5 muscular functions & how vitamins and minerals are related

We can credit our body’s ability to move to the muscles that surround and connect to our bones, joints, organs, and blood vessels. Without muscular movement, we would not be able to walk, hold things, talk or even breathe!

It’s thanks to our highly advanced muscular skeletal system that we are able to do the everyday things we often take for granted – such as talking, running, hugging, blinking, laughing and more.

What are the exact functions of our muscles though? And exactly how do our muscles stay in tip top condition?

Read on to understand more about different types of muscles, such as skeletal muscles and smooth muscles, the muscular system and muscle function, as well as what role vitamins and minerals play in healthy muscular function.

Types of muscles

There are 3 types of muscles: cardiac muscles, skeletal muscles and smooth muscles. Each type of muscle has their own necessary function in the human body.

• Cardiac muscle: Specifically related to the heart and functioning of the heart, these muscles contract at a regular rate to keep blood flowing to the heart.
• Skeletal muscle: This muscle type attaches bones by tendons and are responsible for movement of body parts .
• Smooth muscle: These muscles help regulate the flow of blood through the arteries, and helps food through the digestive system.

Muscular functions

The muscles in the human body have various jobs which assist the body to function as it should, and allow us to live healthy and well-rounded lives. Healthy bones and healthy muscles are part of the key to a long and happy life.

Each muscle or muscle group performs certain activities in order for us to walk, breathe, talk, and so on. There are, in general, five important functions for muscles to perform, which we will take a look at now.

Movement

.The skeletal muscle is the largest organ in our body and is referred to as a voluntary muscle, the function is contraction which results in movement, posture, and stability..

Support

The organs in our body would not be able to function if it weren’t for muscles that support them. These muscles allow the organs to perform the functions they need to in order for us to live.

Think of the lungs – we wouldn’t be able to breathe if it weren’t the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs, contracting and relaxing, causing the lungs to expand and contract and give our body air.

Protection

The muscular system consists of many different muscles with various jobs to perform. Some muscles in our body, such as our abdominal muscles, hold organs in place to support your body during movement.

Blood circulation

We wouldn’t be able to function if it weren’t for the heart, which contracts at a regular rate to keep blood flowing to the heart.

Healthy food, processed foods and muscles

The body gains energy from food, and this in turn is generally what allows us to function normally.

As we know, the body is a living organ that needs minerals in order to survive and function well.

Healthy food

Healthy food, which may be described as food that gives you good nutrients, vitamins, minerals and is nutritious for the body are advisable. Whereas processed foods may be stripped of the good nutrients we need for healthy bones, healthy teeth, healthy muscles and a healthy body overall! We’ve listed a few healthy foods below:

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Fresh fruit contains many vitamins and minerals needed for healthy bones and muscle functioning.  It’s important to eat fruit and vegetables, especially green vegetables for optimum muscle function.

Nuts

Nuts can be a delicious and healthy snack option if you choose the right kind.

Almonds are high in protein, monounsaturated fat, Vitamin E, and magnesium which may promote heart health. Peanuts (or peanut butter) are an excellent source of monounsaturated fat and higher in protein then most nuts. Walnuts provide a decent amount of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and Brazil Nuts are loaded with selenium which is a great help to support the thryroid function.

Nutrient-rich food

Food that is rich in nutrients is recommended for muscles to function properly. This means including foods that have vitamins and minerals.

Supplements

It may be hard to get all the nutrients we need from the food we eat alone, even if we consume a balanced diet. In this case it may be a good idea to introduce supplements to your diet to make up for the potential lack of vitamins and minerals in your normal diet.

RecoverB Nutri-Strips from SeraLabs is a single Nutri-Strip that may replenish essential minerals, enhance hydration and aid in muscle function.

Vitamins and minerals for muscles

If we do not give our body all the vitamins and minerals it needs, we may end up being depleted of vital ingredients for healthy body functioning. This could lead to various issues, including low energy levels.

When it comes to our muscles, if we do not feed them properly, we may end up feeling fatigued during exercise, or crampy through our body. Vitamin deficiencies may result in larger problems.

Some vitamins and minerals serve the purpose of carrying other nutrients to our muscle.. This shows how vital it is to try and eat a nutrient rich diet that assists with muscle function..

Trace minerals

There are two types of minerals, the first is called trace minerals. A trace mineral, or sometimes referred to as microminerals, are required in small quantities.

One such mineral that may be deemed of high value to the body is iron. Iron is found in red blood cells of your blood called Hemoglobin and muscle cells called myoglobin.  Hemoglobin is essential for transferring oxygen in your blood from the lungs to the tissues. Myoglobin in muscle cells accepts, stores, and transports and releases oxygen. Without oxygen, our muscles and body as a whole would not be able to function.

Other types of trace minerals include manganese, copper, zinc, iodine, cobalt fluoride, and selenium.

Macrominerals

The second type of mineral your body requires are called macrominerals – these include minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and phosphorus.

Potassium

Potassium helps the body break down carbohydrates so the body can convert them into engery.

Calcium

While calcium is generally associated with healthy bones, it may also be a necessary ingredient when it comes to how our muscles contract – including our heart.

Magnesium

While calcium contracts muscles, magnesium helps muscles to relax, which is why it’s important to have a healthy balance to the two minerals.

Vitamins

Different vitamins have different roles in keeping the body healthy and well, as well as assisting with muscle function.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is central to a strong skeleton and bone strength, to strength. Vitamin D also helps the body to absorb calcium, which is vital for healthy bones.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body’s blood cells healthy, while supporting the normal function of your nerve cells. Vitamin B12 may help your body by giving you an energy boost..

SeraLabs RecoverB Nutri-Strips contain Vitamin B12 and may be a beneficial supplement to add to your diet. Click here to view this product.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A helps support many things such as normal vision, lungs and kidney function.  Most Vitamin A can be found naturally in many foods and vegetables like fish, liver, broccoli, cantaloupe and squash.

Muscle Function

It’s natural for our muscles to get run down. On a daily basis you are using the muscles in your body, probably more than one hundred times over. Even if you are not an active person, your muscles are continually used for simple contractions to breathe, blink, stand up and sit down.

Since our muscles are used to constantly, it’s important that we provide our body with the necessary ingredients to help with optimal function.

Most of the above vitamins and minerals may help with fatigued muscles,  or may help in avoiding muscle breakdown altogether.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 may help minimize muscle soreness, its important not to take these before a workout. Omega 3 can also be beneficial with skeletasls muscle loss.

Again, healthy foods are vital in order to get enough of this important dietary addition. Foods such as nuts, fish, eggs and avocados tend to be high in this healthy fatty acid.

Supplements for healthy muscles

Initially developed for performance athletes, RecoverB Nutri-Strips may help with an active lifestyle or an electrolyte imbalance.

Just one Nutri-Strip may help restore essential minerals, enhance hydration, and help the body maintain a fluid balance. RecoverB also contains Vitamin B12.

Click here to view more information and purchase your RecoverB Nutri-Strips today.

 

SOURCES:

 

• https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/ta3912
• https://www.futurelearn.com/info/courses/musculoskeletal/0/steps/25170
• https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321617
• https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/vitamins-and-minerals.htm
• https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=ta3912