Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Skip to main content. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is metabolism? Two processes of metabolism Metabolic rate Metabolism and age-related weight gain Hormonal disorders of metabolism Genetic disorders of metabolism Where to get help.

Two processes of metabolism Our metabolism is complex — put simply it has 2 parts, which are carefully regulated by the body to make sure they remain in balance. They are: Catabolism — the breakdown of food components such as carbohydrates , proteins and dietary fats into their simpler forms, which can then be used to provide energy and the basic building blocks needed for growth and repair.

Anabolism — the part of metabolism in which our body is built or repaired. Anabolism requires energy that ultimately comes from our food. When we eat more than we need for daily anabolism, the excess nutrients are typically stored in our body as fat.

Thermic effect of food also known as thermogenesis — your body uses energy to digest the foods and drinks you consume and also absorbs, transports and stores their nutrients. Energy used during physical activity — this is the energy used by physical movement and it varies the most depending on how much energy you use each day.

Physical activity includes planned exercise like going for a run or playing sport but also includes all incidental activity such as hanging out the washing, playing with the dog or even fidgeting!

Basal metabolic rate BMR The BMR refers to the amount of energy your body needs to maintain homeostasis. Factors that affect our BMR Your BMR is influenced by multiple factors working in combination, including: Body size — larger adult bodies have more metabolising tissue and a larger BMR.

Amount of lean muscle tissue — muscle burns kilojoules rapidly. Crash dieting, starving or fasting — eating too few kilojoules encourages the body to slow the metabolism to conserve energy. Age — metabolism slows with age due to loss of muscle tissue, but also due to hormonal and neurological changes.

Growth — infants and children have higher energy demands per unit of body weight due to the energy demands of growth and the extra energy needed to maintain their body temperature. Gender — generally, men have faster metabolisms because they tend to be larger.

Genetic predisposition — your metabolic rate may be partly decided by your genes. Hormonal and nervous controls — BMR is controlled by the nervous and hormonal systems.

Hormonal imbalances can influence how quickly or slowly the body burns kilojoules. Environmental temperature — if temperature is very low or very high, the body has to work harder to maintain its normal body temperature, which increases the BMR.

Infection or illness — BMR increases because the body has to work harder to build new tissues and to create an immune response. Amount of physical activity — hard-working muscles need plenty of energy to burn. Regular exercise increases muscle mass and teaches the body to burn kilojoules at a faster rate, even when at rest.

Drugs — like caffeine or nicotine , can increase the BMR. Dietary deficiencies — for example, a diet low in iodine reduces thyroid function and slows the metabolism. Thermic effect of food Your BMR rises after you eat because you use energy to eat, digest and metabolise the food you have just eaten.

Hot spicy foods for example, foods containing chilli, horseradish and mustard can have a significant thermic effect. Energy used during physical activity During strenuous or vigorous physical activity, our muscles may burn through as much as 3, kJ per hour.

Metabolism and age-related weight gain Muscle tissue has a large appetite for kilojoules. Fiber promotes overall weight loss by reducing your appetite. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber and protein, which is a combination that curbs hunger. Tip: Enjoy a handful of almonds between meals to avoid unhealthy snacks or chop them up for a crunchy salad topper.

Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Cottage cheese is low in fat, low in carbs and high in protein, making it ideal for healthy eaters. Tip: Add a scoop of low-fat cottage cheese to a berry smoothie for a non-traditional twist.

Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Tempeh is a great protein substitute for meat if you are looking for a vegetarian option. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Water can suppress your appetite and maybe boost your metabolism for a short amount of time. Research suggests the more hydrated you are , the better able your body is at just about everything from thinking to making exercise easier.

Tip: Try starting the day off with a glass of water or drink a glass before you eat your meals. To determine how much water to drink per day, divide your weight in half.

The number you get should be your liquid amount in ounces. Besides these healthy eating tips, one of the best ways to speed up your metabolism is with weight or muscle strengthening.

Lean muscle mass increases your metabolism. Muscle is metabolically active, which means people with lean, muscular bodies need more energy to function than people with a higher percentage of body fat. Make sure to talk with your doctor before beginning any new workout routine.

UnityPoint Health News and Articles 12 Metabolism-Boosting Foods to Aid Weight Loss. Legumes Also known as beans Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Legume is a general term used to describe the seeds of plants that are in pods. Chili Peppers Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Hot peppers like chili peppers and jalapeños contain the chemical capsaicin, which gives these vegetables their heat.

