Do you know what’s fascinating?
Our muscles do so much more than make us look good. (But hey, that’s a nice bonus!)
They’re like superheroes inside our bodies.
When we lose muscle mass, it’s like losing a vital defender against inflammation and insulin resistance. And here’s the truth: it’s insulin resistance, poor metabolic health, and inflammation—not cholesterol—that drive heart disease. Yes, you heard that right!
We’ve been fixated on lowering cholesterol for over 80 years, yet heart attacks and strokes remain the #1 killers in the U.S. Clearly, we’re missing something—and many cardiologists are finally starting to recognize that.
So how do our muscles help?
Muscles are glucose gobblers! They help your body use sugar and carbs more efficiently, keeping insulin and blood sugar levels low. They also help calm inflammation—acting like internal peacekeepers for your body.
How to show your muscles some love:
💥 Move and strengthen them every day.
Even gentle daily movement adds up. Yes, it can feel like an uphill climb if your energy is low or you’re working through aches or injuries—but it’s worth addressing those barriers so you can keep moving forward. Once we stop, it’s a slippery slope—especially after 60.
🍽️ Eat enough protein.
Aim for at least 0.8 grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight daily.
Animal proteins are especially effective as they’re more absorbable and richer in the amino acids your body needs to build and maintain muscle.
Your muscles are your secret weapon for staying balanced, vital, and healthy. 🔥 Use them. Feed them. Love them.
If you need support with ramping up your muscle mass, feel free to reach out!
Stay tuned! As I’ll be writing more about all the factors that can lead to insulin resistance and poor metabolic health which in turn means heart disease. Diet and exercise are definitely part of the story but not the whole story.
Please remember that anything written here is for informational purposes only. Nothing here is to replace the care or recommendations by your health care provider.