Skeletal Muscle to Improve Health & Longevity
When we think about staying healthy and living a long time, we often think about eating right, getting enough sleep, and being happy. But there’s something else that’s super important: skeletal muscle! You might just think of muscles as what helps us lift things or look a certain way, but they do so much more. Let’s talk about why having strong muscles is important for our health and how they help us live longer.
Muscles Help Us Burn Calories
Skeletal muscle is great for burning calories. Calories are what we get from food to give us energy. When we have more muscle, our bodies use more energy, even when we’re just sitting still. This helps us maintain a healthy weight and can keep us from gaining too much weight, which is important for avoiding diseases like diabetes and heart problems.
Better Blood Sugar Control
One cool thing about muscles is that they help our bodies use insulin & carbs better. Insulin is a hormone that controls our blood sugar levels. Having more muscle can help keep our blood sugar steady, especially as we get older. This means we are less likely to develop problems like type 2 diabetes.
Fighting Muscle Loss as We Age
As we grow older, we naturally lose some muscle mass, a process called sarcopenia. This can make us weaker and more likely to fall. But the good news is that we can build and keep muscle through strength training, like lifting weights or doing push-ups. Staying strong helps us move around easily and keeps us healthy as we age.
Muscles and Our Mood
Having strong muscles is not just good for our bodies; it’s also good for our minds! Exercise, especially strength training, can help us feel happier and less anxious. Plus, being active can help our brains stay sharp as we get older, reducing the risk of memory problems.
Enjoying Life More
Strong muscles make it easier for us to do everyday things, like carrying groceries or playing with friends. Feeling strong can boost our confidence and help us enjoy life more. When we can move freely and easily, we can stay social and have fun!
Muscles Boost Our Immune System
Having strong muscles can also help our immune system stay healthy. Muscles produce proteins called myokines when we exercise. These myokines help reduce inflammation in the body and improve our immune response. When we have a stronger immune system, we are better able to fight off infections and illnesses. So, by building muscle through regular exercise, we’re not just getting stronger—we’re also helping our bodies stay well and protected!
How to Build Healthy Muscle.
So, how can we take care of our muscles? Here are some tips:
Do Strength & Hypertrophy Training: Try to do strength exercises at least two times a week. You can do push-ups, sit-ups, or use weights.
Eat Enough Protein: Make sure you eat foods that are rich in protein, like chicken, beans, eggs, and yogurt. Protein helps our muscles grow and repair.
Stay Active: Find ways to move every day, whether it's riding your bike, playing sports, or dancing.
Rest: Give your muscles time to rest between workouts to help them recover and adapt.
Conclusion
When we think about being healthy and living a long time, we can’t forget about the power of skeletal muscle. Strong muscles help us stay active, manage our weight, and feel good in our minds. By taking care of our muscles, we’re not just getting stronger; we’re also making sure we can enjoy life to the fullest!
