The Role of Metabolism in Bodily Function
The role metabolism plays in regards to how your body functions are incredibly complex. Millions of processes and chemical reactions contribute to your metabolic rate. But in simple terms, your metabolism is the total of all those processes, which converts foods and liquids into energy.
The way that energy is used falls into 3 broad categories:
- Your body stores calories as fat.
- You burn calories as a process to create heat or energy.
- Your metabolic process uses calories to build muscle, blood, bone, and fat.
The role your metabolism plays in those 3 different processes is equally spread out when your metabolic rate is “perfect” or optimal. The problem is, some people are born with a naturally high or naturally low metabolic process.
If you have a tendency for low energy levels, you find it hard to lose weight and often crave sweet foods like sugar, ice cream, and pastries; you may have a weak or slow metabolism.
Then there are those whose bodies are very good at burning calories. They seemingly eat whatever they like, exercise very little, are bouncing around full of energy, and do not have an ounce of fat on their bodies. These people usually enjoy a very high metabolic rate.
Finally, when the metabolic role that dictates so many bodily functions is perfectly aligned, your body spends equal amounts of time burning calories, storing fat, and building a healthy body.
That 3rd category is where optimal health can be found.
The good news is, if you have a naturally high or low metabolism, you can do something about it. Ramp up the amount of Omega 3 essential fatty acids you get in your diet by eating fish like salmon, tuna, and mackerel.
Exercise 3 to 5 times a week for 20 minutes each at a moderately intense level. Make sure you get 6 to 8 hours of restful sleep each night. Eat some protein at breakfast every morning. Drink lots of water throughout the day. Instead of 2 or 3 big meals, spread your daily caloric intake over 5 or 6 meals.
These are all practical ways to help develop, and regulate, a healthy metabolism. They begin to move your metabolic process in the direction of equal burning, building and storing activities. This means a healthy, active body, naturally high levels of energy, and the ability to maintain a healthy weight without unhealthy gains and losses.
