As an RD, I’m big on longevity. Now, before you roll your eyes, I feel like true longevity has a different meaning than we were originally taught. The way I think of it is improving the quality of life as you age, which means improving energy, mobility, nervous system, and more so you can show up as your best self in all seasons of life. I think we can all agree this is something we want. 

With longevity, we may not think of muscle, but the truth is, an emphasis on muscle is crucial for overall vitality. Although skeletal muscle is the largest organ in the body, it seems to be the last to get some love in the traditional healthcare setting. The way muscle is talked about and marketed in our society seems to be paired directly with aesthetics, and we miss the mark on the impact it has on blood sugar, hormones, and joint health/mobility. 

Muscle and blood sugar

I always say managing your blood sugar is an influential foundation for anyone I work with, no matter what their goals are. It’s key for energy management, mental clarity, and your overall metabolism. We don’t talk enough about muscle’s role in blood sugar balance, but it can truly do so much. All in all, muscle gain or maintenance improves your ability to store and utilize carbohydrates. This, in turn, can prevent blood sugar spikes and the symptoms and downstream hormonal effects that come with it. 

Muscle and hormones

Many aim to balance their hormones yet feel lost. It makes sense — there are so many intricacies and factors impacting them. A focus on muscle is one way to help balance testosterone and estrogen in both men and women. An appropriate balance can improve energy, mood, stress resilience, sex drive, and more. In a world where many opt into unnatural options for hormone balance, strength training and nutrition to support building muscle can be a game changer.

Muscle and joint health

A simple principle that many overlook is that muscle protects the joints. If you’re an endurance athlete hitting the pavement daily, or even just trying to get those daily steps in, it may be time to be more proactive and mindful and give your joints some love. That said, if you’ve historically been more prone to joint pain or injuries, it might be time to work with a personal trainer to improve body awareness and build muscle safely.  

How to start shifting your focus to muscle

I recently heard Gabrielle Lyon, a functional medicine doctor who coined the phrase “muscle centric medicine,” on a podcast. I believe in improving the overall functionality of your body, and highlighting muscle building is truly one way to do so. You can start with small steps like body weight exercise, active recovery, gradually increasing your protein intake, or hiring a professional to learn more. Your body is whole and interconnected, so the more you can increase body awareness and feel more empowered in each aspect of health, the closer you are to real, long-term health.