Unlocking the Power of Muscles: A Path to Optimal Health

We've all heard about the importance of muscle mass for boosting metabolism and improving body composition, but recent research published in Endocrine Reviews has shed new light on the incredible role that skeletal muscles play in optimising various aspects of our health. Beyond the obvious benefits of maintaining posture and enabling voluntary movement, these muscles also contribute to joint protection, assist in breathing, and regulate body temperature. But that's not all – emerging evidence reveals that skeletal muscles can act as more than just mechanical powerhouses; they function like an endocrine organ, secreting hormone-like proteins known as myokines.

The Intriguing World of Myokines

Myokines are a fascinating group of hormone-like proteins released by skeletal muscles during exercise. They have three modes of communication: autocrine (affecting the same cell that secretes them), paracrine (influencing nearby cells), and endocrine (reaching distant tissues and organs). These myokines become messengers, delivering health-protective signals throughout the body. For example, after a workout, skeletal muscles secrete a myokine called IL-10, which prompts immune cells in the liver to reduce inflammation. This muscle-based, molecular messaging system turns exercise into a potent tool for promoting overall health.

Boosting Brain Function with Muscles

Exercise and muscle building not only have physical benefits but also profoundly impact our mental well-being. Regular physical activity is associated with reduced anxiety and depression and increased blood flow to the brain. Recent research from McGill University indicates that low muscle mass is linked to faster cognitive decline. The secret lies in two myokines, irisin and CTSB, released by contracting muscles, which stimulate the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the brain. BDNF supports cell survival and plays a crucial role in learning and memory.

The Muscle-Immunity Connection

Your muscles have a surprising impact on your immune system. During exercise, they release myokines like IL-6 and IL-1RA, which help regulate the function of immune cells. These myokines also play a role in the maturation and distribution of natural killer (NK) cells, which are vital in defending against tumours. Additionally, active muscles produce glutamine, an amino acid that enhances the energy and performance of immune cells like lymphocytes and macrophages.

Nurturing Bone Health through Muscle Activity

Beyond the obvious benefits of exercise for muscle health, it also has a significant impact on bone health. Regularly engaging your muscles through movement helps maintain bone density, reduces the risk of fractures, and improves bone healing. Myokines released during exercise, such as Irisin, IL7, or IL15, are associated with overall bone health, including bone formation, mineralization, and recovery from fractures.

Your Personal Exercise Prescription

It's evident that making fitness a priority in your life is crucial for overall well-being and longevity. The levels of myokines vary based on the intensity and duration of physical activity, so finding the right exercise regimen is essential. Speak with your Fountain Life Health Coordinator to develop a personalised fitness plan that will unleash the power of your muscles and set you on the path to a long and healthy life.

References

https://muhc.ca/news-and-patient-stories/news/ri-muhc-study-shows-association-low-muscle-mass-cognitive-decline#:~:text=Muscles%20also%20secrete%20molecules%20that,greater%20risk%20of%20cognitive%20decline. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/physical-activity https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2018.00698/full

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7288608/ https://www.nature.com/articles/nrrheum.2014.193

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21787-skeletal-muscle https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2020.582258/full https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2019.00363/full