Have you ever wondered why you feel tired all the time or put on weight easily? Energy levels and other physiological characteristics are related to metabolic function of the body. It is important to have good metabolism, but not many people know how to maintain strong metabolism. Keep reading to find out how your metabolism affects your life and how you can manage your metabolism by eating right.
What is the meaning of Metabolism?
Metabolism is the process by which the body breaks down food into fuel for functioning. The food that we eat has various nutrients like carbohydrates, fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. The process of metabolism breaks the food down into these nutrients so that the body can use them.
There are two types of metabolism: Catabolism and Anabolism.
Catabolism is the process of breaking down large, complex molecules of nutrients into smaller, simpler ones. For example, Catabolism will break down starch molecules into glucose using enzymes. Catabolism produces energy.
Anabolism is the opposite process that binds together simpler molecules into complex ones. For example, when the body uses broken down components of proteins to create tissues or muscles or bones. Anabolism consumes energy.
Metabolism is critical because it supplies energy for all basic functions of the body like breathing, blood circulation, digestion, growing and repairing of cells and tissues, managing body weight, regulating body temperature, and managing hormone levels.
Healthy Metabolism
When you have a healthy metabolism, your body is producing and consuming essential nutrients in the right quantity. There is no deficiency or excess of any of the building blocks of your health.
The importance of metabolism extends to every function of the body. When you have a healthy metabolism, you:
- Maintain a healthy weight easily
- Have enough energy to do all the things you need to do throughout the day
- Do not suffer from diseases related to hormones or enzymes
- Have a normal Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders refer to malfunction of your body’s metabolism. It can lead to the body producing too little or too much of any of the components that you need to keep going. Some common metabolic disorders are Diabetes, Hypo/Hyperthyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and Sickle Cell Anaemia.
Metabolic disorders happen when a particular organ of the body does not function properly. Many factors can be responsible for the malfunction of the organ including genetic factors, disease, accident, deficiencies, or a wrong diet.
Metabolic disorders can affect your body’s functioning in many ways:
- Increase in risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke
- High blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and triglyceride levels
- Excess weight gain or loss
- Low energy throughout the day
Impact of Poor Nutrition on Metabolism
Nutrition and metabolism are intimately connected. When you eat certain foods, your metabolism suffers, and you feel tired. You might also develop metabolic diseases. Research has also proven the link between poor dietary habits in childhood and metabolic disorders in adult life.
Some foods that are bad for metabolism are:
- Refined foods
- Alcohol
- Sugary beverages
- Soda
- Deep-fried food
- Ultra-processed food
- Frozen snacks
- High-salt food
Good Nutrition for a Healthy Metabolism
Just as certain types of foods can lower your metabolism, there are certain foods that you should eat to get a great metabolism:
- Protein – Protein gives your metabolism a big boost because your body needs more energy to digest protein. You should try to eat proteins at every meal. Some good sources of protein are meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts, seeds, and Health Nut’s Soya Splits.
- Mineral-rich foods – Eating selenium and iron rich foods like meat, seafood, legumes, nuts, and seeds can help your thyroid gland function normally. A normally functioning thyroid gland will ensure that you have a healthy metabolism.
- Spicy foods – A little surprising, but some spices actually increase the rate at which your body burns calories. Capsaicin, which is found in chilli peppers, and ginger (or other spices in the ginger family) have metabolism boosting properties.
- Water – Water can help you feel full and temporarily boost your metabolism as the body burns calories to heat the water to body temperature. Plus, it keeps you hydrated, which is important for staying healthy.
- Tea and Coffee – Herbal tea, and black coffee are rich in catechins and caffeine that have fat-burning properties. However, you should take them in limited quantities and without sugar or milk. For a richer beverage, you can choose smoothies made from Health Nut’s Meal in One.
Along with eating foods that bolster metabolism, you can make a few lifestyle changes like:
- Doing high-intensity workouts that involve lifting weights
- Standing up more instead of staying seated most of the time
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Being generally more active physically
Good metabolism is critical for being fit, energetic, and light. Nutrition plays an important role in managing metabolism. If you eat foods that hurt your metabolic function, you can gain weight and develop metabolic disorders. If you manage your diet well, you will be taking the first step to a strong, healthy metabolism.
