Hormones

Hormones are chemical messengers that travel through the bloodstream to control many of the body’s functions. They are produced by glands in the endocrine system, including the thyroid, adrenal glands, and pituitary gland. Some of the most important hormones include insulin, testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol.

Hormones play a role in a wide range of bodily functions, including growth, development, reproduction, metabolism, mood and even feelings also. They can also affect our physical appearance, energy levels, and sleep patterns.

Daily Average This Small Amounts of Hormones are made in Human Body Yet They Control the Functioning of Entire Human Body.

Growth hormone: 0.7–1.2 micrograms (mcg)

Thyroid hormone: 80–120 micrograms (mcg)

Insulin: 3–5 microunits (mU)

Cortisol: 20–25 micrograms (mcg)

Estrogen: 25–30 picograms (pg)

Testosterone: 5–10 nanograms (ng)

  • Picogram (pg): A picogram is equal to one trillionth of a gram.
  • Nanogram (ng): A nanogram is equal to one billionth of a gram.

Insulin: Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It helps the body to use glucose for energy. When insulin levels are high, the body is more likely to store fat. This is because insulin tells the cells to take in glucose, and when there is too much insulin, the cells become resistant to it. As a result, the glucose builds up in the blood and can be stored as fat.

On the Other Hand, When Insulin Levels are Too Low, the body can’t get the glucose it needs for energy. This can lead to symptoms such as hunger, fatigue, and shakiness. In severe cases, it can even lead to a diabetic coma.

When people eat sugary foods, insulin levels rise. That’s why Diabetes and Obesity are interrelated. Obesity is one of the Main Cause after genetics for Diabetes.

Thyroid hormones: Thyroid hormones help to regulate the body’s metabolism. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the body’s metabolism slows down and it becomes more difficult to lose weight. This is because the body needs less energy to function when thyroid hormone levels are low.

Hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, can lead to weight gain because of imbalanced metabolism.

Cortisol: Cortisol is a stress hormone. When cortisol levels are high, it can lead to weight gain, especially around the abdomen. This is because cortisol can increase appetite and make people do unconscious eating and make it more difficult to lose weight.

Cortisol can reduce muscle mass. Reduction in muscle mass leads to reduced thermogenesis and this can make it more difficult to burn calories and lose weight.

Estrogen: Estrogen is female sex hormone that is produced by the ovaries. It plays a role in a number of functions, including reproduction, bone health, and metabolism. Estrogen levels can fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle and can affect weight loss.

Testosterone: Testosterone is Male Sex hormone that is produced by the testes. It plays a role in a number of functions, including sex drive, muscle growth, and metabolism. Testosterone levels can decline with age, which can make it more difficult to lose weight.

Growth hormone: Growth hormone is a hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland. It helps to build muscle and bone, and it can also help with weight loss. However, growth hormone levels decline with age, which can make it more difficult to lose weight.

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): IGF-1 is a hormone that is similar to growth hormone. It helps to regulate metabolism and can affect weight gain. IGF-1 levels can increase with obesity, which can make it more difficult to lose weight.

Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that is produced by the pineal gland. It helps to regulate sleep. Low levels of melatonin have been linked to weight gain. Some studies have shown that taking melatonin supplements can help with weight loss.

Adipokines: Adipokines are hormones that are produced by fat cells. They can affect appetite, metabolism, and inflammation. Some adipokines, such as leptin and Adiponectin, have been linked to obesity.

Leptin: Leptin is a hormone that is produced by fat cells. It signals to the brain that the body is full. When leptin levels are high, the brain stops sending signals to eat. However, in people with obesity, leptin levels can become resistant to the brain’s signals. This can lead to overeating and weight gain.

Ghrelin: Ghrelin is a hormone that is produced by the stomach. It sends signals to the brain that tell the body that it is hungry. Ghrelin levels increase before meals and decrease after meals.

