• Home
  • About
    • About
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Providers
  • Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • Patient Forms
    • Schedule Appointment
  • Services
    • Sports Medicine & non-surgical Orthopedics
      • PRP Injections
      • MFAT Injections
      • Prolotherapy
      • Sports Acupuncture & Dry Needling
      • Chiropractic
      • Physical Therapy
      • Shockwave Therapy
      • Massage Therapy
      • MSK Ultrasound
      • Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Hydrodissection
    • Functional Medicine
      • IV Nutritional Therapy
      • Neurofeedback
      • Acupuncture
      • Nutrition
      • Hormone testing & Functional Labs
      • Massage Therapy
    • Aesthetics
      • Look Better Membership
      • PRP + PRF Skin Rejuvenation
      • PRP + PRF Hair Restoration
      • Injectables
      • Cosmetic Laser
      • Advanced Aesthetics & Clinical Skincare
      • Clinical Skincare
  • Shop Products
    • SkinBetter Science
    • Epionce Skincare
    • Fullscript Supplements
  • About
    • About
    • Blog
    • Contact
  • Providers
  • Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • Patient Forms
    • Schedule Appointment
  • Services
    • Sports Medicine & non-surgical Orthopedics
      • PRP Injections
      • MFAT Injections
      • Prolotherapy
      • Sports Acupuncture & Dry Needling
      • Chiropractic
      • Physical Therapy
      • Shockwave Therapy
      • Massage Therapy
      • MSK Ultrasound
      • Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Hydrodissection
    • Functional Medicine
      • IV Nutritional Therapy
      • Neurofeedback
      • Acupuncture
      • Nutrition
      • Hormone testing & Functional Labs
      • Massage Therapy
    • Aesthetics
      • Look Better Membership
      • PRP + PRF Skin Rejuvenation
      • PRP + PRF Hair Restoration
      • Injectables
      • Cosmetic Laser
      • Advanced Aesthetic Services
      • Clinical Skincare
  • Shop Products
    • SkinBetter Science
    • Epionce Skincare
    • Fullscript Supplements
  • 503-232-5653
  • Schedule Now
  • Request Consultation

Build Muscle, Age Better – The Role of Muscle in Healthy Aging and Longevity

By FoRM Health | June 4, 2025

Strength training often conjures images of athletes or bodybuilders, but the importance of muscle building goes far beyond aesthetics or physical strength. As we age, our bodies undergo inevitable changes that affect our physical resilience, metabolic function, and overall well-being. Research shows that maintaining and developing muscle mass is critical not only for looking fit but also for prolonging our health span—the period during which we remain healthy and functional.

As you navigate your 30s, 40s, and 50s, you may notice subtle shifts in your body. These early signs of aging, such as decreased energy, gaining weight more easily, or reduced strength and stamina, can be concerning. Fortunately, there are effective ways to combat aging and its progressive, unwanted side effects – one of the most powerful tools at your disposal is muscle

Preventing Chronic Disease

Muscle Reduces Disease Risk

Growing evidence connects low muscle mass to several chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and obesity. Those who maintain strong muscle profiles face notably lower odds of developing these diseases, creating an intersection between exercise and preventive medicine. 

For instance, research shows that engaging in regular strength training can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 40%. This decline occurs due to multiple mechanisms, such as reductions in inflammation, improved lipid profiles, and optimal body composition changes. Not only does building muscle protect against certain ailments, but it also mitigates their severity if they arise.

Muscle Helps Maintain Better Blood Sugar Control

Skeletal muscle is a highly active organ responsible for much of our body’s glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. As you build muscle, your capacity to manage blood sugar improves, reducing the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and Alzheimer’s. In fact, studies show that individuals with higher muscle mass have lower blood glucose levels, even after adjusting for other health factors.

 Research suggests that even small amounts of resistance training can result in significant improvements in insulin sensitivity, lower cholesterol levels, and decreased inflammatory markers—all important components in preventing metabolic syndrome and heart disease.

Muscle Mass + Healthy Weight Management

Muscle plays a key role in managing weight and preventing obesity. Muscle tissue requires energy even at rest, making it a crucial ally in managing weight and promoting overall metabolic health. Every additional pound of muscle burns approximately 13 calories per day compared to the mere 4 calories burned by fat, underscoring the importance of fostering lean muscle mass.

