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How Human Metabolism Works?

Metabolism is how your body turns food into energy. When you eat, your body breaks down food into smaller pieces like sugar, fat, and protein. Your body uses these pieces to give you energy and keep you healthy.

 

Metabolism works in two steps: catabolism and anabolism. Catabolism breaks food into energy your body needs to move, breathe, and think. Anabolism uses that energy to build and fix things in your body, like when you grow or heal a cut.

 

Your metabolism is different from others and depends on things like your age, size, activity, and even your genes. Some people have a fast metabolism and burn energy quickly, while others have a slower one.

 

Even when you’re resting, your metabolism keeps working. It helps your heart beat, your brain think, and your body stay alive!

What Is A Metabolic Disorder?

A metabolic disorder happens when your body has trouble using food for energy. Normally, your body breaks down what you eat into sugars, fats, and proteins, which it uses to keep you healthy and active. This process is called metabolism. If something goes wrong in this process, it can cause problems, and that’s what we call a metabolic disorder.

 

Metabolic disorders can happen for different reasons. Sometimes, they’re caused by genes you inherit from your parents. Other times, they’re linked to diseases, lifestyle choices, or your environment. For example, diabetes is a common metabolic disorder where your body struggles to manage sugar in your blood. Another example is a thyroid problem, where your body might burn energy too fast or too slow.

 

These disorders can affect your energy, weight, and even how you feel every day. You might feel tired, gain or lose weight without trying, or have other symptoms like weakness or headaches. The good news is that with the right care, many metabolic disorders can be managed. Doctors can help by giving you a treatment plan, which might include changes to your diet, exercise, or medication. Learning about your condition is the first step towards feeling better and staying healthy.

Metabolic Disorder Symptoms

Metabolic disorders can cause many different symptoms, depending on the type of problem. These symptoms happen because the body has trouble turning food into energy or managing things like sugar, fats, or proteins.

Common Symptoms

  • Feeling Tired: You might feel tired or low on energy because your body isn’t making enough energy.

  • Weight Changes: Gaining or losing weight suddenly, even without changing your eating habits, can be a sign.

  • Stomach Problems: Some people feel sick, vomit, or have diarrhoea because their body can’t process certain foods.

  • Skin Changes: Dark spots, rashes, or yellowish skin might appear with some conditions, like hemochromatosis.

  • Weakness Or Pain: You might feel weak or have pain in your muscles, bones, or joints.

Serious Symptoms

  • Development Problems: Some disorders, like PKU, can cause learning or growth issues if not treated early.

  • Organ Damage: Long-term problems, like damage to the liver or kidneys, can happen with disorders like diabetes.

  • Nerve Problems: You might feel numbness, tingling, or have trouble seeing if the condition gets worse.

If you notice these symptoms, talk to a doctor. Getting help early can prevent serious problems!

Types of Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders happen when the body struggles to process food into energy. There are many types, ranging from common conditions like diabetes to rare genetic issues. Here are some key examples:

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common metabolic disorders and occurs when the body cannot regulate blood sugar levels properly. The main types include:

  • Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. It requires daily insulin treatment.

  • Type 2 Diabetes: The body becomes unable to use insulin properly, often linked to lifestyle factors like diet.

  • Gestational Diabetes: Happens during pregnancy and can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

Gaucher’s Disease

This rare genetic disorder causes fatty substances to build up in organs like the liver and spleen, leading to tiredness, pain, and swelling. Enzyme replacement therapy is the main treatment.

Hemochromatosis

This condition leads to excess iron in the body, causing joint pain, weakness, and skin darkening. Regular blood removal (phlebotomy) helps manage the iron levels.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

People with PKU cannot process certain amino acids, leading to brain damage if untreated. Managing protein intake helps prevent complications.

Mitochondrial Disorders

These affect the mitochondria, the energy producers in cells. They can cause muscle weakness, developmental delays, or diabetes. These disorders are often inherited.

Each disorder requires specific treatments, and early diagnosis is key to better management.

What Causes A Metabolic Disorder?

Metabolic disorders happen when your body can’t turn food into energy the right way. There are several reasons why this can happen.

Genetic Causes

Some metabolic disorders are passed down from parents to their children. These happen because of changes (mutations) in certain genes that control how the body works. For example, disorders like Gaucher’s disease or Phenylketonuria (PKU) are caused by genetic problems.

Unhealthy Lifestyle

Things like eating too much junk food, not exercising, or smoking can lead to metabolic problems. For example, eating too much sugar or unhealthy fats can make it harder for your body to manage blood sugar, which can lead to type 2 diabetes.

Environmental Causes

Sometimes, being around harmful chemicals or toxins can mess up how your body processes food and nutrients. These things can hurt your cells and make your metabolism slow down.

Other Health Problems

Some disorders are connected to other illnesses, like thyroid problems, liver damage, or hormone issues. For instance, hemochromatosis happens when the body collects too much iron, which can come from diet or medical conditions.

 

By understanding these causes, doctors can help people stay healthier and manage their conditions better.

Metabolic Disorders Treatment

Treating metabolic disorders depends on the type of problem and how serious it is. The goal is to manage symptoms, fix imbalances, and prevent further issues. Here are some common treatments:

Medicine

Medicines can help control symptoms or replace missing things your body needs. For example, people with diabetes take insulin to control blood sugar. Enzyme replacement therapy is used in conditions like Gaucher’s disease to help break down fats.

Special Diets

Changing what you eat is important for many metabolic disorders. For example, people with PKU must avoid certain foods with a specific amino acid. Those with glucose galactose malabsorption avoid sugars like lactose. A tailored diet can improve symptoms and health.

Blood Removal

For disorders like hemochromatosis, where too much iron builds up in the body, doctors might remove blood to lower iron levels.

Healthy Habits

Exercising, eating nutritious foods, and avoiding smoking can help manage some disorders, especially type 2 diabetes. These changes support your overall health.

Regular Doctor Visits

Seeing your doctor often helps track how you’re doing and adjust your treatment plan if needed. Starting treatment early and staying consistent can make a big difference in feeling better.

 

Mobi Doctor can help you manage metabolic disorders with ease. Our online specialists provide personalised treatment plans, expert advice, and ongoing support.

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