NAME: MARTIN FREDRICK

REG NO: PS18/00007/23

UNIT: BASIC METABOLISM

TASK: ASSIGNMENT

DATE: 14 November 2024

 Application of metabolism in one`s health

Metabolism is the chemical process that occurs within a living organism to maintain life. Th

ese processes are responsible for converting food into energy, building, repairing old and unwanted

tissues, and regulating bodily functions. Understanding and optimizing metabolism can significantly

impact one`s health and well-being. Metabolism is a complex network of interconnected processes that

work together to sustain life. There are two main aspects of metabolism. Anabolism is the process of

building up complex molecules from simpler ones. Anabolic processes require energy and are involved in

the synthesis of protein, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids. Examples of anabolic processes include

protein synthesis, DNA replication, and the formation of cell membranes. Catabolism is the process of

breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones. Catabolic processes release energy and they are

involved in the degradation of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Examples of catabolic

processes include the breakdown of fats for energy and the breakdown of proteins for amino acids.

Metabolism is regulated by hormones, enzymes, and other molecules in the body. The rate at which the

enzyme metabolic processes occur is known as the metabolic rate. Factors that can influence

metabolism include age, gender, body size, body composition, physical activity, diet, and other

environmental factors. Understanding metabolism is important because it plays a crucial role in

maintaining overall health and well-being. By optimizing metabolic processes, individuals can improve

their energy levels, manage weight, prevent and manage diseases, and support overall health.

Applying the knowledge of metabolism can help individuals make informed choices about their

diet, exercise, and lifestyle to support overall health and well-being. By understanding and optimizing

metabolic processes, individuals can improve their energy levels, manage weight, prevent and manage

diseases, and potentially promote longevity.

 Weight management. This is a crucial aspect of overall health, and it has a significant impact on

metabolism. Metabolism refers to the process by which the body converts food into energy and

nutrients needed for daily activities and bodily functions. Here`s how weight management applies. Basa

metabolic rate (BMR). This is the amount of energy expended while at rest in a neutrally temperate

environment, in the absorptive state (the digestive system is inactive, and usually requires about 12

hours of fasting in humans). BMR accounts for the energy required to maintain vital bodily functions

such as breathing, circulation, and cell production. Generally, the more body mass you have the higher

the BMR will be since it takes more energy to maintain a larger body. Caloric needs. Wight management

involves balancing caloric intake with caloric expenditure, If you consume more carolers than you burn,

you`ll gain weight, and if you consume fewer calories than you burn, you`ll lose weight. Your caloric

needs can vary based on factors like age, gender, weight, height, and physical activity level. Maintaining a

healthy weight often means consuming fewer calories than you burn especially at a young age. Physical

activity can help increase your caloric expenditure, which can aid in weight management. Exercise also

has numerous health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health, stronger muscles and bones,

better mental health, and reduced risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and certain cancers. Hormonal

balance. Weight management can also affect hormone balance. For instance, excess body fat is linked to

hormonal imbalances that can affect reproductive health, mood, and overall well-being. Maintaining a

healthy weight can help regulate hormones and support overall hormonal balance. Chronic disease

prevention. A healthy weight can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke,

type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. By managing weight through a combination of balanced nutrition

and regular physical activity, individuals can lower their risk of developing these conditions and improve

their overall health outcomes.

 Mental health. Weight management can also have a positive impact on mental health. For

example, maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of depression and anxiety and improve overall

mood and well-being. Metabolic health. Maintaining a healthy weight can help support optimal

metabolic function. For example, obesity is associated with insulin resistance

Influence on metabolic processes. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen (visceral fat),

can disrupt various processes. Insulin resistance this occurs when the body`s cell becomes less

responsive to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar. Insulin resistance can lead to type 2

diabetes. Dyslipidemia this refers to abnormal levels of lipids (fats) in the blood, such as high cholesterol

and triglycerides. Dyslipidemia increases risk of cardiovascular diseases. Inflammation is where excess

weight can trigger chronic low-grade inflammation, which is linked to various health problems, including

metabolic syndrome. Fatty liver disease this is the accumulation of excess fats in the liver can impair its

functions and lead to serious complications.

Growth and repair. This is a fundamental process in human health, and metabolism plays a

cruisal role in enabling them. Protein synthesis involve protein that are building blocks of tissues such as

muscles, skin, organs, hair, nails, and even enzymes and hormones are primarily made of protein.

Metabolism facilitates the synthesis of new protein from amino acids, the basic units of proteins. This

process is essential for growth, tissue repair, and the replacement of damaged or worn- tissues. Bones

are constantly being remodeled throughout life. Old bones tissues are broken down and replaced with

new bone tissues. Metabolism provides the calcium, phosphorous, and other minerals needed for bone

formation and maintenance. It also supplies the energy required for the cells involved in bone

remodeling (osteoblast and osteoclasts).

 Nutrient delivery. Metabolism ensures that the nutrients derived from food are efficiently

transported to the cells and tissues where they are needed for growth and repair. This involves the

circulatory system and various metabolic pathways.

Waste removal. Metabolism also involves the elimination of waste products generated during

biochemical processes. These waste substances generated during biochemical reaction. These waste

products are filtered out of the bloodstream by kidneys and liver and then excreted from the body.

Efficient waste removal is crucial for maintaining a healthy internal environment.

Body temperature regulation. Metabolism generates heat, which helps maintain a stable body

temperature. This provides optimum environment for the enzyme activity and overall bodily function.

Immune function. Metabolism supports a healthy immune system. Nutrients derived from

metabolic processes are essential for the development and function of immune cells.

Respiration. Metabolism is intimately linked to respiration, the process of exchanging oxygen

and carbon dioxide. Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, the metabolic process that generates

energy. Carbon dioxide, a waste product of metabolism, is expelled from the body through respiration.

Nutrient utilization. Metabolism breaks down the food we eat into essential nutrients like

carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. These nutrients are then absorbed and used the body for various

functions, including energy production, tissue repair, and hormone synthesis.

Energy production. Metabolism is the process of converting food into energy. This energy fuels

everything from into energy. This energy fuels everything and heartbeat to complex activities like

thinking and moving. A well-functioning metabolism ensures adequate energy levels for daily life.
 Reference

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Wang, Y., Wu, J., Lv, M., Shao, Z., Hungwe, M., Wang, J., ... & Geng, W. (2021). Metabolism characteristics

of lactic acid bacteria and the expanding applications in food industry. Frontiers in bioengineering and

biotechnology, 9, 612285.

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Holeček, M. (2020). Histidine in health and disease: metabolism, physiological importance, and use as a

supplement. Nutrients, 12

https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030848

Wang, Y., Wu, J., Lv, M., Shao, Z., Hungwe, M., Wang, J., ... & Geng, W. (2021). Metabolism characteristics

of lactic acid bacteria and the expanding applications in food industry. Frontiers in bioengineering and

biotechnology, 9, 612285.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2021.612285