You’ve undoubtedly heard the word “Metabolism” before, whether in science class or from a friend who is concerned about their health. Even if most of us have a rough understanding of how it functions, it’s only normal to have more queries concerning such a complicated process.
Every physical or physiological action your body makes, whether swimming laps at your local health club or reading this article, is fundamentally fueled by a chemical process called metabolism.
What, however, influences metabolism?
Is there any basis for the claim that the “speed” at which it functions may be modulated?
This article will explain the science behind metabolism, what influences it, and how to tell if yours is functioning at its best.
How does metabolism work?
The chemical process that your body uses to convert the food and liquids you ingest into energy is known as metabolism. In order for your body to work effectively and efficiently, it entails mixing oxygen with the calories you consume from nutrition with oxygen and releasing them into your system.
Imagine it as an engine that works nonstop in the background to provide you with the energy you require for daily tasks. Virtually every physiological action your body takes is also governed by metabolic processes, including:
- Digestion
- The flow of blood
- Breathing
- Expanding and mending cells
- Hormone control
Your resting metabolic rate is the amount of energy you require for these vital bodily processes. This is essentially your resting metabolic rate.
How is metabolism carried out?
In reality, “metabolism” refers to two separates, running chemical processes that counterbalance one another:
Anabolism –
Anabolism, also known as constructive metabolism, is the process of transforming small energy building blocks into more intricate, bigger molecules, such as proteins and lipids. Energy storage, muscular development, and wound healing are all examples of anabolic processes.
Catabolism –
Catabolism, which is also known as destructive metabolism, serves as the antithesis of anabolism. Larger molecules (such lipids and carbs) are broken down during this process to release energy. The ability to move muscles, regulate body temperature, and support anabolism are all examples of catabolic processes.
The nutrients from your food are either catabolized (broken down for energy) or saved for later use every time you eat or drink (anabolized).
While it’s important to store some energy for later, storing too much might result in body fat accumulation, which is one of the main locations the body stores energy. This explains why eating more food than it can handle occasionally results in weight gain.
Slow versus fast metabolism
People frequently describe the “speed” of their metabolic rate while discussing it in casual contexts. Perhaps a buddy of yours claims to have a quick metabolism, or perhaps you overheard someone on the bus lament their sluggish metabolic rate.
These speeds are used to quantify this invisible physiological process. In contrast to a sluggish one, which takes longer to burn calories, a rapid metabolism refers to an RMR that burns calories quickly.
Fast metabolism is seen by some as one of the simplest ways to reduce and keep off extra body fat, especially among individuals who are trying to lose weight. A slower metabolic rate needs fewer calories to function, even though those with “faster” ones typically burn calories more quickly.
In light of this, a higher metabolic rate isn’t always the key to losing weight, while it can have an impact on a person’s size, shape, and weight.
What elements influence metabolism?
There are numerous additional elements that might influence your RMR, even while a “rapid” metabolic rate might have an impact on how your body manages energy.
Among the most significant ones are:
Hormones and genetics –
You can’t change a number of intrinsic and unchangeable elements that affect it. Your gender, for instance, is important because men typically have a higher basal metabolic rate than women.
Diet –
Your metabolism intensifies every time you eat. But not every food processing is equally effective. When you consume a meal high in protein, it will remain active for a longer period of time because protein takes longer to burn than fats or carbohydrates.
Workout –
Your metabolism must burn more calories to keep up with your increased energy expenditure. Therefore, engaging in a lot of physical exercise may help to raise your metabolic rate.
Sleep –
Recent findings suggest a connection between sleep and a healthy metabolic rate. Studies have revealed that insufficient or poor-quality sleep might adversely impact the hormones responsible for regulating it.
Stress –
Being under a lot of stress might affect it. Your metabolic rate is known to be significantly influenced by several hormones, most notably cortisol, also referred to as “the stress hormone.”
A word from the doctor
In the end, your metabolism is a normal process that affects your energy levels, appetite, and journey to maintain a healthy weight. It is essential to both your short- and long-term well-being.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sanul Corrielus right away if you have questions about your metabolism or heart health!
