Metabolic drugs in cardiological practice

What is metabolism

Chemical reactions constantly occur in cells. Under the action of enzymes, some compounds supplied with food are broken down, while others are formed. This is the basis of the life of any organism. The combination of these reactions is called metabolism or metabolism.

The process consists of two stages:

• Catabolism (dissimilation) - complex molecules break down into simpler ones with the release of energy.
• Anabolism (plastic metabolism) - breakdown products formed at the previous stage are combined into new complex molecules.

Thus, under the influence of the hormone insulin, glucose breaks down into two molecules of lactate (lactic acid), carbon dioxide and water. This catabolic process is called glycolysis. If there is not enough glucose in the body (due to hunger), glucose can be restored. This is already an anabolic process - gluconeogenesis.

Metabolism and its effect on the body

If the weight stubbornly does not want to decrease, we often blame it on a slow metabolism or metabolism. Is it correct? Today we will find out this and tell you which measures will work more effectively if you want to speed up your metabolism.

Regarding the above statement, we are willing to argue: the fact is that even if you have a slow metabolism (metabolism), this does not mean at all that you are destined to be fat.

What is metabolism?

Essentially, metabolism is the rate at which the body converts nutrients in food into energy. It turns out that a person with a fast metabolism burns calories faster and, to some extent, may simply be less susceptible to excess weight. But there are many other factors superimposed here that will determine excess weight.

Your body type is a major factor in your metabolic rate. It is logical that the more body mass free of fat (muscles, bones, organs), the more active the metabolism will be. Heredity and hormones are important factors determining metabolism.

What kind of metabolism are we born with: slow or fast?

Experts in this field say that metabolism is determined at birth. But remember that if you have a naturally slow metabolism, this is not a guarantee that you are destined to be fat. If you increase muscle mass, your metabolism will also speed up.

According to statistics, women after 30 tend to decrease their metabolism by an average of 2-3% over six months. The reason is simple - lack of any physical activity and loss of muscle mass.

Can exercise affect your metabolism?

Experts insist that regular exercise is the main way to regulate metabolism. But not the only one. Remember that physical activity significantly increases the level of calories consumed by muscles. During training, the metabolic rate increases by 20-30% and gradually levels out after training.

How do fats, proteins and carbohydrates affect metabolism?

Most scientific studies confirm that metabolism is affected by how many calories you consume. When the level of calories consumed decreases, the body also reduces metabolism - it is logical that the body saves that small part of the energy that remains.

What supplements and magic pills can speed up my metabolism?

Should we believe advertising claims about the ability of dietary supplements to promote weight loss? We believe that it has its effect only in combination - that is, you should not hope that by taking dietary supplements and not playing sports you will achieve great results.

m-synephrine is a chemical used to burn fat. Synephrine has gained immense popularity in the world of sports nutrition as an alternative to ephedrine (a substance that is illegal in most countries). Slimtabs is a dietary supplement for weight loss based on synephrine, vitamins and alpha-lipoic acid.

Omega-3 is a group of unsaturated fatty acids that includes 11 polyunsaturated fatty acids, 3 of which (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) are essential (not reproduced in the body in the required volume).

Without a sufficient supply of Omega-3 fatty acids in the body, it is impossible to achieve the desired results in sports, be it losing weight, gaining muscle mass or increasing strength.

Ginger also has fat burning properties. It has been proven that ginger can be used for weight loss, but only as an aid. In general, ginger has a very wide range of pharmacological effects; it has a beneficial effect on many organs and systems of the human body, including the lungs, gastrointestinal tract (GIT), liver, cardiovascular and genitourinary systems. The best and proven way to speed up metabolism is an active lifestyle, and the right combination of regular exercise and proper use of dietary supplements.

What is basal exchange

This is the rate of conversion of food into energy necessary to maintain minimal life activity. It shows how many calories the body needs to stay healthy at an air temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and in the absence of physical activity.

This indicator is determined based on:

• age;
• growth;
• weight;
• floor.