When muscles contract during resistance exercises, they create a demand for glucose, thereby improving your body’s overall capacity to manage sugar levels effectively. Resistance training has been shown to increase GLUT4 receptor (receptors that shuttle sugar into cells) activity, leading to enhanced glucose uptake into the muscle cells post-exercise. Having more muscle makes you a fuel-burning machine, thus preventing your body from becoming a “storage” depot for excess mass.

The physiologic benefits of building muscle

Muscle Preserves Mobility

Beyond reducing chronic disease and mortality risk, higher muscle mass translates into better functional capacity. Muscle isn’t just about strength—it’s your foundation for staying active, independent, and pain-free as you age. Maintaining healthy muscle mass supports mobility, reduces frailty, and helps you continue doing the things you love, from carrying groceries to climbing stairs or enjoying weekend hikes.

 Muscle also acts as a natural safeguard for your bones and joints, helping to prevent or slow the onset of common age-related conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. In fact, strength training is one of the most effective ways to boost resilience, reduce the risk of falls and fractures, and preserve your freedom and vitality for the long haul.

Sarcopenia: consequences of muscle loss with aging

Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, begins subtly but progressively impacts your mobility, function, and overall quality of life. After peaking in our late twenties and early thirties, muscle mass begins to decline by approximately 3-8% per decade. By age 80, many individuals have lost about 30% of their muscle mass. This gradual decline poses significant risks, including frailty, falls, fractures, and dependency.

The connection between sarcopenia and morbidity emphasizes the urgency of proactive measures to maintain muscle mass. Engaging in regular strength training not only counters muscle loss but also cultivates new muscle growth, allowing you to preserve autonomy and vitality throughout your later years.

Additional Age-Defying Benefits of Muscle

Muscle Manages Inflammation

Chronic inflammation underlies many modern diseases, leading to conditions ranging from arthritis to cardiovascular disease. Muscle tissue contributes to regulating inflammatory responses through the secretion of myokines—signaling proteins released during muscular contraction. These myokines help mediate systemic inflammation, promoting healing and reducing chronic disease risk.

Engaging in regular strength training generates consistent contractions within skeletal muscle, thus driving myokine production. Over time, this adaptive response contributes to enhanced immune function and potentially mitigates the negative effects of chronic low-grade inflammation.

Muscle Improves mental health and cognitive function

Muscle development isn’t limited to physical benefits alone; it also promotes mental and emotional well-being. Regular strength training fosters a sense of accomplishment and enhances self-esteem, which are crucial for overall mental health.

Additionally, there is mounting evidence suggesting that resistance exercise improves cognitive function, particularly among older adults. A systematic review revealed that strength training can positively influence aspects of memory, executive function, and attention span. Exercise stimulates the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein that supports neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, thus reinforcing muscle building as an important tool for mental agility and longevity.

Prioritize muscle building for a more vibrant life 

Building muscle is not simply a path toward physical strength; it is a fundamental pillar of overall health, longevity, and quality of life. The advantages of maintaining and developing muscle mass extend into virtually every facet of living—from metabolic health and chronic disease prevention to mental well-being and independence in older adulthood.

If anything is keeping you from engaging in a regular strength training routine – injury, pain, fatigue, lack of motivation, and/or uncertainty – we have providers who can help! Any of our Naturopathic or Chiropractic Doctors at FoRM Health in Portland, OR can help you navigate a path to a stronger and more vibrant life!

Recent Posts

Build Muscle, Age Better – The Role of Muscle in Healthy Aging and Longevity

Skin Goals + Preventing Sick Days? You Can Do Both – Key Nutrients That Boost Immunity and your Skin’s Glow 

SKIN CLUES & BEAUTY BLUES: What Acne, Redness & Puffiness Are Trying to Tell You about your Health!

ALWAYS FATIGUED? It may be a chronic infection!

What is Prolotherapy? A Natural Approach to Pain Relief

READY to FEEL Better?

