The most recent studies suggest that taking 15-25g of protein as an older adult can help maintain and even build muscle at these later stages in life. Some studies report up to 50 percent of the elderly are not getting enough protein – so in addition to maintaining muscle (or even building muscle), whey and collagen protein can be used simply to reach those protein requirements each day for the elderly.
Older populations may have difficulty in chewing and digesting tough meats, which are traditional sources for protein. One benefit of Whey and and Collagen Protein supplements is that they are very easy to ingest.
Whey protein powder can be easily mixed with water or milk, or even blended in smoothies or added to oatmeal – no chewing necessary. Hydrolyzed Collagen protein comes in a flavored liquid form and can be added to water, juice, smoothies or any cold liquid.
WHERE CAN I BUY THE BEST QUALITY PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS?
Buy online from Caring Solutions in Canada.
PROCEL uses the best quality whey protein powder, which makes it clump free and great tasting. It dissolves instantly and can be added to smoothies, milk, yogurt, oatmeal - and even coffee! Available flavored (chocolate or vanilla) or unflavored.
LIQUACEL is one of the most powerful hydrolyzed collagen protein supplements on the market. It is a flavored liquid concentrate that contains 16g of protein and 2.5g of argenine in every 1 oz serving! LiquaCel tastes great and can be mixed with water or any cold beverage, in smoothies - or taken straight up!
