Muscles and Brain: do they talk to each other?

Do your muscles and your brain talk to each other? 

In a strange paradox, we have come to believe that muscles and brain are in some sense opposites. Brain and brawn. 

But in truth, every part of your body is talking to the other. So your muscles speak to your brain. 

They do so by using signalling molecules. 

Today, let us speak of a few. Sorry, they come with strange names. VEGF, IGF-1, IL-6 to name a few. 

The names dont matter. What they do, does. 

These are all signalling molecules to your brain to grow and develop. IL-6, for example, asks your body to burn carbohydrates and fat. Your muscles are being used and you need energy. 

IGF-1 helps remove dead toxin cells from your body. It triggers something known as apoptosis, the self-induced death of cells. 

Death of cells are necessary for your body to make new ones. 

VEGF, or vascular endothelial growth factor, increases nutrition and oxygen to your brain. 

So you see how your body, muscles and brain are all talking to each other. 

Far from being opposites or disconnected, your muscles actually help your brain grow. 

Which brings me to exercise. 

The minute we think exercise, we think about something vigorous. Unless it leaves you panting or sweating, it is not exercise, you might say. 

But the truth is exercise is relative. 

All exercise is good exercise. Walking, running, swimming, cycling, weight training, hill climbing, or a treadmill. 

You need to find a format that works for you. Start small. Do what you can. Build capacity. Do not let anyone shame you into trying to do more than you can. 

Genetics, history, circumstances all play a role in determining capacity. 

But human effort is extraordinarily good at overcoming these obstacles. You just need to do it slowly, one step at a time. 

PS: Apologies for the break in sending these newsletters, I was down with dengue.

Reach out to me on twitter @rbawri Instagram @riteshbawriofficial and YouTube at www.youtube.com/breatheagain