Metabolism Process; What Are the Effects on the Body

You may already be familiar with the word metabolism. Every living thing can function and survive thanks to the body’s metabolism. However, do you really understand what the term actually means? What happens when the body is metabolized?

What is metabolism?

Metabolism is the process of processing food nutrients that have been absorbed by the body to be converted into energy. The energy formed is then used to support all bodily functions, from breathing, thinking, growing, to your every move to perform various daily activities.

This process consists of a series of chemical reactions that occur in body cells. Every chemical reaction works according to other bodily functions. In fact, thousands of metabolic reactions occur simultaneously under the body’s control to keep cells healthy and functioning.

What is the difference with the process of digestion?

The process of digesting is actually more interpreted as a process carried out by the body to process and break down food into nutrients. This process occurs entirely in the digestive organs, such as the stomach and intestines.

Meanwhile, metabolic processes can occur in various cells in the body that are controlled by special proteins. This process of energy formation has even begun since you first formed in the womb, and will stop when you die.

Simply put, metabolism is preceded by a digestive process .

The stages of the body’s metabolic processes

Metabolism is a basic process that occurs in everyone. Not only humans, but animals and plants also experience the same process in order to function normally. In humans, the body’s metabolism works in two ways, namely catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism is the stage of formation and storage of energy. This energy production process occurs when you eat rice or other staple foods which are then converted by the body to become the main energy. After the food is chewed and crushed in the mouth, then it enters the stomach to be digested and its nutrients are taken. After that, these nutrients will be formed into a new substance and carried in the bloodstream to be delivered to every cell of the body to carry out its functions.

Conversely, anabolism is the energy burning stage. Anabolism will  spend energy because it is used to repair damaged tissue and build new ones, and to produce various hormones.

What are the problems or disorders that can attack the body’s metabolic system?

Just like a computer system or mechanical process that can experience certain problems or disorders, the body’s metabolism can be disrupted at any time.

Metabolic disorders refer to any illness or condition caused by abnormal chemical reactions in your body’s cells. It could be abnormal levels of enzymes or hormones, or enzymes and hormones that are not functioning properly.

When the body’s chemical reaction is inhibited or damaged, a deficiency or buildup of toxic substances can occur which causes serious symptoms.

Some of the most common examples of metabolic disorders are:

Thyroid disease (hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism)

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ located in the lower neck. Its function is to produce the hormone thyroxine which supports metabolic processes to maintain the functioning of various vital functions of the body, especially the heart, brain, muscles and skin.

Thyroid disease occurs when the work of the thyroid gland is disrupted, whether it becomes underactive ( hypothyroidism ) or overactive ( hyperthyroidism ).

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are weight loss, palpitations, increased blood pressure, protruding eyes, and swollen neck glands (goiter). Meanwhile, hypothyroidism is characterized by a body that is easily tired and weak, a slow heartbeat, weight gain, and constipation.

Diabetes

Diabetes or commonly called diabetes is caused by a disturbance in the body’s metabolic processes to produce the hormone insulin. This will cause the body to lack insulin so that blood sugar levels increase abnormally.

Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin, while type 2 diabetes occurs due to the body being unable to respond properly to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance .

As the condition develops, this disease can cause kidney problems, pain caused by nerve damage, blindness and heart and blood vessel disease.

Congenital metabolic disorders

Here are some examples of congenital metabolic disorders, including:

  • Galactosemia : babies born with galactosemia do not have enough galactose enzymes that break down sugar in milk.
  • Phenylketonuria: this condition is caused by a defect in an enzyme that breaks down the amino acid phenylalanine. This enzyme is needed for normal growth and protein production.

Sometimes, congenital metabolic disorders can result in serious problems if not treated early.

Ways to increase body metabolism

  • Eat lots of protein every meal.
  • Drink a lot of water.
  • Do high-intensity sports.
  • Lifting heavy weights is important for building and maintaining muscle. The more muscle you have, the higher your metabolism.
  • Drink green tea or oolong tea.
  • Eat spicy food.
  • Deep sleep. Lack of sleep can reduce the number of calories you burn, affect the way you process sugar and interfere with appetite regulating hormones.
  • Have some coffee. Surprisingly, drinking coffee can increase your metabolism and help you lose weight).

 

by Abdullah Sam
I’m a teacher, researcher and writer. I write about study subjects to improve the learning of college and university students. I write top Quality study notes Mostly, Tech, Games, Education, And Solutions/Tips and Tricks. I am a person who helps students to acquire knowledge, competence or virtue.

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