Receive our FREE (+ delicious) 5-day anti-inflammatory meal plan when you join our community

*By providing your email address here, you are opting in to receive our monthly newsletter

🌿 Modified Autoimmune Protocol 🌿 If you’r 🌿 Modified Autoimmune Protocol 🌿

If you’re struggling with auto-immunity & want to give your gut a reset — The AIP diet helps calm inflammation + supports your immune system by removing common triggers & focusing on nutrient-dense, healing foods. 🥑 

🛑 Avoid:
• Grains & legumes (Modified AIP allows for rice + quinoa!)
• Dairy + Eggs
• Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, etc.)
• Seed oils
• Sugar

✅ Load up on:
• Leafy greens & colorful veggies
• Wild-caught fish & grass-fed meats
• Bone broth, fermented foods, organ meats
• Coconut, berries, fruit & fresh herbs
• Hemp, Chia, Pumpkin seeds

AIP is just a pause to discover your triggers & what your body loves so you can feel nourished + grounded 💚

Think this might be of benefit? Schedule with our nutritionist to learn more about personalized recommendations + AIP meal planning. 

📞 503-233-5356
🔗 Link in bio to schedule online!
Feeling run down, vulnerable to every bug going ar Feeling run down, vulnerable to every bug going around, or just wanting a proactive boost?

💉 Our IV Wellness Boosts deliver targeted nutrients to boost your immune system — fast.

Think:
⚡ Vitamin C
⚡ Magnesium
⚡ B vitamins
⚡ Glutathione

Unlike oral supplements, IV therapy bypasses digestion and sends immune-supportive nutrients straight into your bloodstream for optimal utilization.

🧠 Great for:

✔️ Post-illness recovery
✔️ Allergy relief
✔️ Ongoing autoimmune support
✔️ Travel prep or burnout prevention

👩‍⚕️ Learn about our wellness boost formulas and schedule with an IV specialist.

📍Book now with us at FoRM Health:
👉 formhealthpdx.com/iv-nutrition-therapy-portland/

#FormHealthPDX #IVTherapy #ImmuneSupport #NutrientInfusion #PortlandWellness #IntegrativeMedicine #FunctionalHealth #IVVitaminTherapy #feelbetter #feelbetterlookbetter #ivnutrition #naturopathicdoctor
Allergies are the WORST. 🤧 But there are a few Allergies are the WORST. 🤧 But there are a few simple solutions to help your sinuses feel way better. We love using NeilMed Sinus Rinse at FoRM! Couldn’t be easier to use. If you need whole body allergy season care — come see us. We’ll take care of your immune system, clear your sinuses, & get you feeling ready to play outside! 

📍Portland Based | Functionally Focused
📞Call us at 503-232-5356 for more info 
🔗Schedule with link in bio
What if your immune system wasn’t “weak”… What if your immune system wasn’t “weak”… but confused?🤔 

Autoimmune conditions happen when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own tissues.

Instead of just fighting off a foreign invaders like viruses or bacteria, it sees you as the threat.

Common root triggers include:

🚨 Gut imbalances (leaky gut, SIBO)
🌫️ Environmental toxins (like mold)
🍽️ Inflammatory foods
😫 Chronic stress & hormone imbalance

The good news? You can help mellow out an overactive immune system by addressing the underlying immune offenders listed above. It’s not a process that happens over night but takes time, with a step-by-step approach.

A food place to start? With nutrition and functional foods! 🥦

👩‍⚕️ Learn how to support your immune health naturally in our latest blog:

👉 Eat Your Way to a Healthy Immune System (link to blog in our bio)

📍Portland-based, functionally focused. Let’s heal at the root.

#FormHealthPDX #AutoimmuneSupport #RootCauseMedicine #ImmuneHealth #AntiInflammatoryDiet #FunctionalMedicine #PortlandWellness #feelbetter #formhealth #sellwoodmoreland #naturopathicdoctor #naaturopathicmedicine #ivtherapy
Exposing offenders that may be hijacking your immu Exposing offenders that may be hijacking your immune system 🦠

You’re doing “everything right,” but you still feels off and your dealing with chronic symptoms…

👀 Brain fog
😴 Low energy
🤪Worsening hormonal symptoms
🤧 Allergies or weird sensitivities
💥Joint pain
💢 Autoimmune flares

⚠️ It could be more than stress or seasonal changes.

