Is there a diff b/t building new muscle and restoring unused muscle?

muscle
(PJ) #1

If you have muscle that is unused for a long time but still likely exists at least to some degree, is it still required to eat a calorie surplus to restore it? Or is that only for building brand new muscle?

#2

What an interesting question, I have no idea how to answer. :slight_smile:

I’m paging @KennyCrox. If Kenny doesn’t know the answer, I’ll bet he can find it.

(Kenny Croxdale) #3

The Couch Potato Study

This was an interesting study. Researcher increased the caloric intake of basically Couch Potato’s; individuals who performed no exercise.

Basically, all they did was watch TV.

The Good News

The researchers found that the Couch Potatoes gained weigh and increased muscle mass.

The Bad News

The researcher determined that that 80% of the increase in body weight was body fat.

Only 20% of the increase in body weight was muscle mass.

It was a bad trade off.

Globally Anabolic

The issue with consuming a surplus of calories is that it is “Globally Anabolic”. That meaning that both fat and muscle mass are increased at the same time.

High Protein Intake On A Calorie Restricted Diet

Research shows that increasing protein intake on a calorie restricted diet preserves lean muscle mass,

Ketogenic Diet

Research shows that once Keto Adapted, on the Ketogenic Diet, ketones protect muscle protein. Research by Volek and Phinney demonstrated that.

Intermittent Fasting

Research demonstrated that Intermittent Fasting increased ketones. Ketones were utilize by the body; thus preserving lean muscle mass.

Research found that lean muscle mass was preserved with Fasts of up to 72 hours before the body began converting (breaking down) muscle mass for into glucose.

With that said, the optimal Fast for burning body fat and maintaining muscle mass appears to be with Fast of 18 - 24 hours. It is also, as Dr John Berardi noted, “The Friendliest” method.

Muscle Mass: Protein Per Meal and Timing

I posted this information a on October 15th, a couple of days ago.

Not only is the amount of protein per day important, the amount of protein per serving/meal is, when it come to maintaining or increasing muscle mass.

Restoring Lost Muscle Mass

Ensuring you are consuming enough protein per day and per meal/serving is part of the solution.

Another vital part of the solution is exercise, specifically Resistance Exercise.

Muscle mass is increased or restored, in this case. Strength is also increased.

Usually, I know or have information on things like this.

If I don’t know or it is out of my area of expertise, I reference it out to individuals with more knowledge in that particular area.

Kenny Croxdale

(PJ) #4

Thank you so much.

My two brain cells, however, are telling me that the very specific question I was looking for an answer to, wasn’t really addressed:

If muscle exists, but is ~atrophied, does it require a surplus of calories to rebuild?

Forgive my simple mind

(Butter Withaspoon) #5

No. Just adequate protein and asking that muscle to begin working. That’s my understanding.

(Kenny Croxdale) #6

HelenW

As she stated, …

“No. Just adequate protein and asking that muscle to begin working.”

Kenny Croxdale

(Todd Allen) #7

People who are very out of shape can often build muscle while losing fat. As one gets fitter or leaner it becomes more difficult.