Wednesday, March 31, 2010

What Happens When Your Metabolism Is High







Metabolism is a series of chemical reactions, fueling the body with needed energy to promote biological functions and sustain life. There are two parts of metabolism: catabolism, which breaks down matter, and anabolism, which reassembles matter to produce energy-providing substances for the body. Individuals with a high metabolism experience several physical side effects.


Weight Loss


Individuals with a high metabolism may experience weight loss. As your metabolism increases, your body must find substances to fuel metabolic chemical reactions. Some individuals find that, no matter how much they eat, they cannot give the body enough fuel to perpetuate metabolic reactions fast enough. These individuals therefore experience weight loss as the body uses all the food they consume toward perpetuating metabolic reactions. To gain weight, individuals with a high metabolism engage in high protein and healthy fat diets and increase strength training, such as weight lifting, to build muscle mass.








Body Heat


A side product of some metabolic reactions is heat. When a person has a high metabolism, and metabolic reactions are taking place quickly, more heat is released from the metabolic reactions occurring within the body. Although the amount of heat released in each metabolic reaction is very small, when many reactions are going on quickly and repeatedly, this heat will accumulate and cause a higher body temperature than individuals with normal or slow metabolism. Most individuals with high metabolism become used to increased body heat; however, if it bothers you, you can place cool towels or washcloths on your neck and wrists to feel more comfortable.


Increased Food Consumption


Individuals with high metabolism use fuel to propagate metabolic reactions at a fast rate. Therefore, those with a high metabolism must constantly supply their bodies with food, the fuel source for metabolism. Fish and other heart-healthy oils with Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are important for a healthy diet, as are lean proteins, such as chicken, tofu and beans, and fruits and vegetables.

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