The dictionary defines metabolism as the sum of all biochemical processes involved in life, or the sustaining of life. In application concerning our health, metabolism is related to the intake and use of food. In reference to the case in point it is our ability to utilize our food to the fullest extent.
Some people have really high rates of metabolism. In other words, when they consume food, their bodies burn it up almost as fast as they consume it. Unfortunately, many of us are not as lucky because we weren’t dealt the same deck of cards to play with. These lucky individuals who tends to burn calories quicker are often slim and trim. Looking at the other side, those who burn calories at a slower rate, tends to be heavier or obese.
The body’s metabolism is a unique process for each individual person. No two people metabolize food at the same rate therefore no two people have the metabolism. We all use our calories at different rates, with different results. Our metabolism, like our fingerprints is unique to each of us. But the need to understand and accommodate this metabolism is an issue that we all face.
All of this metabolic process is related to our calorie intake, our vitamin and nutrition needs, our thyroid and endocrine production, and how well all of these processes come together. For years, people have sought ways to raise the metabolic rate. If you can raise someone’s metabolic rate, you are then better able to help them lose weight. This would make the goal of better or improved health a much easier reality for many. Efforts to date have produced very little results. There are foods that we can consume that naturally raise our metabolic rate, yet most of us don’t know where to begin.
Education is key to understanding what we should and should not be consuming. This will enable us to make better selections. What we need is a way to directly alter the rate. We need to be able to raise our metabolism to a point where we can actually see a benefit.
What determines our metabolic rate, as far as our genetics? Generally, we tend to inherit the same tendencies for metabolic rates, body frames, and other related body functions from our parents. Thus, the origin of “well, she comes from big people; naturally she’s going to be big”.
Right now, the greatest results in raising our metabolism come from exercise and building our muscle mass, while reducing our body fat. Adding more muscle to the body, in turn causes us to burn more calories, and this helps to elevate our metabolic rate. The reason the addition of muscles speed up one’s metabolic rate is because the body is forced to work harder, in an attempt to maintain the increase in muscle. This increase causes you to burn more calories, which in turn decreases your body fat.
The process of burning calories and creating energy is a delicate one, and one which must be carefully tended, or it can become imbalanced. It is often through these natural imbalances that we tend to “inherit’ our metabolic rate.
I believe through careful analysis, and attention to each person’s unique needs, we could bring about a more natural balance of the metabolic burn vs. the calorie intake. To a level where optimal health and weight control are in equilibrium. Yes, it can be a challenging task, yet many have beaten the odds. Now it’s your turn.
