235. How to eat and move for longevity with Gabrielle Lyon
Oct 24, 2023
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Paul Saladino talks to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon about nutrition and muscle mass for longevity, focusing on topics like building muscle as we age, supporting muscles through adequate nutrition, causes of sarcopenia, the importance of protein and amino acids, and actionable recommendations for aging well.
Skeletal muscle mass is crucial for longevity and can protect against diseases like diabetes and obesity.
Myokines released by contracting skeletal muscle have a range of beneficial effects on the body.
Maintaining muscle health requires at least 10 sets per muscle group per week through various forms of exercise.
Deep dives
Skeletal muscle is the organ of longevity
Skeletal muscle is an endocrine organ and plays a vital role in longevity. It is our metabolic sink, body armor, and interfaces with the immune system. The more healthy skeletal muscle mass we have, the greater our survivability against diseases like diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Skeletal muscle is also under voluntary control and can be improved through resistance training and good nutrition.
The impact of myokines on the body
Myokines are signaling molecules released by contracting skeletal muscle. They have diverse effects on the body, including anti-inflammatory properties, impact on lipolysis and glucose regulation, and even tumor regulation. The release of myokines is influenced by exercise intensity and duration, which is why maintaining skeletal muscle health and engaging in regular physical activity is crucial for overall health.
Minimum effective dose of exercise for muscle health
Maintaining muscle health requires at least 10 sets per muscle group per week. This can be achieved through various forms of exercise, such as resistance training or zone 2 endurance training. Even minimal exercise like 30 minutes of walking or basic bodyweight exercises a few times a week can help maintain lean body composition and support overall muscle health.
Importance of nutrient-dense animal protein
High quality nutrition, particularly from animal protein, is essential for muscle health. Animal protein provides essential amino acids, including leucine, lysine, and methionine, which play a crucial role in muscle protein synthesis and overall health. Plant-based protein sources may not provide the same bioavailability and essential amino acid composition as animal protein, making them less effective for muscle health.
The flawed narrative of reducing animal products
The idea of reducing animal products for health or environmental reasons can be misleading and harmful. Animal protein is a superior source of essential nutrients for muscle health and overall well-being. Restricting high-quality animal protein can lead to deficiencies and negatively impact vulnerable populations. The focus should be on promoting sustainable and responsible animal farming practices, as well as educating people on the importance of high-quality nutrition for muscle health.
This week, Paul talks to Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Functional Medicine practitioner and author of Forever Strong: A New, Science-Based Strategy for Aging Well. They chat about good quality nutrition and muscle mass contributing to longevity as well as actionable recommendations to avoid sarcopenia and disease.
*Produced by Mountain Valley Media
00:04:15 Building muscle & longevity
00:07:05 Understanding Myokines
00:14:35 How to build muscle as we age
00:19:20 Patterning & memory in the muscles
00:28:15 Supporting the muscles through adequate nutrition