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Catabolism (releases energy) involves reactions in which various compounds are used to do body's work, to produce heat, or to be stored for later use.
Energy from carbohydrates, fats, and protein for body's cells, comes from their conversion to glucose, which combines with oxygen in a series of chemical reactions that form carbon dioxide, water and cellular energy. The energy is used for body functions, and carbon dioxide and water are waste products that are carried out of body by bloodstream.
The process of metabolism requires that extensive systems of enzymes be maintained to facilitate thousands of different chemical reactions that must be performed, and also to regulate rate at which these reactions proceed. The presence of protein, vitamins, and minerals is essential for these enzymes to perform their functions at their very best.
One of biggest problems I see with individuals is lack of time they take to consume their food - their very essence of life. Not only are they eating junk food, or foods with little nutritional value, they are also consuming them rapid fire. Eating while agitated, fatigued, or all stressed out may give rise to gastrointestinal disturbances.
If a person is under stress, digestive secretions are reduced and blood is routed to muscles more than to digestive tract. This action impairs efficient absorption of nutrients. To digest and absorb food best, one should be relaxed and tranquil at mealtimes. Hurried meals under tense conditions are not beneficial to normal digestion.
The information presented here is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat or diagnose any medical condition. It is imperative that you take your health into your own hands and empower yourself by researching all of your options. With vast amount of information available on-line, you can arm yourself with an arsenal of information that will assist you and your healthcare practitioner in creating best plan of treatment for your needs. Here are a few resources to get you started:
http://www.ivillage.com/diet/metabolism - 61 Ways to Boost Your Calorie Burn
http://www.metabolism.com/ - Here you will find information on Weight Loss/Weight Gain, Nutrition Programs, Ask Expert and much more. Very informative site.
http://www.primusweb.com/fitnesspartner/library/weight/0698metabolism.htm - Great article on dieting and metabolism
About the author – Kathy Browning is a healing arts practitioner and wellness coach. She is also the Editor-In-Chief of “The Art of Living Well”, an ezine focused on the mind, body, spirit connection and the author of “Feng Shui for Abundant Living”. Be sure to visit http://www.cancercomfort.com for more information.