Lean Meats Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Chicken, turkey and other protein-packed lean meats take more energy for your body to break down than carbohydrate or fat-rich foods, therefore, burning slightly more calories during the digestive process.

Low-Fat Milk Metabolism-Boosting Powers: The calcium and vitamin D found in milk are essential for building dense muscle mass, which is important for overall health.

Broccoli Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Broccoli is a member of the cruciferous vegetable family. Lentils Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Lentils are a type of legume and are packed with iron, magnesium and potassium. B is present only in animal products, meaning vegetarians and vegans may have difficulty consuming enough of this vitamin.

Two studies looked at vitamin D and weight in older women and children. Both found those participants with more fat had lower vitamin D levels than those with less fat. Researchers are currently unsure about whether low vitamin D contributes to obesity or vice versa.

Research suggests that vitamin D may help control blood sugar and improve insulin resistance in people with diabetes. Unlike other essential vitamins, people can get vitamin D from sunlight. Safe exposure to the sun is the fastest way to top up vitamin D.

If a person is overweight, vitamin supplementation alone may not improve weight. Weight loss has to come from lifestyle changes as well. Nevertheless, a study in found that postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes , eating vitamin D-fortified yogurt, improved their blood sugar levels and reduced inflammation.

They also experience reduced waist size. An older study found that taking calcium with added vitamin D together slightly reduced the risk of weight gain in postmenopausal women. People should have their vitamin D levels checked annually and talk to their doctor about supplements if their levels remain low.

For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub. Following on from the above, emerging research further suggests calcium may be vital to a healthy metabolism and blood sugar control, as well as healthy bones.

Some research from suggests that higher calcium intake combined with vitamin D can assist diet-related weight loss.

An older study in found that a diet high in dairy calcium enhanced weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. However, more recent research is needed to determine whether this is an effective weight loss strategy. While calcium supplements are available, it is best for people to get enough calcium from food sources first.

The body needs iron for healthy growth, development, and metabolism. Iron is also vital for correct cell functioning and the creation of some hormones. Iron is essential for carrying oxygen in red blood cells.

The red blood cells carry oxygen to and from muscles and tissues in the body. If a person has low iron levels, they may not send enough oxygen to their muscles. Muscles that are low in oxygen cannot burn fat for fuel as well as they should. Low iron also interferes with optimum metabolism in the body.

Although iron is vital, it is also toxic when consumed in high doses. People should, therefore, talk to a doctor or dietitian about whether they have an iron deficiency before they take supplements. Without magnesium , the chemical reactions that produce energy in the body cannot happen.

This dependency means that magnesium is essential for metabolism and energy production. People can also take magnesium supplements but should speak to a doctor first, as they may have adverse effects in people with some underlying health conditions.

In most cases, genetic metabolic disorders can be managed under medical supervision, with close attention to diet. The symptoms of genetic metabolic disorders can be very similar to those of other disorders and diseases, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause.

See your doctor if you suspect you have a metabolic disorder. Some genetic disorders of metabolism include:. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website.

All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. Actions for this page Listen Print.

Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. What is metabolism? Two processes of metabolism Metabolic rate Metabolism and age-related weight gain Hormonal disorders of metabolism Genetic disorders of metabolism Where to get help. Two processes of metabolism Our metabolism is complex — put simply it has 2 parts, which are carefully regulated by the body to make sure they remain in balance.

They are: Catabolism — the breakdown of food components such as carbohydrates , proteins and dietary fats into their simpler forms, which can then be used to provide energy and the basic building blocks needed for growth and repair.

Anabolism — the part of metabolism in which our body is built or repaired. Anabolism requires energy that ultimately comes from our food. When we eat more than we need for daily anabolism, the excess nutrients are typically stored in our body as fat.

Thermic effect of food also known as thermogenesis — your body uses energy to digest the foods and drinks you consume and also absorbs, transports and stores their nutrients. Energy used during physical activity — this is the energy used by physical movement and it varies the most depending on how much energy you use each day.

Physical activity includes planned exercise like going for a run or playing sport but also includes all incidental activity such as hanging out the washing, playing with the dog or even fidgeting! Basal metabolic rate BMR The BMR refers to the amount of energy your body needs to maintain homeostasis.

Factors that affect our BMR Your BMR is influenced by multiple factors working in combination, including: Body size — larger adult bodies have more metabolising tissue and a larger BMR. Amount of lean muscle tissue — muscle burns kilojoules rapidly.

Crash dieting, starving or fasting — eating too few kilojoules encourages the body to slow the metabolism to conserve energy. Age — metabolism slows with age due to loss of muscle tissue, but also due to hormonal and neurological changes.