Adiponectin: Adiponectin is a hormone that is produced by fat cells. It helps to regulate metabolism and reduce inflammation. Adiponectin levels are lower in people with obesity, which can make it more difficult to lose weight.

Eating Healthy Diets, Regular Exercise and Active Life Style, Getting Enough Sleep, Managing Stress Levels, Avoiding Some Unhealthy Habits and Some Supplements like Zinc, Chromium, Magnesium etc. are Best Way to Keep Your Hormones Well Balanced to Have Proper Functioning of Human Body’s Vital Systems.

Lipolysis

Lipolysis is the process by which the body breaks down fat cells to release free fatty acids and glycerol. It is a vital process for maintaining energy levels and regulating blood sugar. It is also important for weight loss.

When you eat less food than your body needs, it breaks down fat cells to release energy. This process is called lipolysis. The free fatty acids that are released from fat cells are transported to the mitochondria, where they are broken down for energy.

Lipolysis is a very efficient process, and it can produce a lot of energy from a small amount of fat. It is also a major source of energy during exercise.

So, if you are able to use the stored or accumulated fat in your body, it will not only reduce the fat but also give more energy to your body.

If We Go in Little More Details Then Lipolysis Process can be divided in 2 Stages:

Hormonal stimulation: Hormones such as adrenaline, noradrenaline, and glucagon trigger the release of enzymes called lipases. These enzymes break down the fat cells, releasing free fatty acids and glycerol.

Adrenaline: Adrenaline is released in response to stress, exercise, and low blood sugar levels. It triggers the release of lipases from fat cells.

Noradrenaline: Noradrenaline is also released in response to stress and exercise. It has a similar effect to adrenaline.

Glucagon: Glucagon is a hormone that is released by the pancreas when blood sugar levels are low. It triggers the breakdown of glycogen in the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream. However, if blood sugar levels are still low, glucagon can also trigger lipolysis to release free fatty acids into the bloodstream.

Beta-oxidation: The free fatty acids that are released from fat cells are transported to the mitochondria, where they are broken down for energy. This process is called beta-oxidation. Beta-oxidation is a complex process that involves a series of chemical reactions.

The first step in beta-oxidation is the addition of a hydrogen atom to the free fatty acid. This is catalysed by an enzyme called fatty acid CoA ligase. The resulting compound is called fatty acyl-CoA.

The fatty acyl-CoA is then broken down into two-carbon fragments by a series of enzymes. These enzymes are called β-oxidation enzymes.

The two-carbon fragments are then further broken down to produce acetyl-CoA. Acetyl-CoA can then be used for energy or converted to glucose.

Benefits of Enhanced Lipolysis:

When the body uses stored or accumulated fat for energy, it not only reduces the fat but also gives more energy to the body. Here are some of the benefits of enhanced lipolysis:

  • It helps to maintain energy levels.
  • It helps to regulate blood sugar levels.
  • It can help with weight loss.
  • It can help to improve athletic performance.
  • It can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes.

Factors Good for Lipolysis:

Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and high in fiber.

  • Exercising regularly.
  • Getting enough sleep.
  • Managing stress.
  • Increase Muscle Mass
  • Taking certain supplements, such as Cartinine and coenzyme Q10.

Lipolysis is a vital process for maintaining energy levels and regulating blood sugar. It is also very much important for weight loss and healthy Body.

By understanding the lipolysis process, you can make informed choices about your diet and lifestyle to promote healthy weight management.

Thermogenesis

Thermogenesis is the process by which your body generates heat. It is essential for maintaining a healthy body temperature. When your body is cold, it increases thermogenesis to generate heat and keep you warm. When your body is hot, it decreases thermogenesis to prevent you from overheating.

Thermogenesis occurs when your body breaks down food for energy. This process releases heat.

