Muscle: The Organ that Powers Vitality

Vitality is from a Latin word meaning vital force, life. The word divine refers to shining and divinity  refers to that shining energy that is the energy of the universe.

Energy is the potential for work.

Work is doing.

To embrace divinity is to hold onto the potential of the universe for DOING.  As spiritual beings we manage the potential for doing.  As physical beings we manage the physical doing. 

A recent news article highlights one of our organ systems that help us to carry out our doing.

 Excerpts from Muslce: the Organ that Powers Vitality

We often see muscles as the source of our strength and physical appearance but regard organs as more essential, responsible for functions such as circulating blood and digesting food.

However, muscles do far more than move the body. They regulate metabolism, support the immune system, and influence mental health. In fact, muscles should be considered organs in their own right.

An organ is defined as “the collaboration of multiple tissues performing a common function…. muscles regulate body temperature, manage energy consumption, and perform other vital functions.”

Mounting evidence suggests that muscles have more roles than previously assumed.

“We conclusively show that skeletal muscle is one of the endocrine organs. Endocrine organs, such as the thyroid and pituitary gland, release hormones directly into the bloodstream. These hormones regulate everything from growth and reproduction to mood and immune responses—functions essential for overall health.”

In response to bodily signals, muscles produce chemicals that enter the bloodstream and target specific organs, influencing physiological responses.

One of the most abundant … reduces chronic inflammation—a contributor to joint pain and stiffness—and decreases risks associated with heart disease and certain cancers. It enhances fat breakdown and improves insulin sensitivity, helping prevent conditions such as diabetes.

Another … converts less active white fat into calorie-burning brown fat, leading to better weight control and reduced risk of obesity-related illnesses [and] also [supports] brain health and potentially protecting against diseases such as Alzheimer’s.

Skeletal muscles—much like more traditionally recognized endocrine organs—play a multifaceted role in maintaining and enhancing health.

Maintaining steady blood sugar levels is crucial for preserving energy and preventing the fatigue and irritability linked to blood sugar spikes. While the pancreas is usually credited with regulating blood sugar, muscles also play a key role. During physical activity, they use glucose as their primary energy source, lowering blood sugar levels and boosting insulin efficiency.

“Exercise in humans increases muscle glucose uptake up to 100-fold compared with rest.” This increase in glucose uptake enhances insulin sensitivity and helps control blood sugar levels. More muscle mass means leads to better glucose management during and after exercise.

The benefits of skeletal muscle activity on the cardiovascular system extend beyond improved blood circulation. A 2020 study published in Sports Science and Medicine found that regular resistance training significantly reduces arterial stiffness, a common risk factor for heart disease. Maintaining or increasing muscle mass can also lower blood pressure and improve lipid profiles.

“Muscles are the external pumps to our body’s fluid systems, both cardiovascular and lymphatic. The heart gets all the glory, but the muscles do a lot of the work,”. Unlike the circulatory system, which benefits from the heart’s pumping action, the lymphatic system relies entirely on muscle movements to transport lymph fluid. This fluid is essential for immune function, carrying white blood cells throughout the body and removing toxins and waste. A 2023 Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine study states that “large muscle exercises enhance lymph fluid flow and drain across the whole body.”

Regular physical activity keeps immune cells young and muscles strong, even as we age. “Through exercise, skeletal muscle and T cells interact and keep each other young.”

During exercise, muscles secrete specific [chemicals] that play critical roles in brain health and cognitive function. A 2023 study … shows skeletal muscles’ impact on the brain. This research reveals that [the chemicals] are crucial for muscle repair, neural health, and cognitive functions…essential for the growth and survival of brain cells, bolstering memory and learning.

Imagine unlocking a secret powerhouse within your body—one that not only fuels your every move but also holds the key to better health and longevity.

The next time you think about fitness, remember that every step, lift, or stretch taps into this remarkable system. What other secrets could your muscles be hiding? The journey to discovering their full potential has only just begun.