At FoRM, we often see these chronic immune offenders at the root of chronic, recurring symptoms:

🦠 Chronic infections (like Epstein-Barr, Lyme, or C*vid)
🌫️ Mold exposure – especially from homes or workplaces
🦠 Gut imbalance – which can weaken your frontline defenses

These aren’t always obvious — and they’re often missed by conventional testing. But they can quietly keep your immune system stuck in fight mode.

Read the latest blog (link in bio) to learn more about chronic fatigue and a possible underlying cause: Chronic infections

🔍 At FoRM Health, we help you uncover hidden triggers and restore function of our vital systems!

📞 Book a new naturopathic medicine visit today — feel better, sooner!

#FormHealthPDX #ImmuneHealth #ChronicIllness #MoldToxicity #moldillness #chronicinfection # #RootCauseHealing #FunctionalMedicine #PortlandWellness #feelbetter
LOW HISTAMINE RECIPE: Chicken Mango Cabbage Wrap 🥬🥭🍗
- access full recipe using link in bio!

🤔 Ever feel like you have mysterious symptoms such as headaches 🤕, random reactions to food🤢, fatigue 😴 or sudden anxiety 😰? 
You might be dealing with a histamine overload problem, which occurs when your body makes too much and/or can’t break down histamine fast enough. 

Too much histamine can trigger reactions all over the body, often affecting your skin, heart, brain, circulation, gut and more!

Common signs to watch for include:
* 🤕 Headaches or migraines
* 🤢 Digestive issues (bloating, gas, diarrhea)
* 🤧 Itchy skin, rashes
* 😴 Fatigue or brain fog
* 😰 Anxiety or mood swings

Since these symptoms overlap with manage other conditions, it’s easy to assume it’s “just an allergy” or something else. 

That’s where FoRM Health can help! 

Our naturopathic doctors and functional nutritionist can help recognize a histamine overload picture and recommend a low histamine diet, along with additional functional labs and helpful therapies.

Don’t suffer in silence. 💜 FoRM Health is here to help you identify and manage histamine intolerance with a plan just for YOU!

#HistamineIntolerance #Allergies #GutHealth #Wellness #FunctionalMedicine #FoRMHealth #HealthTips #feelbetter #lowhistaminediet #functionalnutrition
It’s that time of year again 😣 🤧 Seasonal It’s that time of year again 😣

🤧 Seasonal allergies aren’t just annoying — they’re a sign your immune system is easily triggered.

When you come into contact with allergens like pollen or pet dander, your body releases histamine — a natural chemical that kicks off an inflammatory reaction:

🔁 Sneezing
🔁 Congestion
🔁 Itchy eyes
🔁 Fatigue
🔁 Brain fog

For some, that histamine response is dialed way too high — and it can be made worse when:

✔️ Your gut is out of balance
✔️ Your liver detox pathways are slow
✔️ Hormones are out of whack and stress high

💡Here at FoRM Health, we go beyond allergy meds. 
We dig deeper to understand why your body is reacting — and how to calm the chaos long-term.

📍 Portland’s premier integrative & functional medicine clinic
📞 Book online or call us to start your personalized plan

#FormHealthPDX #Allergies #HistamineHealth #FunctionalMedicine #SpringAllergies #formhealth #PortlandWellness #RootCauseHealing #feelbetter
✨ QUIZ TIME! ✨ What can Platelet-Rich Therapi ✨ QUIZ TIME! ✨

What can Platelet-Rich Therapies (PRP & PRF) be used for…?

A) Smoother + healthier skin ✨
B) Hair regrowth + stronger strands 💇‍♀️
C) Faster recovery from injuries 
D) Joint & Pelvic Floor Pain Relief💪
F) All of the Above
What’s your guess? Drop it in the comments! 👇

Platelet-Rich therapies are one of the most powerful regenerative treatments out there, harnessing your body’s own healing factors to restore, rejuvenate, and repair—naturally!

📍 Interested in Regenerative Medicine for Pain relief + Aesthetics?
Book a consultation at Form Health today! Visit the link in bio for more info.

#PRPtherapy #FormHealth #PRF #PRPhairrestoration #PRFhairrestoration #PRPforHealing #NaturalRejuvenation #PortlandAesthetics #sportsmedicine #RegenerativeMedicine #LookBetterFeelBetter #TopForm
GloW Up: 💡 Did you know we can make you glow??? GloW Up:
💡 Did you know we can make you glow???
If you want brighter, firmer, more even-toned skin, this is the ultimate glow-boosting package. Perfect for events, self-care, or just feeling like your best self!

