Muscular tissue that is not in continuous use either due to injury or because of convalescence loses not only its strength, but over time its shape and weight as well-all these changes occurring rather quickly as time passes. Physical exhaustion is often marked by muscular weakness-this exhaustion often felt during an attack of the flu or in those with some chronic fatigue syndrome can result in weakened muscular tissues in the affected part of the body. At times an underlying neurological problem may be the reason for weakness if some other symptoms usually predominate over the weakening of the muscles. Muscular weakness and the deterioration of muscles due to an inability to use them can also come about because of an injured nerve that results from some physical trauma or due to a long-term inflammation in the body.

Weakening and paralysis of various muscles in the body can also result from a stroke occurring in certain muscles within the body-these effects can persist for a long time, and may at times be permanent resulting in debilitation of the affected individual. Paralysis of the muscles is of many types and the common one sided facial muscle paralysis is often caused by a condition known as Bell's palsy in many individuals. Sudden weakening of many muscle groups and very poor or impaired muscular coordination results during conditions such as multiple sclerosis-a serious and debilitating disease that affects some individuals. The weakness of muscles due to a nervous system disorder is also apparent during the condition known as Guillian-Barre syndrome. During this disorder, muscles in the arms and the legs are affected first; however, this weakening of muscular tissue can spread all over the body and bring about severe respiratory distress in the affected individual. This serious illness often affects an individual following an immunization, or it can come after an infection or following some surgery-the disorder is considered severe and requires medical care.

Supplements and herbs
Muscular function and its coordination are necessarily maintained by all types of nutrients and all of these minerals and nutrients must be present in the diet. Muscular development in particular relies heavily on a good source of proteins; this is the vital nutrient in food in the form of amino acids. Nervous function and muscular coordination also requires the presence of several of the B vitamins along with the vitamin E in good quantities within the body, any resulting or existing deficiencies in these vitamins will ensure weaknesses to overcome the musculature. A good energy supply within the muscles is promoted by the vitamin E by its ability to boost the oxygen supply. Since nutrients such as the vitamin B12, the mineral calcium and the essential mineral magnesium are vital for nervous system, which in turn regulates muscles-these nutrients must also be taken in regular and consistent amounts with the diet. Poor absorption of the vitamin B12 through the intestinal tract in certain individuals can give rise to deficiencies of this nutrient. Such individuals must take supplemental sublingual tablets of the vitamin; these are absorbed through the mucous membranes within the mouth itself, and are recommended to beat deficiencies of the vitamin B 12 arising due to poor intestinal absorption.