Why muscle is your life saver and key to being young - Dr Santhosh explains!!( TAMIL )

1. To move is human .

• Primary Function: Skeletal muscles are responsible for voluntary movements, allowing us to perform everyday activities like walking, running, lifting, and even speaking. Muscles contract and work in concert with bones to create movement.
• Posture and Stability: Muscles help maintain posture and balance by supporting the skeleton. They work continuously, even when we are still, to stabilize joints and maintain posture.
• Respiration: The diaphragm, a major muscle involved in breathing, contracts and relaxes to allow the lungs to expand and contract. Intercostal muscles (between the ribs) also play a key role in respiration.

2. Muscle is a metabolic maniac

• Energy Expenditure: Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it requires energy (calories) to maintain itself. Even at rest, muscles consume more energy than fat tissue, which is why having more muscle mass can boost your basal metabolic rate (BMR), helping with weight management.
• Glucose Utilization: Muscles are one of the largest consumers of glucose in the body, making them crucial for regulating blood sugar levels. When you exercise, muscles absorb glucose from the bloodstream, helping to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, which is vital for preventing and managing type 2 diabetes.
• Protein Reservoir: Muscle serves as a reservoir of amino acids that the body can draw on in times of need, such as during fasting or illness.

3. Muscle is The protector of joints

• Joint Protection: Strong muscles support and protect joints, reducing the risk of injury and wear and tear. For example, well-developed quadriceps can help protect the knees by stabilizing them during movement.
• Cushioning: Muscle tissue acts as a cushion for internal organs, providing a protective layer that can absorb impact and reduce the risk of injury during accidents or falls.

4. Everything flows well in muscle land

• Blood Flow: Muscles help with circulation by aiding the return of blood to the heart. When muscles contract, especially in the legs, they squeeze veins and help propel blood back to the heart, a mechanism known as the “muscle pump.” This is essential for preventing blood pooling and reducing the risk of blood clots.
• Oxygen Delivery: Active muscles require a significant amount of oxygen, which encourages the cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. Regular exercise strengthens the heart muscle, improves circulation, and enhances the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to tissues.

5. Muscle manages your moods and goods.

• Myokines Production: Muscles produce and release signaling molecules called myokines during exercise. These myokines have anti-inflammatory effects, help regulate metabolism, influence fat breakdown, and support overall immune function. They also play a role in protecting against chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
• Insulin Sensitivity: Regular muscle use and exercise improve insulin sensitivity, which helps prevent insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. This makes muscle mass crucial for metabolic health.

6. Garam mussalla

• Heat Production: Muscles generate heat as a byproduct of metabolism, especially during exercise. This heat helps maintain body temperature, which is vital for homeostasis.

7. Muscle is the currency of anti aging

• Sarcopenia Prevention: Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and function, can lead to frailty, decreased mobility, and a higher risk of falls and fractures. Maintaining muscle mass through strength training and physical activity is critical for preserving independence and quality of life as we age.
• Healthy Aging: Muscle mass is associated with longevity and healthy aging. Higher muscle mass in older adults is linked to lower risks of chronic diseases, better mobility, and improved quality of life.

8. The muscle mentality

• Stress Relief: Physical activity, especially strength training, can help reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, known as “feel-good” hormones. This can improve mood and help combat anxiety and depression.
• Self-Esteem: Building and maintaining muscle mass can help greatly.

9. There is no disease known to man where having more muscle mass is a disadvantage

• Chronic Disease Prevention: Maintaining healthy muscle mass is associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.
• Functional Reserve: Muscle mass provides a functional reserve that helps the body recover more effectively from illness or surgery. For instance, individuals with greater muscle mass tend to have better outcomes after surgery or during periods of hospitalization.

10. Muscle manages injuries better .

. - risk of injuries with routine activities are less common and severe in those with higher muscle mass
recovery from injuries and surgeries are better.