Should we focus on skeletal muscle?

Focusing on skeletal muscle provides numerous health benefits, according to experts in the field. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon emphasizes several key points:

1. Metabolic Health and Disease Prevention:

   • Skeletal muscle is crucial in managing blood glucose and insulin sensitivity. Healthy muscle mass helps prevent metabolic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and Alzheimer's 1 2.
   • Muscle acts as a "metabolic sink" for nutrients, meaning it effectively stores and uses carbohydrates and fats, thus supporting metabolic health 3 4.

     Muscle-Centric Medicine

     Gabrielle Lyon

     The conversation shifts towards the importance of muscle-centric medicine in combating obesity and related health issues. Emphasizing that many metabolic problems, including insulin resistance, stem from skeletal muscle dysfunction, the discussion highlights the need to challenge prevailing narratives around obesity. By recognizing skeletal muscle as an endocrine organ, we can unlock its potential to improve overall health and alter the aging process.

     

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     536. Avoiding the Midlife Muscle Crisis with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

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2. Endocrine Functions:

   • Skeletal muscle is an endocrine organ that releases myokines (proteins like interleukin-6) during contraction. These myokines have anti-inflammatory effects and play a role in modifying immune responses, which can be particularly beneficial for conditions like autoimmunity and rheumatic diseases 2 5.

3. Physical Strength and Aging:

   • Maintaining muscle mass is critical for physical strength and functional capacity, especially as we age. Healthy muscle mass mitigates frailty and sarcopenia (muscle loss) and enhances recovery from injuries and illnesses 6 5.

4. Overall Well-being:

   • Improved muscle health translates to better daily energy levels and blood sugar regulation, contributing positively to overall well-being 6.
   • Muscle health also supports brain function and immune health, showing its holistic impact on the body's systems 3.

In summary, focusing on skeletal muscle supports metabolic health, disease prevention, immune regulation, and physical resilience, making it a key factor in overall well-being and longevity.