metabolism

Of the metabolism and the metabolic processes are of great importance for human health and performance. Impairments can lead to a variety of diseases.

What is the metabolism?

Of the metabolism of humans is also referred to as metabolism or energy metabolism. As a biological process, metabolism comprises a chain of processes that extends from the absorption of substances through their transport and processing to the release of substances.

Various forms of metabolism take place in the human body; One of these forms is the so-called foreign substance metabolism (the metabolism of foreign substances). The metabolism of energy is also one of the forms of metabolism in the human body.

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Metabolic processes are essentially determined by the chemical changes and conversions (e.g. conversion of food to energy) of various substances that take place. In order for the metabolism in the body to proceed unhindered, various enzymes (proteins) are required that initiate and control the corresponding chemical changes. The enzymes themselves are not changed by the metabolism.

Meaning & function

Of the metabolism in its various forms plays an important role in the health and thus the functionality of the human body. Even when a person is at complete rest, the organism needs a certain amount of energy in order to maintain the vital functions. This energy is provided by the metabolism, which in a resting person is also known as the so-called basal metabolic rate or the basal metabolic rate.

In the context of the foreign substance metabolism mentioned at the beginning, foreign substances are absorbed from the outside and converted in order to secure the body's functions. These foreign substances include, for example, food and oxygen. The building metabolism is counted as part of the metabolism of foreign substances; a process in which foreign substances are converted into the body's own components. In another metabolic function, the metabolism is used to generate the required energy (one then speaks of the energy metabolism). This energy can be obtained, for example, through processes such as fat burning or the metabolism of glucose (a simple sugar).

The body's metabolism is also needed to absorb minerals or trace elements and distribute them in the organism. One of the trace elements important for the body is iron. When iron is metabolized, one also speaks of the so-called iron metabolism. Finally, a metabolism known as the starvation metabolism shows up in the human body when there is a lack of nutrients. This metabolism is characterized, among other things, by the fact that the basal metabolic rate is reduced after a few days of nutrient deficiency and the metabolic processes slow down. A metabolism changed in this way serves to sustain the life of the organism.

Dangers, disorders, risks & diseases

Various factors can cause the metabolism of the human body is impaired in its function. These impairments can then lead to a variety of diseases and complaints. Causes of corresponding diseases that are related to a disturbed metabolism can be, among other things, underproduction or overproduction of various substances.

A disturbed metabolism can also be due to the fact that the body cannot adequately store the relevant substances. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common diseases that are associated with a disturbed metabolism and are therefore also referred to as metabolic diseases.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease. The disturbed metabolism is shown here in an increased blood sugar level or in a disturbed sugar metabolism. Impairments to thyroid functions are also often associated with a disturbed metabolism: some of the thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid are essential for various metabolic processes (for example, for regulating the basal metabolic rate).

If, for example, too few of these hormones are produced in the context of an underactive thyroid or too many of the hormones are produced in the case of an overactive thyroid, this has negative effects on a regulated metabolism. Even being very overweight, such as obesity, can impair the metabolism. For example, lipid metabolism disorders can occur here.

If cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus also occur in connection with being very overweight, this is sometimes referred to in medicine as a so-called metabolic syndrome (a syndrome that affects the metabolism). If the metabolic syndrome occurs in industrialized countries, it is also known colloquially as the affluence syndrome.