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Your Body’s Most Underrated Muscle Is Crying for Help Right Now

Why Ignoring this Tiny Powerhouse Could Sabotage Your Health Goals

Kristie Leong M.D.
5 min readJan 21, 2025
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I was reading medical journals the other day when something made me sit up and take notice. It’s something you don’t hear enough about.

There’s this muscle in your body — one you’ve probably haven’t thought about, but it plays a key role in your health and well-being.

No, it’s not your heart. (Although you shouldn’t underestimate its importance) And it’s not the abs you work so hard to shape into a six pack.

It’s called the soleus, and it doesn’t get the respect it deserves. Let’s dig deeper.

Why the Soleus Matters for Your Health

Your calf muscle is made up of a large muscle called the gastrocnemius, which does most of the movement you do with your calves.

The soleus is a small but powerful, slow-twitch muscle located beneath the gastrocnemius in the calf. Unlike many muscles that fatigue quickly, the soleus contains a high percentage of mitochondrial-rich fibers.

This means it can sustain low-intensity activity for long periods of time. It’s like an ultra-marathon runner.

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Kristie Leong M.D.
Kristie Leong M.D.

Written by Kristie Leong M.D.

Ready to change your health trajectory? As a family physician, I'll help you build a path to lasting health—one meal at a time." https://www.histaminedoctor.com

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