The Truth About Metabolism Supplements
The human body is constantly striving to maintain its optimal metabolic state. If left to its own devices, the body’s metabolic machinery will naturally self-correct and return to normal over time. However, in cases of chronic under- or over-eating, persistent nutrient deficiencies, or the stress of an intense workout regime, the body’s metabolic machinery can sometimes become impaired.
In order to recover from a metabolic derangement and successfully re-initiate the body’s natural metabolic balance, it’s advisable to supplement one’s diet with a high-quality blend of dietary supplements known as a “metabolic support” intervention.
The primary function of a good metabolic support regimen is to increase the body’s sensitivity to its natural endocrine and dietary signals. This helps to re-establish a body’s normal metabolic rhythms and optimize its use of ingested nutrients.
In many cases, a single high-quality supplement will be sufficient in helping to restore the body’s natural metabolic balance. However, in the event that targeted metabolic intervention is required, it’s advisable to supplement for the long term.
What is metabolism?
Metabolism is the process of converting stored nutrients into energy and new cells.
An individual’s metabolism will naturally fluctuate throughout the day depending on the time of day, their current state of health, and their overall diet.
A healthy metabolism should increase throughout the morning and decrease throughout the evening.
When a person is under-eating, their metabolism will naturally slow down. The slower metabolism will result in a lower resting metabolic rate (i.e. the amount of energy the body consumes while at rest), which can lead to weight gain.
On the other hand, when a person over-eats, their metabolism will naturally speed up. The faster metabolism will result in a higher resting metabolic rate, which can lead to weight loss.
Why is metabolism important?
As we’ve seen, metabolism plays an important role in the energy balance equation. However, it also has a significant impact on numerous other areas of health and wellbeing.
The following are just a few examples of metabolic processes that are essential to our overall good health:
- Cellular health: A healthy metabolism is essential for optimal cellular health. Cellular metabolism is responsible for the production of energy required to power all biological processes, including respiration, cellular respiration, Krebs cycle, protein synthesis, and DNA replication.
- Metabolic function: Our metabolic functions are also highly dependent on cellular health. They include the control of body temperature, hydration of the body, electrolyte and fluid balance, digestion and absorption of nutrients, and chemical reactions that generate waste products and regulate emotions and stress.
- Immunity: The metabolic health of our immune system is also crucial for optimal immunity. Metabolic function is required for immune cell proliferation and differentiation (production of antibodies), as well as for the production of cytokines, proteins that regulate immune function, and for the regulation of stress hormone levels.
- Blood sugar: Our metabolism also plays a key role in regulating blood sugar levels by producing insulin or glucagon. Over-eating will result in elevated insulin, but decreased glucagon, which can result in elevated blood sugar levels.
- Insulin sensitivity: A low metabolism can also lead to insulin resistance, a condition characterized by a chronically elevated insulin level that does not result in a decrease in blood sugar level. Therefore, metabolism is an important factor to consider when trying to achieve a healthy, insulin-sensitized blood sugar level.
- Weight loss: If you’re looking to lose weight, your metabolism is a critical factor in determining the amount of calories you burn. Plus, a low metabolism can make it more challenging to consistently stay active and increase your physical activity levels.
What goes into a good metabolism supplement?
While there is no one definitive answer to this question, a good metabolic supplement will make sure to include the following:
- High-quality ingredients: In order for a supplement to be effective in helping you to boost your metabolism, it must be made with high-quality ingredients.
- Full-spectrum of activities: A good metabolism supplement should include multiple activities that work through different metabolic pathways.
- Supportive dosage: The ideal metabolic support supplement should contain a supportive dosage of its ingredients. This refers to the amount of each ingredient present in the supplement.
- Well-researched: Finally, a good metabolism supplement should be well-researched. This refers to the extent of clinical testing that was performed on the product before it was sold to the public.
Some examples of metabolism supplements
Many people take supplements for the purpose of boosting their metabolism. Some of the most popular metabolism supplements include:
- Hoodia Gordonii: This herb is native to the deserts of North Africa. It’s been used in traditional medicine as a appetite suppressant and to aid in weight loss for hundreds of years.
- Green Tea: Green tea is one of the most popular metabolism-boosting supplements on the market. A single cup of green tea can boast a wide range of metabolic activities, including weight loss, maintenance of a healthy body weight, and increased energy levels.
- Garcinia Cambogia: This natural fruit extract has been used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia as a weight loss supplement for hundreds of years.
The truth about supplements for boosting metabolism
While supplements can be beneficial in many ways, they are not a replacement for a healthy diet and regular physical activity.
A high-quality supplement can be used as an addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it will never be able to fully substitute for the important metabolic functions that occur naturally when you eat real food.
As a result, the majority of individuals who use supplements for the purpose of boosting their metabolism end up gaining weight over time. In fact, one recent systematic review of clinical trials found that weight loss from taking dietary supplements is “not significant”.
Therefore, to maximize metabolic function, it’s crucial for individuals to get their nutrients from nutrient-dense whole foods, such as vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein-containing foods like fish, poultry, and egg whites.
The bottom line
The human body is a wondrous machine capable of incredible feats of strength and resilience. However, it’s important to remember that it’s only as strong as the sum of its parts.
A weak physique can’t be built through a single supplement, and a strong metabolism can’t be artificially stimulated through a metabolic support intervention.
Instead, it’s crucial to make sure that you get your nutrition from nutrient-dense whole foods, eat a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and make time for rest and relaxation in your daily schedule.
In summary, your greatest asset is your body. It’s only as strong as the sum of its parts, but it can be built up and cultivated into a weapon of great personal power.