Metabolism

The definition of metabolism is the series of chemical changes, which take place in an organism, by means that food is manufactured and utilized and waste materials are eliminated. It begins at the conception or an organism and ends at death of an organism. 

Specific proteins in the body control the chemical reactions of metabolism, and each chemical reaction is coordinated with other body functions. Metabolism is an amazing coordination of thousands of regulated metabolic reactions happening at the same time to keep our cells healthy and working. 

To understand metabolism better, here is an example of how the process of metabolism works in humans:

·        A green plant takes in energy from sunlight. The plant uses this energy and the molecule chlorophyll to build sugars from water and carbon dioxide in a process known as photosynthesis

·        People and animals eat the plants (carnivores eat animals that have eaten the plants), they take in this energy (in the form of sugar), along with other vital cell-building chemicals. The body's next step is to break the sugar down so that the energy released can be distributed to, and used as fuel by, the body's cells.

·        After food is eaten, molecules in the digestive system called enzymes break proteins down into amino acids, fats into fatty acids, and carbohydrates into simple sugars (e.g., glucose). Sugar, both amino acids, and fatty acids can be used as energy sources when needed.

·        Once in the cells, other enzymes regulate the chemical reactions involved with "metabolizing" these compounds. During these processes, the energy from these compounds can be released for use by the body or stored in body tissues, like the liver, muscles, and body fat.

The process of metabolism is a balancing act involving two kinds of activities that go on at the same time. One is anabolism, which the building up of body tissues and energy stores and the other is catabolism, which is the breaking down of body tissues and energy stores to generate more fuel for body functions.

The body adjusts to the amount of calories that it consumes regularly. This affects metabolism. Organisms are designed to survive. When a person eats so little that the body interprets a risk of starvation, it will slow the metabolism. This will allow more time to locate food and delay death from starvation. This survival mechanism accounts for the lack of weight loss in people who eat very little.

The body will also adjust to a consistent daily calorie intake. This accounts for the “plateau” in weight loss that many dieters experience. Those who eat several times a day will often not gain weight. The body interprets this as a time of abundance and will increase its metabolism because food is readily available. It’s all about how the body is naturally wired to survive.

Eating several small meals and snacks throughout the day will increase metabolism. Having a day off each week (choose a different day each week), will keep the body from adjusting to a diet that is too consistent and the metabolism stabilizing accordingly. If you normally have breakfast, skip it or have it as late as possible. On the other hand, if you don’t eat breakfast, eat breakfast.

Keeping the body off guard with a varied food intake, several meals a day, and changing the diet once a week will encourage weight loss by keeping metabolism from leveling off or it slowing down.