Bio-Human Matrix

Muscles

A holistic guide to understanding, supporting and repairing your muscles.

Understanding

Understanding Your Muscles

You have over 600 muscles that make up 40% of your body weight. They don't just move you—they store glucose, produce heat, pump lymph, and secrete hormones (myokines) that talk to your brain and bones. Muscle is the organ of longevity. The more you have, the longer and stronger you live.

Quick Reference

Quick Reference Guide

  • Do resistance training 2–3x weekly.
  • Eat protein at every meal (0.7–1g per pound of goal body weight).
  • Stretch daily to maintain flexibility.
  • Sleep 7–9 hours (muscles repair during sleep).
  • Stay hydrated—muscles are 75% water.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs & Symptoms

  • Muscle weakness or loss of strength
  • Frequent cramps or spasms
  • Slow recovery after exercise
  • Muscle wasting (sarcopenia)
  • Chronic tightness
  • Fibromyalgia-type pain
  • Poor balance

Root Causes

Root Causes

  • Sedentary lifestyle (use it or lose it)
  • Protein deficiency
  • Magnesium and electrolyte imbalance
  • Chronic stress (cortisol breaks down muscle)
  • Poor sleep
  • Inflammation
  • Statins and certain medications
  • Low testosterone or growth hormone

Remedies

Natural Remedies

Epsom Salt Baths

Magnesium sulfate absorbs through skin, relieving cramps.

Tart Cherry Juice

Reduces muscle soreness and improves recovery.

Foam Rolling

Self-myofascial release breaks up knots.

Contrast Showers

Hot 3 minutes, cold 1 minute x 3 cycles. Flushes waste and reduces soreness.

Massage

Increases circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Vitamins

Vitamins & Supplements

Magnesium Glycinate or Malate

For muscle relaxation and energy.

Pure Encapsulations, Thorne

Creatine Monohydrate

Most researched muscle supplement; builds strength and brain energy.

Thorne, Jarrow

BCAAs / Essential Amino Acids

Building blocks of muscle.

Kion, Thorne

Tart Cherry Extract

Reduces exercise-induced inflammation.

Jarrow, Life Extension

Omega-3

Reduces muscle protein breakdown.

Nordic Naturals

Vitamin D3

Essential for muscle contraction.

Thorne

HMB

Prevents muscle breakdown in aging.

Jarrow, Life Extension

Foods

Healing Foods

Grass-Fed Beef

Complete protein, creatine, zinc, iron.

Eggs

Perfect protein profile and leucine for muscle synthesis.

Salmon

Omega-3s reduce inflammation.

Sweet Potatoes

Potassium and carbs for glycogen.

Spinach

Magnesium and nitrates.

Bone Broth

Collagen for connective tissue.

Tart Cherries

Anthocyanins reduce soreness.

Watermelon

Citrulline improves blood flow to muscles.

Movement

Movement & Exercise

Resistance Training

Squats, push-ups, rows, lunges. The foundation.

Eccentric Training

Slow lowering phase builds strength fast and prevents injury.

Isometric Holds

Planks and wall sits build stability.

Stretching & Mobility

Yoga or dedicated mobility work prevents stiffness.

Sprint Training

Builds fast-twitch muscle fibers.

FAQs

FAQs

Q: Can I build muscle after 60?

A: Absolutely. Studies show people in their 90s can gain strength and muscle with resistance training.

Q: Do I need meat to build muscle?

A: No, but it's easier. Plant-based builders need to combine proteins and eat more total calories.

Q: Why do I cramp at night?

A: Usually magnesium deficiency, dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance.

Blog: "Muscle Is Medicine: Why Strength Training Beats Cardio for Longevity"

Did You Know

Did You Know?

The strongest muscle relative to its size is the masseter (jaw muscle). It can close teeth with a force as great as 200 pounds.

Sound Healing

Sound Healing — 324 Hz

324 Hz is associated with muscle relaxation and recovery.

Products: Foam Roller, Resistance Bands Set, Epsom Salt 10lb Bag, Creatine Monohydrate, Massage Gun.

Fasting

Fasting Connection

Fasting increases growth hormone (muscle-preserving) and triggers autophagy in damaged muscle cells. However, adequate protein when you eat is essential to maintain mass.

Recommended remedies

Shop Muscles support