Life is sustained via a series of tiny chemical reactions that occur continuously. The collective term for such reactions is metabolism. All functions of the body are maintained by metabolism which occurs even when you are asleep. Everything from respiration to digestion and circulation is ensured by proper metabolism that releases energy from the food that you consume. Metabolism is not confined to humans but is evident in all living creatures. You certainly need to check the associated facts to understand how does metabolism work within the body.
Types of Metabolism
There are two distinct types of metabolism namely anabolism and catabolism. You have to have an idea of each to understand the process of metabolism perfectly.
- Anabolism– This is the building process where complex compounds are created by synthesizing simple substances. This process requires energy and may store the excess energy for future use.
- Catabolism– This process is solely dedicated to the breakdown of large, organic molecules into simpler ones. Energy is released during this process.
How does metabolism work?
The procedure concerns the nutrients retrieved from the food you consume. They are digested by the body to produce energy that fuels the body. This energy that is released from the calories from food is utilized for the synthesis of nucleic acids, proteins, and various bio-molecules within the body. The raw material for such synthesis is derived from the nutrients that have to be adequate to ensure well-being. The energy released via metabolism is used for the proper functioning of the body and the repair of damaged body cells.
It is further important to understand that your food must contain both organic nutrients as well as a host of inorganic substances or chemicals.
- Organic substances include carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and vitamins
- The inorganic substances are oxygen, water, and a variety of dietary minerals
Many weight management experts recommend boosting the metabolism to decrease weight gain. While it is natural that less calorie input will result in burning most of the calories to release energy, the process is a complicated one and you cannot speed up your metabolism so easily.
The salient points of metabolism
- The basic objective of metabolism is the release and transfer of energy. You may consider metabolism to be the sum of all chemical reactions needed to facilitate bodily functions.
- Metabolism can be further categorized into anabolism which involves all processes required to build big organic molecules and catabolism which is concerned with the breakdown of molecules.
- The former type of metabolism uses energy whereas the latter releases energy thus completing the cycle.
- Your body will have to be powered by the available energy released from the breakdown of food via metabolism. This energy is used to help you digest, absorb nutrients, circulate blood throughout the body, eliminate waste products, aid respiration, maintain body temperature, repair damaged cells, and maintain hormonal levels as required.
Learning how does metabolism work in your body will enable you to understand the chemical and biological basis of how the body functions. You will also learn how to stay energized as well as remain fit and healthy.