Metabolism is a term that is used to describe all chemical reactions involved in maintaining the living state of the cells and the organism. Metabolism can be conveniently divided into two categories:

• Catabolism – the breakdown of molecules in the body for energy
• Anabolism – the building / creation of molecules needed for the cells of the body to work

So metabolism is the important sign of life! Without it the basic functions like breathing, blood circulation, controlling body temperature, cell growth, brain and nerve function, contraction of muscles and more cannot occur.

One cannot comprehend the extremely complex neurological and chemical co-ordination and control of this. However to simplify it, take note of those actions that contribute to this complex energy equation.

• Nutrition – the glycemic index and glycemic load of the foods you eat are very important to consider. Unfortunately, in a western world, the toxic load of a body is also critical because each day we take on extra toxins and stress. This impacts how much of the food you eat is used for catabolism and anabolism and how much is simply stored. Read the labels of your foods and avoid that which you do not need! There are also a variety of homeopathic and herbal remedies to combat this toxic load and to boost your metabolism. I recommend a specific detox to be done at least 2 to 4 times per year.

• Water – most people are in a state of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, drastically impacting your cell functions. So not only increase your water, but also consider coconut water and tissue salts as an electrolyte balance. Your fluid intake will impact your cellular hydration and directly affect your metabolism. Reduce coffee, sugars, salt, smoking, alcohol and medications!

• Movement – the easy rule is to move your body more than the calories that you consume in the day. However consider that effective stability and movement (directed and co-ordinated by your spinal curves) of each part of the body builds your basal metabolic rate. The basal metabolic rate is the amount of energy expended while your body is at rest, it decreases with age and is largely impacted by how much of your body does not have extra stored energy (FAT!). Learn to move your body correctly!

• Autonomic state – your internal state of balance between stress and relaxation will impact the hormonal and chemical balance of your body, as well as the metabolic processes. As mentioned previously this is complex neurochemistry, however stress will impact chronically the functions of your metabolism. For some, this means increased catabolism while for others there is a drastic reduction of catabolism and this leads to the huge storing of energy (FAT!). Practice breathing and relaxation techniques of mind and body.

• Sleep – the delicate balance between catabolism and anabolism which ultimatly impacts how effectively your metabolism works is based on the rest, recuperation, regeneration and rejuvenation that your body gets. Many people do not get their body into the correct state of deep sleep to allow this to happen. Your daily internal autonomic State and your sleep patterns go hand in hand…work on both to get your game on.

• Mind-body balance – although it is presumed that a person’s psychology is detracted from their physiology, this is not the truth. Everyday thoughts and emotions will impact how well the person is adapting to their world and its challenges. A person adapting to their world has an optimized state of life and therefore their metabolism has to work optimally to support this. Any thought magnetised by emotions like fear, guilt, regret or anger, whether about the past, future or present, will force the physiology of the body into a state of stress and the need to change the metabolism accordingly. If this an acute change, the body will work to restore your metabolism’s balance quickly however for most people it chronically and habitually impacts your Automatic state (as discussed in 4) setting your metabolisms into chronic dysfunction!

As a summary:

• eat food, not too much, very often and mostly plants
• stay hydrated and in electrolyte balance
• visit your chiropractor regularly to make sure your spine directs and co-ordinates effective movement of your body
• find stillness and relaxation of mind and body both awake and in sleep.

Quality of Life is your only Choice!