Arm Yourself with Knowledge: Metabolism Basics

Broadly defined, metabolism includes all of the physical and chemical changes that occur inside the cells of the body and that maintain life. All activity in the body occurs through the process of metabolism, in which cells break down chemicals and nutrients to general energy and form new molecules such as proteins. Efficient metabolism requires blood loaded with oxygen, glucose, and nutrients enzymes are the molecules that make metabolism happen, and nutrients are the vitamins and minerals that act as essential coenzymes. When a nutrient is deficient in the body, certain metabolic functions are impeded and symptoms of disease can arise. Your metabolism is influenced by:

Age: Metabolism naturally slows about 5 percent per decade after age thirty.

Gender: Men generally burn more calories at rest than women.

Muscle mass: The more lean muscle you have, the higher your metabolic rate.
Activity level: The more you exercise, particularly aerobically, the higher your metabolic rate.

Genes: There can be an inherited aspect; some people have sluggish metabolic rates.

Thyroid function: You could have an overactive or underactive thyroid, but this is uncommon.

The good news: If you eat a balanced, healthy (low-fat) diet, add exercise (lots of exercise), and keep your body in top running form, your metabolism will burn calories like a top-flight engine. That’s why you need to learn how to maximizing your overall health, nourishing your body, and exercising, all of which will help your body functioning at its maximum capacity and boost your metabolism.