When you think "metabolism" you probably define it as your fat burner. Actually your metabolism is made up of hormones, molecules, and cellular messenger chemicals that regulate the rate your body burns calories. In other words, it is the conversion of oxygen and calories to energy for your body. Pretty much everything you eat is broken down. For example:
Protein: Broken down into amino acids
Carbohydrates: Broken down into glucose
Fat: Broken down into fatty acids
Once the enzymes in your digestive tract break your food down it is then carried into the blood stream and absorbed at a cellular level. It then sparks chemical reactions that determine how it will be used or metabolized. It is your hormones that then determine if the energy from you food is burned immediately, stored as fat, or used to build muscle.
Now we all want to lose weight or be healthy right? Let me introduce you to the hormones that make up your metabolism.
1) Insulin: Produced in the pancreas and used to lower the concentration of glucose in your blood (regulates blood sugar levels)
2) Thyroid: The butterfly shaped gland located in your neck. These hormones have many functions which include controlling the amount of oxygen each cell uses, how fast calories are burned in your body, digestion, heart rate, body temperature, mood, memory, and growth. It also controls fertility and digestion.
3) Estrogen and Progesterone: These are steroid hormones produced in both men and women
4) Testosterone and DHEA: Produced in the testes, ovaries, and adrenals. Will help increase energy and build muscle
5) Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, and Cortisol: Known as the stress hormones. Cortisol is produced in the outer part of the adrenal gland called the adrenal cortex. Norepinephrine and Epinephrine are produced in the adrenal medulla, the inner part of the adrenal glands.
6) Growth Hormone (HGH): Produced in the pituitary gland this is an anabolic hormone that aides in the growth of bone and body tissue while enhancing the immune system.
7) Leptin: Leptin is protein made by fat cells. It works with the thyroid, cortisol, and insulin to figure out how hungry the body is, if it will keep the weight on or take it off, and how fast it burns off the food you eat.
8) Ghrelin: Works with leptin to keep a balance between satisfaction and hunger. Also helps the pituitary gland release the growth hormone.
All of these different hormones will be explained in depth in future posts. More information is also available in "Master Your Metabolism" by Jillian Michaels featured on the left on the page. Having two sisters that suffer from hormone imbalances due to type 1 diabetes and thyroid removal from cancer motivates me to research all I can to not only help them, but provide information as well for others. Stay tuned for more valuable information on your metabolism!
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