What is Metabolism?

Metabolism is the absolute set of the chemical reactions that took place in the living cells. It is the basis of life as it allows the growth and reproduction of the cells. It also maintains the structures of living cells and responds to their respective environment. It is divided into two parts, namely, catabolic reactions that yields energy and anabolic reactions which use the energy generated from the catabolic reactions for the construction of components of cells like nucleic acids and proteins.

Some proteins in the body tend to control the process of chemical reactions of body metabolism and every chemical reaction is simultaneously coordinated with the other functions of the Body. The body witness thousands of metabolic reactions happening at the same time to keep the body cells healthy and in a working state.

What affects metabolism?

There is nothing like growing age, thyroid or hereditary conditions which regulate metabolism in the Body. The more muscle a person has, the more is the amount of calories he burns regardless of his level of activity. Metabolism works for all 24 hours of the day and is a never-ending process. If it ends, the man dies.

Factors affecting Metabolism:

1. Muscle tissue.
2. Frequency of meals in a day.
3. The level of activity.
4. Choice of food.
5. Level of body hydration.
6. Genetics.
7. Stress and depression.

Ways to increase Metabolism:

1. Regular exercises.
2. Brisk walking and workouts.
3. Healthy lifestyle.
4. Proper diet and sleep.
5. Having fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. Avoid smoking, alcohol, and sedatives.
7. Yoga and meditation.

When the food is eaten, the enzymes break proteins down into amino acids, fats into fatty acids and then carbohydrates into simple sugar. Both fatty and amino acids can be used as energy sources along with sugar by the body whenever required. These are absorbed into the blood which then transports them to the living cells. After that, several other enzymes act as regulators to the chemical reactions involving metabolizing of these compounds. The energy can then be used by the body or may be stored in tissues of the body.

A bodybuilder who aims to compete at his optimum best requires the enriched diet to help him adjust to fit his personal metabolism. And since the activity level is on a high, his body needs greater metabolism than that of an average man. Studies have revealed that people with high metabolisms who are in a lean state can easily get away with more of the carbohydrates and less of cardiovascular exercise whereas less leaner people with a comparative normal or even a slow metabolism do not need to get any special diet.

The muscles can be strengthened by approximately eight weeks of resistance or functional training. This would also be beneficial in enhancement of the stabilizing joints along with improving body balance and coordination. Metabolism is believed to be reduced by almost 10 percent per decade after the third decade of life and this is due to loss of the metabolically active muscle mass in addition to a parallel increase in the metabolically inert fat deposits.