Growth — infants and children have higher energy demands per unit of body weight due to the energy demands of growth and the extra energy needed to maintain their body temperature. Gender — generally, men have faster metabolisms because they tend to be larger.

Genetic predisposition — your metabolic rate may be partly decided by your genes. Hormonal and nervous controls — BMR is controlled by the nervous and hormonal systems. Hormonal imbalances can influence how quickly or slowly the body burns kilojoules.

Environmental temperature — if temperature is very low or very high, the body has to work harder to maintain its normal body temperature, which increases the BMR. Infection or illness — BMR increases because the body has to work harder to build new tissues and to create an immune response.

Amount of physical activity — hard-working muscles need plenty of energy to burn. Regular exercise increases muscle mass and teaches the body to burn kilojoules at a faster rate, even when at rest. Drugs — like caffeine or nicotine , can increase the BMR. Dietary deficiencies — for example, a diet low in iodine reduces thyroid function and slows the metabolism.

Thermic effect of food Your BMR rises after you eat because you use energy to eat, digest and metabolise the food you have just eaten. Hot spicy foods for example, foods containing chilli, horseradish and mustard can have a significant thermic effect.

Energy used during physical activity During strenuous or vigorous physical activity, our muscles may burn through as much as 3, kJ per hour. Metabolism and age-related weight gain Muscle tissue has a large appetite for kilojoules.

Hormonal disorders of metabolism Hormones help regulate our metabolism. Thyroid disorders include: Hypothyroidism underactive thyroid — the metabolism slows because the thyroid gland does not release enough hormones. Some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism include unusual weight gain, lethargy, depression and constipation.

Hyperthyroidism overactive thyroid — the gland releases larger quantities of hormones than necessary and speeds the metabolism. Some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased appetite, weight loss, nervousness and diarrhoea. Genetic disorders of metabolism Our genes are the blueprints for the proteins in our body, and our proteins are responsible for the digestion and metabolism of our food.

Some genetic disorders of metabolism include: Fructose intolerance — the inability to break down fructose, which is a type of sugar found in fruit, fruit juices, sugar for example, cane sugar , honey and certain vegetables. Galactosaemia — the inability to convert the carbohydrate galactose into glucose.

Galactose is not found by itself in nature. It is produced when lactose is broken down by the digestive system into glucose and galactose.

Sources of lactose include milk and milk products, such as yoghurt and cheese. Phenylketonuria PKU — the inability to convert the amino acid phenylalanine into tyrosine. High levels of phenylalanine in the blood can cause brain damage. AKA "nature's GLP-1" Say goodbye to the food noise and hello to reduced cravings.

Gut Health PCOS GMP Compliant Made in the USA Third-Party Tested. Supplement orders within the U. Delivery is guaranteed to customs in Canada and the UK but not necessarily through customs and customers may be required to pick up. Orders received on a business day by Noon EST and in-stock will be shipped that business day.

Orders received after Noon EST will be shipped the following business day. Any order placed Friday after Noon EST will ship out Monday. Orders ship standard ground. Subject to the terms of this return policy, unused supplements in original condition, within 30 days of purchase within the U.

at rootfunctionalmedicine. com may be returned by mail for a refund excluding shipping and handling charges. Contact us for specific return instructions at info rootfunctionalmedicine.

International purchases are not refundable. With the original receipt, within 30 days of purchase : A full refund of the original purchase amount will be credited to the original form of payment.

If the original payment was by gift card, a store credit will be issued. Digital products or downloads are not refundable. Berberine and ALA help activate adenosine mono-phosphate kinase AMPK , the master metabolic switch , which can improve metabolism , insulin sensitivity , and boost mitochondrial function.

Did we mention it stops the food noise in its tracks and supports weight loss? Erica Armstrong. Reviews 5. Details Enhances blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, and brain function Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels Balances the gut microbiome and improves digestion Provides powerful metabolic support for those who struggle with weight loss resistance.

This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Instructions Take 3 capsules once per day usually with the first meal of the day or as recommended by your health care professional.

Do NOT use this product in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before use if you are on any medications. Ingredients 3 capsules contain: Vitamin C as Ascorbyl Palmitate 10 mg Berberine Hydrochloride Hydrate 1 g Alpha Lipoic Acid mg Other Ingredients: Hypromellose Natural Vegetable Capsules , Microcrystalline Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate, and Silicon Dioxide.

View Facts Sheet. We are Root. We're a team of doctors and dietitians who solve hormone, gut, and autoimmune issues at the Root cause.