There are many methods for calculating it. The most popular formula is Harris and Benedict: 66.5 + (13.75 x weight in kg) + (5 x height in cm) - (6.75 x age in years) for men and 66.5 + (9.55 x weight in kg) + (1.8 x height in cm) - (4.7 x age in years) for women.

Basal metabolism accounts for up to 75% of calories consumed. Another 10% is burned directly during the digestion process. The rest goes away during physical activity.

Why does metabolism slow down?

The faster the metabolism occurs in the human body, the faster the microelements supplied with food are processed. If it slows down, the organs do not receive energy on time. And fats, instead of being burned, are stored in the form of extra pounds. This happens for various reasons:

• age-related changes (metabolism slows down over the years);
• hereditary predisposition;
• endocrine pathologies (unsatisfactory condition of the thyroid gland, pancreas, adrenal glands);
• unhealthy diet (complete refusal of carbohydrates, protein deficiency);
• prolonged fasting;
• lack of fluid;
• deficiency of vitamin D, iron, calcium;
• stress;
• intoxication (including alcohol).

Nothing can be done about the first two factors. You can speed up your metabolism by influencing everything else. A healthy lifestyle is the key to normal metabolism. If you manage to fix it, everything will be fine with your figure.

Age-related features of metabolism

The designation “metabolism” can characterize the phenomenon of metabolism between a person and the environment, which is a natural process and the foundation of the life activity of any living organism. It is responsible for cell growth, their reproduction, and allows organisms to maintain their structure.

Metabolism has two stages: catabolism and anabolism, the work of which is coordinated with each other in a certain sequence. Catabolism is, in simple words, “energy metabolism,” or the breakdown of complex substances into simple ones, as well as their oxidation, which results in the release of energy. It is also called dissimilation.

Anabolism is aimed at the formation of high-molecular compounds, in parallel it is called “assimilation” or “plastic exchange”.

Ready-made organic substances enter the body with food, but their use requires preliminary splitting into elementary particles due to the need for the body to use its own proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Thus, the existence and necessary restructuring of the body without metabolism becomes impossible.

During the baby's development, the greatest changes are associated with anabolism rather than catabolism. It is anabolism that includes the following synthetic functions:

1) Growth synthesis - growth of the body due to cell division and proliferation of protein mass, distributed throughout all organs;

2) Functional and protective synthesis - the formation of proteins for other systems associated with fermentation and the hormonal environment;

3) Regenerative synthesis - associated with the processes of restoration of damaged tissues due to injuries of any kind or malnutrition;

4) Synthesis of self-renewal - triggered in connection with dissimilation, during which the destruction of components of the internal environment can occur.

Weakening metabolic phases occur throughout individual development. The intrauterine period is characterized by the most accelerated rate of development. In the future, it is especially important for a growing organism to obtain essential amino acids, the absence of which can lead to delayed growth and development. The lack of essential amino acids is not so critical, since their conversion is possible from essential ones. Both types are found in complete proteins.

In the body of every person, genes contain a growth program, after which gradual withering and aging occurs, due to which metabolism also slows down. You can notice this after 30 years, but this process is most visible after 40. With age, metabolism slows down the rate of reactions in all groups of substances - fats, proteins, carbohydrates. Moreover, in tissues and cells the ratio of useful substances - minerals, vitamins, water - changes.

It's never too late to know how to improve your body's metabolism - whether you're 20 or 50. But it's equally important to be able to recognize when it's needed. The body, as a rule, itself prompts with the following symptoms:

• digestive disorders;
• unstable weight;
• brittleness of hair and nails;
• muscle pain without physical activity;
• skin rashes;
• swelling;
• more frequent reasons to visit the dentist.

Metabolic and energy disorders at an early age can be safely attributed to frequent cases. Occurring in children, they largely lay the foundation for the state of health and the quality of their entire subsequent life. That is why it is important not to delay going to the doctor if certain disorders are noticed in the growing body, indicating poor metabolism. During the period of natural decline of hormonal function in the female body, sometimes the first manifestations will be metabolic disorders. Timely diagnosis of this condition and correction of changes leads to a slowdown in the aging process, activation of metabolism and prolongs youth

Is accelerating your metabolism harmful?

