Ask Ayurveda

FREE! Ask Ayurvedic Doctors 24/7

Get expert answers from certified doctors anytime

Fast responses
1000+ verified doctors
/
/
/
Addressing Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss at 79
Geriatrics & Rejuvenation
Question #46549
152 days ago
1,239

Addressing Sarcopenia and Muscle Loss at 79 - #46549

Client_fe4419
$3.51

Sarcopenia problem!I'm 79, so muscle loss is occuring. Zinc blocks estrogen, which should help rebuild my muscle.

Question is closed
Writing an explanation of your symptoms through Ayurveda...
Analyzing through Ayurvedic framework0%

Doctors' responses

HOWEVER I NEED TO CLARIFY ONE IMPORTANT POINT AND SCIENTIFICALLY ZINC DOES NOT SIMPLY BLOCK ESTROGEN IN A WAY THAT DIRECTLY BUILDS MUSCLE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ZINC ESTROGEN AND MUSCLE IS MUCH MORE BALANCED ESPECIALLY AT YOUR AGE

IN OLDER ADULTS BOTH TESTOSTERONE AND ESTROGEN PLAY IMPORTANT ROLES IN MUSCLE BONE AND NERVE HEALTH ESTROGEN IS NOT BAD OR UNNECESSARY EVEN IN MEN IT PROTECTS MUSCLE QUALITY JOINTS AND BONES EXCESSIVE BLOCKING OF ESTROGEN CAN ACTUALLY WORSEN WEAKNESS JOINT PAIN AND FRAILTY

ZINC IS IMPORTANT BUT ITS ROLE IS SUPPORTIVE NOT AGGRESSIVE ZINC HELPS PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IMMUNE FUNCTION TESTOSTERONE SUPPORT IF DEFICIENT APPETITE AND DIGESTION

IN DEFICIENCY STATES ZINC SUPPLEMENTATION CAN HELP MUSCLE RESPONSE TO EXERCISE BUT HIGH DOSES OF ZINC FOR LONG PERIODS CAN CAUSE COPPER DEFICIENCY ANEMIA WEAKNESS NEUROLOGICAL SYMPTOMS

SO ZINC SHOULD NEVER BE USED AS A HORMONE BLOCKER STRATEGY AT YOUR AGE

FROM AN AYURVEDIC AND INTEGRATIVE POINT OF VIEW SARCO P ENIA IS A COMBINATION OF VATA DOMINANCE DHATU KSHAYA MEANING TISSUE DEPLETION AGNIMANDYA REDUCED DIGESTIVE AND METABOLIC FIRE

THE GOAL IS NOURISHMENT NOT HORMONE SUPPRESSION

WHAT ACTUALLY HELPS MUSCLE AT 79 ADEQUATE PROTEIN SPREAD THROUGH THE DAY GOOD DIGESTION OF THAT PROTEIN MILD RESISTANCE ACTIVITY EVEN CHAIR BASED ADEQUATE SLEEP LOW INFLAMMATION

SAFE AND EFFECTIVE SUPPORT OPTIONS MODERATE ZINC ONLY IF DEFICIENT NOT HIGH DOSE VITAMIN D IF LOW MAGNESIUM FOR MUSCLE FUNCTION ADEQUATE B12 OMEGA 3 FOR MUSCLE QUALITY

AYURVEDIC SUPPORT THAT IS OFTEN BETTER TOLERATED ASHWAGANDHA IN VERY LOW DOSE IF DIGESTION ALLOWS SHATAVARI FOR TISSUE NOURISHMENT AND ANABOLIC SUPPORT GHRITA BASED FORMULATIONS IN SMALL QUANTITY IF DIGESTION IS GOOD

THE MOST IMPORTANT FACT MUSCLE IS BUILT BY SIGNAL PLUS NUTRITION NOT BY BLOCKING HORMONES EVEN AT 79 THE BODY RESPONDS TO GENTLE STRENGTH SIGNALS WHEN NOURISHED PROPERLY

IF YOU WOULD LIKE I CAN GUIDE YOU ON SAFE ZINC DOSING AGE APPROPRIATE MUSCLE SUPPORT NUTRITION AYURVEDIC RASAYANA OPTIONS FOR MUSCLE AND STRENGTH WHAT TO AVOID SO YOU DO NOT LOSE MORE MUSCLE

