What is Metabolism

Metabolism is a combination of various bio-chemical processes that helps body to convert the digested food into energy for body's physical and biological activities. It is also defined as sum of all biochemical processes that constitute life.

Metabolism occurs at cellular level. It involves building up and breaking down of tissues and utilizing them to form energy that is used in functions of body growth and development.

Metabolism-Forms

There are two forms of metabolism

Anabolism: It is also called as the constructive metabolism. It is associated with the building and storing of energy. This metabolism supports the growth of new cells, maintenance of tissues and cells and storage of body energy for future energy needs. In anabolism small molecules combine to change into large and more complex molecules of protein, carbohydrates and fats.
Catabolism: Also termed as destructive catabolism, it is the process by which energy is produced for functioning, growth and development of cells. The process is almost opposite to anabolism. Here large molecular structures of fat, protein and carbohydrates are broken down to produce energy. This energy is used as a fuel for the process of anabolism, heating, and other body functions. The waste products of catabolism are removed lungs, skin and kidney.

Understanding Metabolism

Metabolism is directly related to health. Higher metabolism rates are always considered signature of a normal and active body function that leads to a healthy and complication free life. In understanding the relation of metabolism with health two terms are always referred. They are basal metabolism rate and resting metabolism rate.

Basal Metabolism Rate: It is the minimum amount of energy required body to sustain life. It only considers the energy required for fundamental life activities such as breathing, heart beat and brain function. It does not take into account physical exercise.

Resting Metabolism Rate: It takes into account the energy or calories burnt at the state of rest. It is proportional to body weight and surface area, meaning that heavier and taller individuals would have higher RMR than a short and thin person.

Metabolism Problems

Metabolism problems are often caused by irregular and abnormal chemical functioning in cells. In most of the cases the reason emanates from either extreme levels of enzymes or problems of functioning of enzymes and hormones. In case the metabolism of body chemicals is chocked or fails to operate correctly, it can cause an accumulation of toxic substances in body which can be of serious consequences.

Various types of Metabolism disorders are listed below.

G6PD deficiency: G6PD is glucose 6 phosphate dehyrogenase - an enzyme that is produced by red cells. It deficiency is marked by decreased ability of red blood cells to contain certain harmful substances, leading to their damage.

Galactosemia: In this disorder body lacks enough enzymes to break down the sugar in milk leading to severe health problems in babies.

Hyperthyroidism: It is caused by overactive thyroid glands when they release too much of hormone thyroxine. This hormone increases a person's basal metabolism rate causing symptoms like weight loss, increased heart rate and blood pressure and swelling in neck.

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