Metabolism Made Easy
A definition for Metabolism
A definition for Metabolism
We call metabolism the totality of the chemical reactions/procedures which support life by converting food intake to energy.
Anabolism is the part of metabolism responsible for the building of cell components.
Catabolism, conversely, is responsible for breaking down organic tissues.
Metabolism : some facts
1) Our metabolism works even while we are sleeping. It just slows down.
With great approximation metabolism during sleeping is equal to our basal metabolism.
Basal metabolism or better, basal metabolic rate is the energy expended to support the fundamental functions of the body while at rest.
2) Metabolism can be considered as a total of:
a)the basal metabolism which normally represents the biggest part of our caloric expenditure.
b) one small fraction of metabolism used for digestion and thermogenesis.
c)the part of metabolism related to the total daily physical activity.
3) Basal metabolism reduces as age increases. This is due to muscle mass reduction. Older people move less and they lose muscle. Women have a slower metabolism because they have less muscle (both as percentage and absolutely).
4) The best option to compensate for age related muscle loss is by far strength training.
It will keep or increase muscle mass which is more active metabolically than fat( although this is usually severely overestimated).
5) Intense exercise boosts metabolism
- during the activity (obvious conclusion)
- after it has finished.
The second ascertainment derives from the fact that after exercise and for a certain time there is:
- increased activity of the cardiovascular system
- higher body temperature
- muscle damage restoration.
All these require additional caloric expenditure afterburn which is an extra bonus although rather overestimated as well.
6) Dont forget the fundamental axiom: Intake of more calories than those we burn, will mathematically lead to a weight increase.
7) There have been studies to detect possible links between basal metabolic rate and resting heart rate which is a premium fitness indicator.
Normally, fit people would be expected to be more active metabolically. Though , no clear correlation between the two values has been noticed.
8) There hasn't also been found any correlation between the metabolic rate and exercise time of the day.
9) Eating during late hours: Undeservedly blamed for extra weight gain. The number of calories and food choices are far more important factors
10) A severe caloric restriction will make your metabolism suffer. Nearly all limiting diets have adverse effects on metabolism and certainly this is not the right way to go.
A balanced exercise programme combined with certain changes in your lifestyle is the best way to follow!
To your health!
Chris Strogilis
by: Chris Strogilis
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