13600 answered questions
29% best answers
Doctor has prepared a treatment plan for you
Shatavaryadi Churna - Baidyanath
AVP Aswagandharishtam - Arya Vaidya Pharmacy
AVP Dhanwantharam Gritham - Arya Vaidya Pharmacy
Accepted response

0 replies

1.Chyawanparash 2 tsp with warm milk empty stomach in the morning 2.Ashwagandha capsules 1 cap twice daily with warm milk after meals 3.Shilajit capsules 1 cap once daily with warm milk after meals 4.Balarishta 20ml with 20 ml water twice daily after meals

Include: - Moong dal, khichdi, milk with ghee, almonds/walnuts (if tolerated), sesame seeds. - Fresh fruits like pomegranate, banana, grapes. - Warm soups and lightly spiced vegetables.

- Avoid: - Excess fried, spicy, or stale foods. - Skipping meals — regularity is important.

Avoid: - Excess fried, spicy, or stale foods. - Skipping meals — regularity is important.

Lifestyle - Gentle strength exercises (light resistance bands, supervised physiotherapy). - Daily walking for circulation. - Yoga: Tadasana, Bhujangasana, Setubandhasana — done gently. - Pranayama (Anulom Vilom, Bhramari) for stress and oxygenation. - Adequate sleep — essential for muscle repair.

12152 answered questions
27% best answers
Doctor has prepared a treatment plan for you
Shilajit Capsules - Dabur
Kesari Shakti Kalp Royal - Baidyanath
Balarishtam - Kerala Ayurveda
+1 more medications
Accepted response

0 replies

The problem is due to age, Start with Ashwagandha churan 0-0-1tsp at bedtime with water milk Astiposhak tablet 1-0-0 after food with water Chyavanprash 2tsp once daily before food with water, Massage your body with ashwagandha oil+ kshirbala oil on alternate day. Do pranayam lom -vilom bhastrika bhamri 5-10mins twice daily. Include 1 banana daily in your diet,

13624 answered questions
30% best answers
Doctor has prepared a treatment plan for you
Amrita Ashwagandha Tablets - Amrita Drugs
Balaswagandhadi Thailam - Vaidyaratnam
Ashwagandhadi Churna - Baidyanath
+1 more medications
Accepted response

0 replies

Avoid addiction if any. Avoid oily spicy and processed foods. Regular exercise. Increase intake of raw vegetables and fruits Massage with chandanbalalaxadi oil daily. Cap Stresscom 1-0-1 Tab Asthishrunkhla 1-0-1 Tab Shatavari 1-0-1 Tab Gokshura 2-0-2 Follow up after 4weeks.

13386 answered questions
39% best answers

0 replies

Take asthibala 1tab bd, navaratnapisti 1tab bd, ajamamsa rasayanam 1tsp, makaradwaja 1tab bd enough u ll get results

Dr RC BAMS MS

15531 answered questions
34% best answers

0 replies

Hello Thanks for reaching out about sarcopenia at 79. It’s a real and important concern, and I appreciate you thinking ahead. But dont worry we are here to help you out 😊

YOUR CONCERN (Ayurvedic + Modern View)

Sarcopenia is just a fancy name for muscle loss, weakness, and getting tired easily as you get older.

Why does it happen? * Hormones going down * Protein not building up as well * Low-level inflammation * Digestion not being great * Not moving around as much

In Ayurveda, we call this Muscle wasting due to aging, mostly because of too much Vata (one of the body’s energies) and weak Agni (digestive fire), which means muscles aren’t getting proper nourishment.

ABOUT ZINC - ESTROGEN IDEA

You said: Zinc blocks estrogen, which should help rebuild my muscle.

Here’s the real deal: Zinc doesn’t completely block estrogen.

What Zinc does do: * Helps with testosterone and IGF-1 (which are good for muscles) * Makes protein better * Helps your immune system and nerves

But here’s why you need to be careful:

For older folks, even a little bit of estrogen helps protect muscles and bones. If you block too much estrogen, you could end up weaker and with weaker bones.

Zinc can help, but it’s not the main answer for sarcopenia, and you shouldn’t take too much of it.

TREATMENT GOALS * Calm down Vata * Boost digestion * Nourish your muscles * Improve muscle-nerve connection * Stop more muscle loss

AYURVEDIC PLAN OF TREATMENT

1. Muscle-Nourishing Foods & Medicines

1…Ashwagandha Churna:.1 tsp twice a day with warm milk (or almond milk if you can’t have dairy). It really helps with muscle strength in older people.

