The proof of life is in respiration as well as the beating of the heart. Sure, this is a common fact known to everyone from a school-going child to an adult and the elderly. However, it is important to know what drives the body to go through these endless cycles. Looking at the available information about metabolism can enable you to understand more about how your body functions. True, you have heard numerous tales about metabolism with many individuals labeling it as a villain causing weight gain. It is best to ignore such half-truths though. Instead focusing on the right information will make you more self-assured and convinced about your wellbeing despite all odds.
Important information about metabolism
First things first, you must be well aware of metabolism before arriving at any conclusion. It is important to know that metabolism is a term that is given to the biochemical reactions that go on in the body even when you are resting or sleeping. The oxygen you inhale combines with calories from food to generate the energy required to fuel your body. Metabolism is a never-ending process that continues 24/7 regardless of your activity. The functions that occur due to the generation of energy from metabolism include the following: –
- Breathing
- Circulation of blood to all bodily organs
- Digestion of food
- Growth and repair of cells.
- Balance of hormone levels.
- Regulation of body temperature.
Another term that you will hear frequently is BMR. Well, it is an acronym for basal metabolic rate Well, it refers to the minimum number of calories you need for basic bodily functions when you resting. This amount varies across individuals. So, you cannot conclude anything by comparing the BMRs for several individuals either. It is also important to remember that the energy generated by your body is utilized for fulfilling important bodily functions. Moreover, the additional calories remaining behind are used for physical activities or stored as fat. Sure, you may decrease the BMR by following a restrictive diet but the weight loss will not be sustainable as your body will compensate for the loss eventually.
You would be surprised to know that metabolism is seldom responsible for weight loss or weight gain individually. Trying to speed up your metabolism unduly will not help in the long run as your body will regulate its functions to use the necessary energy by burning the right number of calories.
As mentioned before, metabolism has gained a bad rap for lack of information. However, it is important to know that burning fewer calories may result in weight gain for various reasons. Some of the lifestyle diseases or health conditions that result in weight gain and may be affected due to faulty metabolism include the following: –
- Diabetes
- Metabolic Syndrome
- Cushing’s Syndrome
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)
Additionally, there are a few inherited metabolic disorders that affect the normal process of metabolism. Some of the conditions may be treated with others resulting in severe problems that affect normal metabolism of nutrients and generation of energy. Visiting a metabolism doctor or endocrinologist is the best way to obtain the required information about metabolism when you or your loved one is diagnosed with a metabolic disorder.