Risk factors for General Weakness
Dehydration
A loss of 4-5% of body weight of fluid decreases the capacity for hard muscular work by 20-30%.
(Past) cholesterol-lowering drug use
Statins, a popular set of drugs used to lower cholesterol, can result in muscle weakness and pain, and even debilitating and life-threatening muscle damage. A new study offers the first evidence that a gene known as atrogin-1 plays a key role in statin-related muscle toxicity.
Statins such as Lipitor, Zocor, Pavacol and Mevacor lower cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, a key enzyme in cholesterol synthesis. But they may also activate the gene atrogin-1 gene, which plays a key role in muscle atrophy.
Three separate tests showed that even at low concentrations, statin drugs led to atrogin-1 induced muscle damage. As the concentration was increased, the damage increased as well. [The Journal of Clinical Investigation December 2007; 117(12):3940-51]
Andropause/Male Menopause
The sensation of weakness, especially muscle weakness, may be due to the loss of muscle mass seen in andropause.
General Weakness suggests the following may be present
Recommendations for General Weakness
Therapeutic Fasting
Fasting should not be employed if a general weakness exists due to malnutrition.
Potassium
Sometimes weakness may be improved by potassium consumption, when dietary potassium is low.
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
| May have adverse consequences |
Glossary
Cholesterol
A waxy, fat-like substance manufactured in the liver and found in all tissues, it facilitates the transport and absorption of fatty acids. In foods, only animal products contain cholesterol. An excess of cholesterol in the bloodstream can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis.
Enzymes
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.