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METABOLISM
The primary function of our metabolism is simply to provide the right amount of
fuel (at the right time) to keep our bodies alive and functioning. It accomplishes this
through a complex series of chemical reactions whereby food is converted to the
energy we need. When we eat, the food we swallow enters our digestive tract and
is broken down by digestive enzymes. Carbohydrates are converted to glucose, fats
to fatty acids and protein to amino acids. Once these nutrients are broken down,
they are absorbed by the bloodstream and carried into the cells of the body. Our
metabolism then works to either release these nutrients as energy, use them to build
and repair lean tissue or store them for later use.
There are two basic metabolic processes—one is constructive and is responsible
for building and storing energy for the body. The other is destructive, though
in a positive sense, as it breaks down nutrient molecules to release energy. The
constructive metabolic process is called anabolism, whereas the destructive process
is called catabolism.
Anabolism: promotes the growth of new cells, the maintenance and repair
of tissues, and the storage of energy—usually as body fat—for future use.
Small nutrient molecules are converted into larger molecules of protein,
carbohydrates and fat.
Catabolism: is responsible for immediately providing the body with energy to
use. Instead of building up, it breaks down the nutrient molecules to release
energy.
These two processes do not occur simultaneously but are balanced by the body
based on several factors.
Catabolism, in particular—though some attribute this to overall metabolism—has
three components:
1. Basal metabolism: sometimes called resting
metabolism, this is the metabolism component
responsible for keeping you alive by ensuring
normal body functions. Even if you were
bedridden the whole day, basal metabolism is
still at work. Basal metabolism is metabolism’s
main component, as 60 to 70 percent of the
calories from the food you eat are used for
this.
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