When visiting the doctor, the typical routine includes checks on the heart, lungs, and skin. Lab tests might assess the function of organs like the thyroid, and sometimes, a scan examines bone density. But have you ever had your muscles checked? Likely, the answer is no.
Yet, muscles are as crucial as any other organ in your body. Classified as organs by the National Institutes of Health, muscles play a vital role in overall health and longevity. Your skeletal muscle health significantly influences your body’s ability to fend off diseases and recover from injuries.
Muscle mass is also the ignored factor in America’s obesity crisis. Drugs like Ozempic may help with weight loss but can also lead to muscle loss, further risking health and metabolism if not handled well.
One of the reasons this organ is so important is because muscles produce hormone-like substances called myokines, which help regulate body functions, said Dr. Bente Pedersen, a professor of integrative medicine at the University of Copenhagen. Myokines communicate with organs like the liver, pancreas, and brain, influencing metabolism, reducing inflammation, and supporting overall health.
Myokines support immunity. Dr. Sandeep Palakodeti of Rebel Health Alliance told The Epoch Times, “Healthy skeletal muscles boost immunity by reducing inflammation and improving immune cell function.”
So, is that guy at the gym with massive muscles healthy? Not necessarily. His muscles may be big, but they may also be fat. Intramuscular fat poses health risks even for those with large muscles. This condition, called myosteatosis, can degrade muscle performance and lead to Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Dr. Odessa Addison from the University of Maryland told The Epoch Times that muscle quality and composition, not just size, are crucial for health. Intramuscular fat releases inflammatory molecules, contributing to metabolic disorders and chronic diseases.
Maintaining muscle health is also crucial for mental well-being. Lower muscle mass links to higher rates of depression and anxiety due to hormone imbalances. Exercise boosts muscle mass and enhances neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which improve mood and reduce stress.
To build and maintain muscle, eat a protein-rich diet, balance carbs and fats, and do resistance training. Adequate sleep, stress management, and daily activity are also crucial. Supplements like protein powders and creatine help, but a consistent exercise routine and healthy lifestyle are key.
To check your muscle mass, discuss your concerns with your doctor and request assessments beyond the standard exam. For precise measurements, ask about a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) whole-body composition scan or bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Both assess appendicular skeletal muscle mass and provide critical muscle health data.
Views expressed in this article are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times. Epoch Health welcomes professional discussion and friendly debate. To submit an opinion piece, please follow these guidelines and submit through our form here.