2. Shatavari Kalpa: 1 teaspoon twice a day. Good for hormone balance and nourishing tissues.

3.Yograj Guggulu: 1 tablet twice a day after meals. Helps with movement and eases Vata stiffness.

4.Chyawanprash: 1 teaspoon in the morning on an empty stomach (make sure it’s right for your age).

DIET MODIFICATION

INCLUDE * Warm, freshly cooked food * Milk (if it agrees with you), ghee * Moong dal, rice, wheat * Soaked and peeled almonds * Dates, figs * Homemade paneer (Indian cheese) * Moringa leaves/drumsticks

❌AVOID * Dry, cold food * Lots of fasting * Raw salads at night * Very low-protein diets

Remember: Protein won’t help if you can’t digest it, so digestion is super important.

EXTERNAL CARE

1 Abhyanga (Oil Massage): Daily or every other day. Use Bala Ashwagandhadi Taila or Mahanarayan Taila. Gently massage, then take a warm bath. It helps stop muscle wasting and improves nerve supply

GENTLE STRENGTH BUILDING (Do What You Can) * Exercises you can do in a chair * Slow walks * Light resistance bands * Breathing exercises (Anulom Vilom, Bhramari)

Important: Don’t push yourself too hard.

About Supplements (Only if You Need Them)

–Zinc:- Only a low dose (8–11 mg/day) if you’re actually –low.Vitamin D and B12: Get your levels checked. –Stay away from supplements that block hormones.

Tests You Might Need * Vitamin D * Vitamin B12 * Protein/albumin in your blood * Hemoglobin * Thyroid levels

Sarcopenia can’t be completely undone, but you can definitely slow it down, keep it stable, and get stronger, even at 79. Single supplements (like just zinc) won’t do the trick. Ayurveda works best when you combine internal nourishment, external treatments, and good digestion.

Wishing you strength and healthy aging, Dr. Snehal Vidhate

11987 answered questions
28% best answers

0 replies

At 79 muscle loss, that is sacropenia is natural due to age testosterone, decreased activity and nutritional deficiencies. The goal is too slow, muscle loss, rebuild, strength, safely and support metabolism

Regarding Zinc-while zinc play a role in testosterone production and general metabolism, it does not Block oestrogen in a way that significantly boosts muscle building Can cause digestive issues and imbalance with copper and other minerals, the Best approaching balance, nutrition, exercise and supplementation

You can take protein rich food like egg fish, lean chicken, Paneer, Dal, Moong Dal, milk, yoghurt Nuts and seeds like almonds, walnut, pumpkin seed, flaxseed Whole grains like oats, barley, quinoa millet Fruits and vegetable, especially leafy, green carrot, beetroot for antioxidant and mineral Healthy fat ghee sesame oil, olive oil, which supports hormones and tissue repair

Ashwagandha churna 1 teaspoon with warm milk at night. It helps in improving muscle strength and gives energy Safed musli 1 teaspoon with warm milk at morning it supports issue regeneration

Daily, walking at least 30 minutes daily to improve circulation Avoid over exertion or lifting, heavy weight Adequate sleep Stay hydrated Avoid extreme calorie restriction

With consistent diet, exercise and herbal support, noticeable improvement in muscle strength can be seen within 6 to 8 weeks and maintenance will slow further sacropenia

4938 answered questions
37% best answers

0 replies

Here is a complete schedule for you.

Breakfast 8-9.30 am Upma, Poha, Idli, Dosa, Moong Dal Chilla, Vegetable Paratha (Potato paratha once in a while) with a cup of buffalo milk

Mid Snack 11-11.30 am 1 fruit which ever you like

Lunch 12.30-1.30pm A bowl of Dal A bowl of vegetable Roti Rice 2 tsp of ghee

Hi Tea 4 -4.30pm 1 cup of milk with any breakfast item you like. You can have a fruit as well but than avoid milk.

Dinner 7.30-8.30 pm 1 bowl of dal 1 bowl of vegetable Roti Rice 2 tsp of ghee

❌Things to Avoid❌ Processed food Oily food Ready to eat food Maida Desserts

✔️Must do✔️ Exercise is must Have a fruit after exercise best prefered banana You can replace fruits with boiled eggs Twice a week swimming or running Weight training if possible Surya namaskar daily atleast 10. Start from whatever is possible.

