Introduction
Do we understand what the term metabolism means? When we exercise or when it is hot, we sweat. The amount varies from person to person, and people who sweat a lot are said to have a faster metabolism. Metabolism has a significant impact on how our bodies function. Could these characteristics be improved?
The difference between people with good metabolism and people with bad metabolism
In a word, metabolism is the chemical mechanism that allows us to survive. It is created by combining dietary calories with oxygen, which is a challenging process. This process occurs when the body exchanges the food and beverages consumed for energy. This function will continue to function as long as we live (Cleveland Clinic, 2021).
Metabolism differs at birth, but it also varies according to physique, muscular mass, and physical activity. The table below is based on the metabolic causes provided by Atli Arnarson (2023).
| High metabolism | Low metabolism | |
| Age | young people | elderly people |
| Amount of muscle | high muscle mass | low muscle mass |
| Physique | big body | small body |
| Environmental temperature | low temperature | high temperature |
| Physical activity | high activity | less active |
How to improve our metabolism
Mainly, metabolism is related to diet and exercise. So, if we want to have a healthy life, we should improve the following things, according to Bernstein (2022):
Examples of a healthy diet
・Eat at the same time every day
We can adjust our life rhythm and reduce inflammation and stress by eating at a fixed time every day. In addition, it helps to improve the intestinal environment.
・Make sure you get enough calories
If people do not eat much food, their metabolism gets low. Eating less is not good for their health, so even if they are on a diet, they need to take in enough calories.
・Take in more protein and vitamins
Protein helps burn calories, so it is effective for dieting. Moreover, vitamins also have a significant effect on metabolism. In particular, vitamin B deficiency slows down lipid metabolism.
・Hydration
Drinking water can speed up our metabolism, which can help us lose weight. Additionally, caffeine-containing drinks such as green tea and coffee help burn fat.
Examples of healthy exercise
Here are some examples of healthy exercises, as stated by Bernstein (2022):
・Do strength training
We build muscle and get a strong body by doing muscle training. It increases our metabolism. The more muscle we have, the more efficiently our body can convert the food we eat into energy.
・Reduce stress
Stress can disrupt our hormonal balance. This triggers the release of cortisol, a hormone that regulates appetite. Although stress is not directly released into metabolism, it can change metabolism because it affects lifestyle habits such as eating and sleeping.
・Enough sleep
Sleep duration and metabolic rate are related. When we do not get enough sleep, our bodies slow down their metabolism to conserve energy.
What are the benefits of a good metabolism?
According to The Healthcare Guys (2020), the following are the benefits of having a good metabolism:
・Control weight
A good metabolism burns more calories, which helps keep our weight stable. Conversely, people with a slow metabolism may not be able to consume all the calories they take in, which may lead to bloating and put pressure on the organs.
・Increase energy levels
The higher the metabolic rate, the higher the energy level. So even if people eat more, they won’t gain weight. Increased energy levels will give them a healthier body and less fatigue. As a result, activities such as work and school will progress, and they will be able to do what they want to do.
・Detox effect
Metabolism can release toxins and waste products from the body and cleanse it. We detox by sweating, urinating, and defecating.
・Control blood sugar levels
If people eat too much, their bodies’ ability to break down the nutrients they take in will decline, and their insulin secretion function will also be dull. As a result, it can lead to diabetes. When metabolism becomes active, fat can be burned, so blood pressure and blood sugar can be lowered.
・Improve sleep quality
A boosted metabolism will cleanse our bodies and make us feel better, making us more active. So, we can use up our energy and get a fuller, more comfortable sleep.
Conclusion
Metabolic functions vary from person to person, and they can be improved. They can do better through our life customs, such as exercise and diet, so it is very easy. Metabolism is very important to maintaining health, so if people want to live a healthy life, they should understand how their bodies function and adjust their lifestyles accordingly.
References
Arnarson, A. (2023). Fast Metabolism 101: What It Is and How to Get It. [online] Healthline. Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/get-a-fast-metabolism> [Accessed 16 May 2023].
Bernstein, A. (2022). 9 natural ways to increase your metabolism. [online] www.medicalnewstoday.com. Available at: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323328> [Accessed 16 May 2023].
Cleveland Clinic (2021). Metabolism: What It Is, How It Works and Disorders. [online] Cleveland Clinic. Available at: <https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21893-metabolism> [Accessed 16 May 2023]. The Healthcare Guys (2020). What Are The Benefits Of A Healthy Metabolism? [online] The Healthcare Guys. Available at: <https://www.healthcareguys.com/2020/12/10/what-are-the-benefits-of-a-healthy-metabolism/> [Accessed 17 May 2023].
