What is the metabolism? Is it possible to speed it up?

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Your metabolism is a collection of chemical reactions in your body that break down the food consumed and utilize it for several of the body’s necessary functions. The metabolism will break down carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins and minerals all to be used within the body for mental function, growth, weight loss, etc.

Your metabolism is responsible for your body’s weight loss. Some people genetically have a faster or slower metabolism than others. People with faster metabolism can break down sugars foods faster than others thus keeping them slimmer than those with slower metabolisms. However as we age our metabolism will slow down resulting in weight loss. Your metabolism is governed by your endocrine and nervous systems.

There are two processes that work hand in hand with one another that make up the metabolism. They are catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism is considered the “destructive metabolism” and is responsible for breaking down the various kinds of foods, vitamins, sugars, fats, carbohydrates that you consume. The catabolism process is what creates the energy for the body to use for various functions such as heating the body, energy for all muscles (even the heart), and mental function.

Anabolism is considered your “constructive metabolism.” Unlike catabolism, anabolism stores the energy for a later use rather than to be used right away. It also promotes growth in cells and support of tissues. Without anabolism the cells would decay resulting in failing organs and tissues.

In order to use your metabolism for fat burning you need to keep It sparking and working fast. The way to do this is to eat more meals frequently. Now this doesn’t mean to eat large portions at every meal. You want to keep your portions small and eat 5 - 6 times a day. The reason why this works for fat loss is that by consuming smaller more frequent meals you are always keeping the metabolism working. When you consume 1 – 2 meals a day the metabolism will slow down to in an attempt to balance out the nutrient deployment until the next meal is consumed.

With a combination of eating clean healthier foods 5-6 times a day and a healthy exercise program you will start shedding off the unwanted fat in no time.