💊Medication💊

Syp. Dashmoolarishta 3 tsp twice a day before food Tab. Liv 52 DS 1 tab twice a day before food Tab. Asthiposhak Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food. Tab. Manspachak Vati 2 tabs twice a day before food.

Limiron Granules 2 tsp in a cup of milk twice a day

Full body massage with lukewarm sesame seed oil followed by exercise.

A blend of exercise n healthy food will help you recover.

2105 answered questions
16% best answers

0 replies

Medicines 1 Ashwagandha Lehyam – 5–10 gm morning + night with warm milk 2 Shilajit resin (pure) – 300–500 mg morning with warm water 3 Shatavari Kalpa – 5 gm night with warm milk 4 Lakshadi Guggulu – 1–2 tablets morning + night after food

Zinc supplement – Zinc picolinate or citrate 15–25 mg daily after food (safe dose, supports testosterone)

Daily Must-Do Resistance exercises – light dumbbells (1–2 kg) or bodyweight squats/chair stands – 10–15 reps × 3 daily (most important for muscle gain) Protein-rich meals – 200 ml warm milk + ghee night, moong dal + ghee, 4 soaked almonds daily Walk 20–30 min daily

Diet Give daily: ghee 1–2 tsp, pomegranate, beetroot juice 100 ml Avoid completely: sugar, maida, fried food, late dinner