We found that slowing down chemical reactions leads to cells not receiving nutrition in a timely manner. Because of this, dysfunctions of various body systems begin. Therefore, slow metabolism needs to be accelerated. But this also cannot be done indefinitely.

Deviation from the norm in any direction is not useful. People also suffer from too fast metabolism. They may have reduced body weight, even emaciation. In addition, the speed of metabolic processes affects life expectancy.

If they occur too quickly, cell division also accelerates. Their resource is not unlimited. The faster they complete the division cycle, the faster a person ages. Accordingly, life expectancy is reduced. Therefore, you cannot overdo it in accelerating metabolic processes.

Reasons for slow metabolism

A person's lifestyle has a direct impact on metabolism. Any organism adapts to the given conditions as much as possible - it necessarily stores all excess food in the so-called “fat depot”, which will be used in case of hunger or during increased physical activity. But hunger still doesn’t set in, and moving around the apartment from the sofa to the refrigerator becomes the only “sport.” Naturally, fat continues to be deposited - first on the waist and abdomen, and then wherever possible.

It is quite possible to break this vicious circle. To do this, you need to develop some healthy habits, as well as reconsider your views on the principles of nutrition. What you should not do is go on a diet, go on hunger strikes and expose your body to other similar stress. The result of such activity is always the same - the diet ends sooner or later, and the body stores the recently lost fat at a double rate, and the metabolism slows down even more.

Methods to speed up metabolism

When people want to lose weight, they do not always think that they need to normalize their metabolism. Exhausting yourself with physical exercise, but at the same time eating incorrectly, will not achieve the desired goal. A strict diet can even lead to the opposite effect. In starvation conditions, the body will begin to rapidly store nutrients, and the weight will only increase.

So metabolism needs to be dealt with first. Most methods are available at home:

• normalize diet;
• reduce sugar and salt intake;
• lead a moderately active lifestyle;
• to refuse from bad habits;
• sleep at least seven hours a day;
• drink enough water;
• Be outside more often, soak up the sun's rays.

Those who want to improve their metabolism should promptly treat the slightest disruptions of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland plays a major role in metabolism. Its hypofunction inhibits metabolic processes.

Proper nutrition to normalize metabolic processes

A reasonable attitude towards your own nutrition allows you to establish and, if necessary, restore your metabolism. It should be regular, that is, every day at the same time you should eat approximately the same amount.

Frequency - at least three times a day, but it is better to divide the daily diet into five to six doses. Small portions are processed faster, and cells do not experience starvation during the day.

The last meal should be no later than three hours before bedtime. When you sleep, your metabolism naturally slows down, so you should not put extra stress on your body. The mythical rule “do not eat after six” will only do harm if a person does not go to bed at 21:00. Hunger will be felt more acutely, and the body will go into reserve accumulation mode.

How to speed up the metabolism in the body

To improve your body's metabolic rate, follow these guidelines:

• The right diet is important to speed up your metabolism. It is recommended to take food at short intervals. If the body does not receive calories for a long time, chemical processes are inhibited, and the body begins to work in economy mode. Such reactions are laid down by nature so that in case of hunger the body has enough energy for a long time. Therefore, hunger must be prevented. Forget about strict diets. It is recommended to eat frequently and in small portions, every 2-3 hours. Due to the regular intake of nutrients into the body, it will actively and systematically digest them.
• The sauna is useful for metabolic processes. An increase in temperature activates all processes in the body. Sweating helps remove excess water and toxins, and warming enhances blood circulation and the functioning of internal organs and systems.
• Also, to speed up your metabolism, use a contrast shower.
• Increase the amount of fiber in your diet. Dietary fiber activates intestinal function. Their sources are vegetables, fruits, and grains. Eating bran is also beneficial.

