Do you have enough energy during the day? Cellular Metabolism is Key
In order to have enough energy to live we need the right nutrients and cellular energy production. Hormones are also involved in the metabolic process via enzymes that increase or decrease biochemical processes in our body
Let ‘s review some key concepts:
• Cellular metabolism and wellness start with nutrition: we need to ingest the right nutrients, digest the food, absorb the nutrients into the blood, absorb the nutrients into the cells and make ATP (the body’s energy currency). This is why digestion and eating hygiene are essential.
• Our cell membranes are essential to transport nutrients. These membranes are made of cholesterol (yes! we need it) and phospholipids. We need the right balance of Omega 3s and Omega 6s.
• We generate energy from: proteins, carbohydrates and fats. ATP is generated in the Mitochondria of cells via cellular respiration.
• Glucose Catabolism: Approximately 50% of the energy in glucose is converted into ATP; the remainder is consumed and released as heat. Three-step process: Glycolysis, the Citric Acid cycle, and the Electron
Transport Chain. From 1 glucose molecule, we get
theoretically 36 or 38 ATP molecules.
• Fatty Acid Catabolism: Each fatty acid molecule produces about 42 ATP (40% more than glucose).
In lypolysis, enzymes separate glycerol from its 3 fatty acids in triglycerides & makes free fatty acids and glycerol available for cellular absorption/catabolism. Beta-Oxidation breaks down fatty acids to form Acetyl-CoA (in mitochondria). The remaining 2-step process is essentially the same as for carbohydrates. During times of high Beta-Oxidation, liver mitochondria can produce ketones which are used as a glucose substitute in other cells (it could happen both in times of low blood sugar or high blood sugar).
• Key Nutrients for Cellular Metabolism are: Magnesium, L-Carnitine, B Vitamins, Alpha Liopic Acid, CoQ10, Glutathione, and let’s not forget Oxygen!
• Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and Toxins (ie. fluorine, heavy metals) affect Cellular Metabolism
• Insulin Resistance impairs the process by which glucose gets into the cells for energy. It is the beginning of Type II Diabetes.
• Thyroid controls the body’s metabolism. Low thyroid impacts ATP production. Correcting thyroid imbalances fixes problems with cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin resistance. Acute dieting decreases T3 & T4 cellular uptake. Stress (via cortisol) increases conversion of T4 to Reverse T3, which is an inactive form of T3 and also impairs cellular uptake of Free T3.
Do you feel exhausted all the time? Or do you have more energy maybe when you wake up or in the evening? Is it really low energy, or you are sleepy? Does it feel like your whole body is exhausted or more your arms and legs? Is your energy higher before a meal , or after?
Working with a Functional Medicine Health Coach can help you assess your personal situation and understand the root cause of your disease dynamics. Feel free to contact me to schedule an Initial Consultation.
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