🌟 What’s included?
✔ Custom Facial – Smooth, Hydrate + Tone your skin with this advance aesthetic facial made just for you!
✔ LED Light Therapy – Improve skin barrier health, stimulate cellular renewal + GLoW!
✔ Bonus Discounts on Skincare + Botox® – Maximize your glow with clinical skincare routine + optional anti-wrinkle treatment

Get camera-ready skin that’s dewy, smooth, and fresh—no filters needed.
📲 Ready to glow? Book today using link in bio!

#GlowUpPDX #SkincareGoals #PortlandFacials #RadiantSkin #FormHealthAesthetics #HealthyGlow #epionce #skinbetter #glowup #lookbetterfeelbetter #botox #xeomin #dermaplaning #ledfacial #microcurrent #btsculpt
📣 Tuesday Testimonial 📣 Our certified advan 📣 Tuesday Testimonial 📣

Our certified advance aesthetician — O’Brien Kersten — will make you feel seen + heard while providing excellent care for your skin health! With a wonderful intersection of customized facials & craniosacral — you’ll instantly look AND feel better. 🧖‍♀️ ✨
Repost from @constant_balance_acupuncture • In T Repost from @constant_balance_acupuncture
•
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), your skin’s health is deeply connected to the health of your Lungs and Liver : 

💨 The Lungs rule the skin
In TCM, your lungs control the skin and pores. If they’re weak or dry, you might see dryness, dullness, or eczema flare-ups.
👉 Nourish your lungs with:
• White foods like pears, almonds, radish
• Hydrating herbs like lily bulb and tremella mushroom
• Deep breathing + fresh air (ditch the screens, take a walk!)

🌿 The Liver controls the flow of Qi and blood
A stagnant liver can lead to breakouts, redness, hormonal acne, and a tired-looking complexion.
👉 Support your liver with:
• Leafy greens (dandelion, spinach, chrysanthemum)
• Sour foods like lemon or hawthorn
• Stress relief! Try journaling, movement, or acupuncture

💧 Bonus tip: Drink warm water with goji berries + chrysanthemum to hydrate the skin, soothe the liver, and clear heat.

#skinrejuvenation #tcmskincare #holisticskincare
#facialrejuvenation #lookbetterfeelbetter #lookbetter #formhealth
✨ New to Aesthetics at FoRM? Start Here….✨ ✨ New to Aesthetics at FoRM? Start Here….✨

Here’s a sneak peek into the Custom Combo experience at FoRM! 

The Custom Combo is a fan favorite for its versatility + value — it combines 4-5 advanced aesthetic techniques, which would individually cost $150/treatment, for $225. Not to mention the relaxation factor with the bonus addition of craniosacral therapy. 

This comprehensive session begins with a detailed skin assessment, followed by a tailored blend of aesthetic therapies designed to address your unique skin goals and adapt to seasonal changes.

Whether you’re aiming to rejuvenate, hydrate, or refresh, the Custom Combo offers a curated experience to meet your needs. 

It’s also the cornerstone of our Look Better Memberships, providing consistent, customized care for lasting transformation.

Ready to embark on your skincare journey? 

Book your Custom Combo today and discover the FoRM difference.

#FoRMHealth #CustomCombo #biotherapeutics #skinbetter #LookBetterMembership #AestheticJourney #SkinCare #PortlandAesthetics #GlowUp #Skinrehab #agedefy#PersonalizedSkinCare #SeasonalSkinCare #RadiantSkin

Site Menu

  • About
  • Services
  • Providers
  • Blog
  • Contact

Patient Menu

  • New Patients
  • Patient Portal
  • Schedule Appointment
  • Contact

Phone

(503) 232-5653

Fax

(503) 234-6094

Hours

Mon–Fri 9am-6pm
Saturday 10am-2pm

Office

FoRM Health
8113 SE 13th Ave
Portland, Oregon
97202

Location

Conveniently located in the beautiful Sellwood neighborhood of Southeast Portland.  Easy access to the Lake Oswego, Oregon City and the entire Portland Metro.

Copyright © 2025 FoRM Health. All Rights Reserved.

Get our newsletter