Metabolism is one of the most important processes in our body, because without it we couldn't live. It's also often on everyone's lips: "good metabolism" and "boost your metabolism" are terms we hear a lot. But what do they actually mean?
What is metabolism?
First, let's clear up what metabolism actually is. It's the basis of all biochemical processes in our body and takes place inside and outside our cells. In it, components of our nutrients are broken down, rebuilt or built into other substances. It's controlled by hormones and enzymes.
There are different forms of metabolism. First, carbohydrate metabolism, where the carbohydrates we eat, i.e. simple and complex sugars, are used in the body as an energy source. In protein metabolism, proteins are broken down into their individual building blocks, the amino acids. These can be converted into glucose as an energy source, but are also used to build muscle cells and hormones. Fat metabolism uses our main energy supplier, fat. If we eat more fat than the body can use, though, it's stored as a reserve for "bad days".
During a longer juice cleanse your body first falls back on your carbohydrates, then on your protein and, after a short time, on your fat reserves. In the process ketones are formed and you're in so-called ketosis, i.e. fat metabolism.
Does metabolism have anything to do with digestion?
Metabolism is often confused with digestion. As explained, metabolism takes place in the cells and above all the liver, while digestion takes place in the digestive organs, stomach and gut. Digestion is responsible for breaking the food we eat down into nutrients. That's the prerequisite for metabolism, because that's where these nutrients are processed further.
Metabolism and digestion are not to be confused
How can you boost your metabolism?
A healthy diet is everything when it comes to boosting your metabolism. With a healthy, balanced diet you take in all the good and important nutrients that are then put to use. If you eat too much fat, the unused fat is stored and can lead to problems in the long run. Too many short-chain carbohydrates, i.e. sugar, also means the unused energy is stored as a fat reserve. Drinking a lot also helps boost your metabolism, because water supports digestion and helps the body get rid of waste substances. If you want to boost it further, you should also move a lot. It doesn't have to be sport, but at least take the stairs instead of the lift or walk two stops instead of taking the bus. Exercise also supports digestion and helps keep the body running. We also have a few tips on exercise in autumn for you, just take a look here.
What does "high metabolism" mean?
Now for a practical example:
Everyone is different and nature decides whether you have a low or a high metabolism. If you're one of those with a high one, your nutrients are processed faster than in someone with a low metabolism. Energy and calories are also used up faster. If you have a low one, you have to do more sport, for example, to use the same amount of energy as someone with a high metabolism. If you want to know which type you are and how you process which nutrients, you can take our DNA test.
Metabolism is one of the most important processes in our body, because without it we would not be able to live. It is also often on everyone's lips: “good metabolism” and “boosting your metabolism” are terms we hear a lot. But what do they actually mean?
What Is Metabolism?
First of all, let's clear up what metabolism actually is. It is the basis of all biochemical processes in our body and takes place inside and outside our cells. In the process, components of our nutrients are broken down, rebuilt or built into other substances. It is controlled by hormones and enzymes.
There are different forms of metabolism. First, carbohydrate metabolism: here the carbohydrates we take in, that is simple and complex sugars, are used in the body as energy carriers. In protein metabolism, proteins are broken down and split into their individual building blocks, the amino acids. These can not only be converted into glucose as an energy carrier, but also serve to build muscle cells and hormones. Fat metabolism needs our main supplier of energy, fat. However, if we take in more fat than the body can use, it is stored as a reserve for “bad days”.
During a longer juice cleanse your body first draws on your carbohydrates, then on your proteins, and after a short time already on your fat reserves. In the process ketones are formed and you are in so-called ketosis, that is fat metabolism.
Does Metabolism Have Anything to Do with Digestion?
Metabolism is often confused with digestion. As already explained, metabolism takes place in the cells and above all in the liver, while digestion takes place in the digestive organs, stomach and gut. Digestion is responsible for breaking the food we eat down into nutrients. This is the prerequisite for metabolism, as these nutrients are then processed further.
Metabolism and digestion are not to be confused
How Can You Boost Your Metabolism?
A healthy diet is the be-all and end-all for boosting your metabolism. With a healthy and balanced diet you take in all the good and important nutrients, which are then put to use. If you eat too much fat, the fat that isn't used is stored and can lead to problems in the long run. Likewise, if you have too many short-chain carbohydrates, that is sugar, the energy that isn't needed is stored as a fat reserve. Drinking plenty also helps boost your metabolism, because water supports digestion and supports normal metabolism. If you want to boost it even more, you should also move a lot. It doesn't necessarily have to be sport, but at least take the stairs instead of the lift or walk two stops instead of taking the bus. Movement also promotes digestion and helps keep the body running. We also have a few tips on movement in autumn for you, just pop over here.
What Does “High Metabolism” Mean?
Now for a practical example:
Everyone is different, and nature decides whether you have a low or a high metabolism. If you are one of those with a high one, your nutrients are processed faster than for someone with a low metabolism. Energy and calories are also used up faster. If you are someone with a low one, you have to exercise more, for example, to burn the same amount of energy as someone with a high metabolism. If you want to know which type you are and how you process which nutrients, you can take our DNA test.