Regards Dr Gursimran Jeet Singh MD Panchakarma

1926 answered questions
25% best answers

0 replies

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Seeking Advice for Healthy Living at 76
Managing Joint Pain During Menopause
Seeking Help for My Grandmother's Persistent Symptoms
Seeking Ayurvedic Treatment for My Elderly Mother's Stroke and Eating Difficulties
Best Remedies for Improving Memory and Concentration at Age 60
Advice on Safed Musli and Ashwagandha for Diabetes and Heart Health
Sleepy Episodes in My Elderly Father
what is swarna bhasma
Seeking Advice for Atrial Fibrillation and Weakness
What is the best massage oil for improving leg strength and balance in my 85-year-old grandmother after a stroke?
Persistent Fever and Joint Pain in a 60-Year-Old Woman
Suggestions for Loose Skin and Wrinkles Due to Aging
Seeking Remedies for Hair Regrowth, Greying, and Skin Wrinkles During Perimenopause
How to stabilize my weight and appetite after stress and loss?
How to treat my wife's paralysis symptoms after 8 months, especially with limited movement and feeding issues?
Managing Joint Pain and Fatigue After Hysterectomy
Seeking Natural Remedies for Insomnia in Elderly
Is it safe for me to take Chyawanprash daily?
How to Use Suvarnamukkadi Gulika for Memory Loss and Weakness in an Elderly Woman
Seeking Ways to Reverse Osteoporosis at 68
Why is my beard turning white despite using Triphala Amrit?
Seeking Ayurvedic Alternatives to Spacks for a 60-Year-Old
Urgent Treatment for Weight Gain, Greying Hair, and Dull Skin
How can I maximize my growth potential as a 17-year-old male?
Natural Ways to Rejuvenate Nerves After Excessive Masturbation
Supplements for My Son with Hydrocephalus and Developmental Delays
Seeking Guidance for Premature Aging and Hair Greying
Which Rasayana is Best for Overcoming Fear of Illness?
Looking for Rejuvenative Ayurvedic Tonics for Stress Relief
How to Lose Post-Pregnancy Belly Fat and Tighten Skin?
Seeking Remedies for Burning Sensation in Feet and Long-term Stomach Aches
Ayurvedic Recommendations for Memory Loss in Seniors
Concerns About Long-term Use of Churna
Seeking Health Improvement for My Elderly Mother with Multiple Conditions
Managing Diabetes and Kidney Health in Elderly
Natural Ways to Delay Aging Effects for Men
Seeking Ayurvedic Remedies for Liver Rejuvenation and Anti-Aging
Concerns About My Father's Urinary Control and Sugar Levels
Numb Toes and Dietary Suggestions for Seniors
Seeking Ayurvedic Remedies for Kidney Health in Elderly with High BP and Diabetes
Elderly Body Pain that Moves Around
Advice for Menopause-related Joint Pain and Weight Loss
Seeking Help for My 84-Year-Old Mother's Joint Pain and Weakness
Concerns About Height and Growth
Managing Joint Pain and Low Energy During Perimenopause
How to treat rapid aging signs like hair loss and dull skin at 38 years old?
Recommendations for Strengthening Bones After Gallbladder Removal
Seeking Treatment for Scalp Burning Sensation in Elderly Relative
How can I rebuild my muscles with diabetes and CKD?
Is Suvarna Vasant Malti Safe for My 85-Year-Old Father with Low Hemoglobin?
Can Ayurveda Help Me Increase My Height?
How to recover my body and improve stamina at 25 after years of smoking and depression?
Can I Improve My Health at 82 as a Controlled Diabetes Patient?
Is Rasayana Rasa Safe for My Elderly Father with Memory Issues?
Can my elderly father take ashwagandha with milk at night?
How can I reduce my belly after having two kids?
How to help my dad strengthen his bones and get nutrients with small meals after stomach surgery?
Is Chavanprash Safe for My Autistic Grandson?
Seeking Advice for Peripheral Neuropathy Pain and Numbness
Weakness and Atrophy After Polio Infection
Seeking Natural Remedies for Peri-Menopause Symptoms
Managing Multiple Health Issues at Age 70
Can I Increase My Height Naturally?
How to improve memory and sleep quality in a 74-year-old with prostate issues and low intimacy?
Difficulty Walking and Balance Issues in Elderly
Managing Hot Flashes and Foot Pain in a 67-Year-Old with Diabetes
Maximizing Height Growth Potential
Seeking Thicker Hair and Smoother Skin at 67
Managing High Blood Pressure at 85 Years
Concerns About Collagen and Aging
How to Use Vaidyaratanam Vasitone Tablet and Kerala Ayurveda Navajeevanam Rasayanam?
Struggling with Stress, Sleep Issues, and Digestive Problems
How to treat chronic stress and anxiety in a 63-year-old woman with high blood pressure and hair loss?
Can my elderly mother take Supragya for sleep?
Help for My Father's Swollen Hands and Feet
Can I still increase my height at 17 years old?
Memory Issues and Anxious Nature in Elderly Mother
Seeking Treatment for Tingling and Coldness in Legs and Feet
Seeking Energy and Solutions for Puffy Eyes and Sleep Issues
Seeking Remedies for Hot Flushes, Insomnia, and Bone Spur
Can Ayurveda Cure My Syrinx Condition?
Managing Post-Menopausal Symptoms and Diabetes in My Mother
Elderly Couple Experiencing Fatigue and Loss of Appetite After Illness
How to treat my wife's paralysis after a stroke and help her regain movement?
How can I lose belly fat at 60 while recovering from an injury?
How can my elderly friend regain energy after fever and cold?
Concern About Height Growth
Incorporating Geriforte for a Healthy Lifestyle at 58
Managing Vitamin Deficiencies and Cholesterol Levels at 60
Seeking Advice on Daily Use of Suvarna Bhasma and Triphala
Best Fluids for Ileostomy Reversal Preparation at 80 Years Old
Seeking Advice on Vita M Tablet for Vata-Kapha Balance
Can Neem Oil Help Plump My Thin and Wrinkled Face?
Elderly Lady Seeking Advice on Hair Oil and Pain
Can I use Chandanabalalakshadi oil for my elderly father in cold weather?
Is my waking time too late for my health?
Managing Menopausal Symptoms and Related Health Issues
How can I increase my height?
Managing Elevated TSH and Chronic Back Pain in an Active Elderly
Natural Remedies for Facial Structure and Body Restoration in Menopausal Women

Doctors online

Latest reviews

Luke
7 hours ago
I was pretty worried about the ongoing stomach pain, but your answer made everything so clear! Big help with the practical tips, thanks!
I was pretty worried about the ongoing stomach pain, but your answer made everything so clear! Big help with the practical tips, thanks!
Reid
8 hours ago
Super helpful answer. Really appreciate the detailed advice with all the options. Already feel hopeful about getting some relief! Thanks!
Super helpful answer. Really appreciate the detailed advice with all the options. Already feel hopeful about getting some relief! Thanks!
Rachael
15 hours ago
Thank you! I was really confused about this, and you explained it so well. Now I know to avoid that syrup while breastfeeding. :)
Thank you! I was really confused about this, and you explained it so well. Now I know to avoid that syrup while breastfeeding. :)
Addison
15 hours ago
Really appreciate the detailed advice! Made me feel much more at ease about what to do next. Thanks! 😊
Really appreciate the detailed advice! Made me feel much more at ease about what to do next. Thanks! 😊