Once a week, it is useful to do a fasting day to speed up your metabolism. It can be based on kefir, apples, porridge without salt and oil, or just water.

Products that improve metabolism

It is important not only how to eat, but also what. Certain products can solve problems that disrupt the normal metabolic process. Let's look at where you can get the elements necessary for efficient metabolism.

ElementFoods from which they can be takenProtein

• eggs (especially hard-boiled ones);
• meat (beef and lean pork);
• bird;
• liver;
• fish;
• legumes;
• nuts;
• cheeses.

Healthy carbohydrates

• rice;
• cereal porridge;
• cabbage;
• zucchini;
• pepper;
• onion;
• mushrooms;
• raisins and dried apricots.

Vitamin D

• fish (salmon, chum salmon, herring);
• Cod liver;
• oysters;
• mushrooms;
• goat milk;
• egg yolks;
• butter.

Iron

• offal (liver, kidneys, liver);
• seaweed;
• meat (beef);
• nuts;
• cocoa;
• sesame;
• quince;
• morel mushroom;
• wheat bran.

Calcium

• milk;
• cottage cheese;
• fish;
• nuts;
• cabbage;
• cauliflower and broccoli;
• hard cheeses;
• sesame;
• greenery;
• legumes;
• grape.

What foods are best to exclude?

If there are foods that speed up metabolism, there are also those that slow it down. For those wishing to normalize the process, it is better to avoid using:

• simple carbohydrates - found in potatoes, bananas, melons, corn, flour products, sweets;
• trans fats – present in semi-finished products, sausages, mayonnaise, canned foods;
• artificial sweeteners;
• alcoholic drinks.

The most controversial foods are raw vegetables. On the one hand, they are rich in microelements that are important for saturating cells. On the other hand, they are capable of inhibiting metabolic processes due to the plant fiber they contain.

To achieve balance, nutritionists recommend boiling some vegetables. You can safely eat raw those that contain carbohydrates, vitamins, and iron. And those without metabolic accelerators are better to boil.

How to improve metabolism and lose weight

Metabolic disorders often cause excess weight. Fat deposition and muscle gain are similar anabolic processes. They differ from a catabolic point of view. Accelerating breakdown is beneficial for losing weight, but becomes an obstacle to building muscle.

Therefore, athletes are recommended to slow down their metabolism, and those who want to lose weight, on the contrary, need to speed it up. Help with this:

• warming up before the first meal;
• intense aerobic exercise throughout the day;
• drinking large amounts of water;
• adding spices to food;
• drinking green tea;
• relaxing activities to reduce stress.

Sometimes, to restore shape, it is enough to correct metabolic processes. This will help you lose weight without health-destroying diets and extreme stress. However, this will work for a healthy person.

Drugs that speed up metabolism

Let us note right away: you should not try to establish metabolism through medication without the help of an endocrinologist. All drugs are somehow related to hormones. Uncontrolled use can upset the balance.

By prescribing drugs that improve metabolism, the doctor seeks to cure the disease that slowed it down (hypothyroidism, calcium deficiency, iodine deficiency, and others). There is also a group of medications that stimulate metabolic processes - metabolic drugs:

• anabolic steroids – stimulate protein synthesis;
• hypoglycemic agents – promote the breakdown of glucose;
• lipid-lowering drugs – regulate cholesterol and phospholipid levels.

This group also includes enzymes and antienzymes. Their intake replenishes the deficiency or reduces the increased concentration of catalysts necessary for metabolic processes.

Diet to speed up metabolism

An important point is a diet that accelerates metabolism. This may not be a specific diet, but simply proper, balanced and nutritious nutrition. It is recommended to build a diet on the following products:

• Eggs are rich in vitamin D;
• Citrus fruits, especially grapefruit, which promotes active fat burning and normalization of blood sugar levels;
• Protein sources: lean meat and fish;
• Green vegetables that saturate the body with a number of important minerals;
• Fermented milk products are rich in calcium;
• Green tea and coffee are also useful for speeding up metabolic processes. They are rich in caffeine and antioxidants, giving vigor and energy.
• To speed up metabolism, you can use spices: cinnamon, ginger, curry, red pepper. They not only normalize metabolic processes, but also make it possible to make the diet more varied.

