Mastering Your Metabolism: Understanding and Boosting Your Body's Natural Fat-Burning Engine

[MuscleMecca Crew]

When we think of metabolism, we associate it with how our body breaks down food. In general, metabolism is linked to the chemical processes in our body to produce energy. This process breaks down the nutrients from our food and builds and repairs our bodies.
Metabolism helps our bodies to grow new cells or repair them. It is also responsible for breaking down the essential nutrients our bodies need to have enough energy for the day.
We can measure our metabolic rate through the number of calories we take. While others may think there are supplements to fasten metabolism, another factor may affect how our bodies break down the nutrients from the foods we eat.

How Your Body Metabolizes Nutrients​

The speed of metabolism depends on a person's body composition and lifestyle. Some have a fast metabolism, where they burn calories even when resting, but there are also individuals with slow metabolism whose body burns their calories slowly. Therefore, they need to manage their calorie intake to manage their weight.
The nutrients from the food we eat are either processed to maintain our body temperature or muscle movement. The nutrients may also be stored in our bodies for other use. Metabolism determines the amount of calories you burn as you do physical activities.
You can identify if your metabolism is slow. People who experience exhaustion and constant headaches have a slow metabolism. The hormones and enzymes in our bodies work together to break down the nutrients. Our thyroid hormones are essential in this process since they regulate our bodies' overall metabolic rate.
The process of metabolism is complicated. It is best to consult a medical practitioner if you're concerned about your metabolic rate, body weight, and nutrient requirement.

Factors That Can Affect Metabolism​

Age​

We cannot avoid the slowing down of metabolism as we age. Hormonal and neurological changes and loss of muscle tissue happen. We also lessen our physical activities because of joint pains and health-related issues. All of these contribute to the slowing down of metabolism.
The peak of metabolic rate happens between 3 and 5 years old and eventually declines as people age. Due to the energy demand during our younger years, our metabolic rates also increase.
People also lose muscle tissue at 30, and the metabolic rate decreases every ten years. The emergence of illnesses because of age may also affect an individual's metabolism.

Gender​

Women have a higher percentage of body fat and a slower metabolic rate. Men have faster metabolic rates because their body types are more significant.
The hormone profiles of women also affect the metabolism process. The testosterone in men's bodies promotes muscle mass and contributes to a higher metabolic rate. It is known that men have a higher metabolic rate of up to 10% compared to women.

Genetics​

Though it does not happen to all people, genes also influence the rate of metabolism. Some families have a faster metabolism than others. However, it is essential to note that other factors may affect the metabolism rate of an individual. In addition, genetic disorders may also affect metabolism.

Lifestyle​

There's a saying, "We are what we eat." It is partly true because the food you consume can also determine whether you will have a faster or slower metabolism rate. If you eat a balanced and nutritious diet, you will most likely have a quicker metabolic rate.
It is also evident that if you regularly exercise, your body will burn calories faster. It means that you will also have a faster metabolism.

The Role of Metabolism in Weight Management​

Many people think that their slow metabolism contributes to how bodies store fat and how people lose weight. Faster metabolism may be good in burning more calories, but it may also increase hunger and make an individual eat more or more frequently.
When you have more muscle mass, it means you need more calories to burn to maintain it. Regular exercise burns up to 30% of the calories from our food. However, if your metabolism is slow and you eat more calories than you burn, you will gain weight. The extra calories will eventually be converted into fat.

Ways to Boost Your Metabolism​

Exercise and Physical Activities​

Any kind of exercise uses calories to provide you with energy throughout your fitness session. You should have daily physical activity, whether gym sessions, running, or walking errands.
Other exercises that can boost your metabolism are swimming, push-ups, cycling, and cardio exercises. The main point of exercising and doing physical activities is to increase your heart rate and make you breathe faster and harder. These activities will have a significant impact on your metabolic process.

Nutritional Diet​

Food fuels our bodies. However, overeating or consuming unhealthy foods may slow down metabolism and contribute to weight gain. A healthy and balanced diet pumped with protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats may help boost your metabolism.
Don't be afraid to take snacks or eat more with small meals. If you don't have a gym schedule, you can take healthy but small meals up to five times daily. However, if you need to work out or have a scheduled exercise, your body needs to break down more nutrients to provide energy.
Many people who want to lose weight skip meals to manage and maintain their body shape. But many don't realize that skipping meals slows the metabolism to store calories, compensating for the lack of nutrient sources.
If you frequently consume alcohol and caffeine, it may also slow down your metabolism. Additionally, consuming sugary foods and drinks can increase your insulin levels, slowing your metabolism.

Lifestyle Changes​

If you think you are gaining weight, one of the factors that may contribute to it is poor metabolism. Sometimes, sleep and stress cause poor metabolism. No wonder many individuals who don't get enough sleep often feel hungry. Because of this, it can be difficult for them to lose weight even though it is one of their goals.
Stress also alters the hormones in our bodies, affecting how quickly our bodies break down nutrients. When we are stressed, we cannot eat and function properly. Because of this, we tend to skip working out and burning the calories we receive from the foods we eat.

The Importance of Healthy Metabolism in Overall Health and Disease Prevention​

Poor metabolism may increase different hormones in our bodies, which harm our health. These effects can lead to more severe chronic illnesses like diabetes and cardiovascular problems.
When you have a good metabolism, the nutrients break down quickly and are distributed to repair your muscles and improve your immune system. Because of this, you can reduce body inflammation and other chronic diseases.

The Bottomline​

A healthy metabolism can provide significant benefits to our bodies. It is not only associated with weight loss but may also reduce the risks of many chronic illnesses. When you have a good metabolism, your body may burn calories faster instead of storing them. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, having enough rest and sleep, and stress management may assist us in improving not just our weight but also our general wellness.