Be sure to eat breakfast - this helps speed up your metabolism to the limit in the morning, while the absence of breakfast significantly slows it down. The ideal breakfast is porridge, to which you can add fruits, berries, dried fruits, and nuts. It is useful to add hot seasonings to first and second courses.

Meals should be fractional. Eat often and in small portions. When you feel hungry between meals, you can eat cottage cheese, fruits, and yogurt.

To speed up your metabolism, it is recommended to add protein foods to your diet. To process them, the body requires a large amount of energy. A piece of fish or chicken breast is the perfect dinner.

If you previously adhered to a strict diet, you need to switch to a nutritious diet gradually. If the calorie content of the diet was less than 1200 kcal, then first you need to add 50 kcal every day, and then 100 kcal is added per week.

Another point is to drink enough fluid. Water is a natural metabolic stimulant that contains no calories. Try to start the day with a glass of clean water and drink it throughout the day.

What happens if metabolic disorders are not eliminated?

Restoring your metabolism is necessary not only to lose weight. Excess weight is just one of the possible threats. Although it subsequently leads to various diseases.

The metabolic disorder itself leads to the body not receiving the required substances. As a result, the risk increases:

• diabetes mellitus;
• iron deficiency anemia;
• digestive disorders;
• infertility;
• slowing down the removal of toxins with subsequent intoxication;
• dystrophic processes of the musculoskeletal system;
• developmental delays (in children and adolescents).

Ideally, it is better to avoid metabolic disorders altogether. There are many ways to prevent them, which anyone can do. But we cannot influence some causes of such deviations (heredity or age). Therefore, it is worth listening carefully to the body’s signals in order to recognize a slowdown in metabolism in the early stages.

How to test yourself for a predisposition to a slow metabolism

To figure out whether you should be concerned that your metabolism isn't working properly, you need to honestly answer a few simple questions.

1. Is there enough fiber in my diet - raw vegetables, fruits and dried fruits, cereals, whole grains, with every grain of which the body receives a lot of useful substances?
2. Do I drink at least 1 liter of clean water per day (ideally 1.5 - 2 liters)?
3. Do I walk outside every day for at least 30 minutes and in a good mood?
4. Do I eat fish more than once a week?

If the answer to at least one of these questions is “no,” then it’s time to change your habits. It is in negative answers that the reason for the slowdown in metabolism lies. The following tips will help you find out what you need to change in your life.

How to understand that it's time to improve your metabolism

Knowing how to improve metabolism in the body is useful. But it is equally important to be able to recognize when it is necessary. The body itself will tell you that it is not receiving enough useful elements through:

• digestive disorders for no apparent reason;
• weight fluctuations;
• brittleness of hair and nails;
• muscle pain not associated with physical activity;
• skin rash;
• swelling of the face and legs;
• more frequent reasons to visit the dentist.

Don't think that it will go away on its own or that it's not scary. It is better to immediately contact an endocrinologist and get tested. The main emphasis is on biochemical blood tests and tests for hormone concentrations. The doctor will tell you which ones based on the accompanying symptoms. Further consultations with related specialists are possible: gynecologist, gastroenterologist, hematologist, rheumatologist.

Tokareva Lyudmila Georgievna, therapist, medical offices 36.6

THERE ARE CONTRAINDICATIONS, BEFORE USE YOU MUST CONSULT WITH A SPECIALIST

Causes of metabolic disorders

Problems associated with various metabolic disorders in the body are divided into external and internal .

External reasons include:

• entry of toxic substances into the body,
• imbalance in nutrition,
• the appearance of unfavorable gases in the atmosphere,
• significant shifts in the saturation of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere,
• penetration of unfavorable viruses into the body.

Internal factors usually include:

• genetic changes in the synthesis of enzymes, immune proteins, and other components.

There is also a slowdown in metabolic rate in older people.