There are three main types of thermogenesis:

  • Basal metabolic rate (BMR): This is the amount of energy your body burns at rest. It accounts for about 60% of your total daily energy expenditure. BMR is determined by a number of factors, including your age, sex, weight, and height.
  • Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT): This is the energy you burn through activities other than exercise, such as fidgeting, pacing, and standing up. It accounts for about 30% of your total daily energy expenditure. NEAT can be increased by being more active throughout the day.
  • Dietary-induced thermogenesis (DIT): This is the energy your body burns to digest food. It accounts for about 10% of your total daily energy expenditure. DIT is higher when you eat a high-protein or high-fiber meal.

There are a number of factors that can affect thermogenesis, including:

  • Diet: Eating a diet that is high in protein and fiber can help to boost thermogenesis. This is because protein and fiber take more energy to digest than other nutrients. Protein also helps to build muscle mass, which can increase your metabolism. Some Spicy Herbs like Pepper, Green Chilli etc. also promotes thermogenesis.
  • Exercise: Exercise is a great way to increase thermogenesis. When you exercise, your body burns calories and builds muscle mass, both of which can help to increase your metabolism. Exercise also helps to increase your NEAT, or non-exercise activity thermogenesis. NEAT is the energy you burn through activities other than exercise, such as fidgeting, pacing, and standing up.
  • Stress: Stress can lead to a decrease in thermogenesis. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that can slow down your metabolism. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
  • Hormones: Some hormones, such as thyroid hormone, can affect thermogenesis. Thyroid hormone is responsible for regulating your metabolism. If you have an underactive thyroid, your metabolism will slow down.

By understanding how thermogenesis works, you can make choices that can help to boost your metabolism and keep your body temperature healthy.

Thermogenesis and Weightloss:

With Some Herbs/ Medications, Diet and Exercise, You can Enhance All 3 Types of Thermogenesis. It Simply Mean, Body Will Produce More Heat and So More Fat or Carbohydrate Will Burn to Maintain the Body Temperature and Ultimately Your Body Will start losing its stored fat. Enhanced Thermogenesis Means More Calorie Burning.

But if You Try to Reduce the Weight by Thermogenesis Only Then You Should Remember That it’s Continuous Process. You Need to Continue Your Efforts and Healthy Diet to Maintain It otherwise All Your Lost Weight Will Start Coming Back as You Stop Maintaining Your Healthy Life Style.

Thermogenesis is not a permanent solution for weight loss. As your body adapts to your new diet and exercise routine, your thermogenesis will decrease. This is why it is important to continue to make healthy lifestyle changes in order to maintain your weight loss.

If you are trying to lose weight, it is important to be patient and persistent. Thermogenesis can help you lose weight, but it is not a quick fix. It takes time and effort and mainly regular efforts to make lasting changes.

Metabolism

Energy is delivered to the body through the foods we eat and liquids we drink. Foods contain a lot of stored chemical energy. The Process of Breaking down Food and converting it to Energy in the Body is Called Metabolism. Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that happen in living organisms to maintain life and It is responsible for converting food into energy, building and repairing tissues, and getting rid of waste products.

From a food to energy process point of view, metabolism can be divided into two main stages:

Digestion

Digestion is the process of breaking down food into smaller molecules that the body can use. It begins in the mouth, where food is chewed and mixed with saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that start to break down carbohydrates.

The food then travels down to the stomach, where it is churned and mixed with gastric juices. Gastric juices contain acids and enzymes that further break down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

After about 3 hours, the food is emptied from the stomach into the small intestine. The small intestine is where most of the digestion and absorption of nutrients takes place. The small intestine is about 20 feet long and is lined with tiny finger-like projections called villi. The villi increase the surface area of the small intestine, which helps to absorb nutrients.

The nutrients that are absorbed from the small intestine are carried by the bloodstream to the cells throughout the body. The remaining food waste travels to the large intestine, where water & some minerals are absorbed. The remaining waste is then excreted from the body.

Cell respiration

Cell respiration is very complex process by which cells use the energy from food to create ATP, the body’s main energy molecule. ATP is used to power all of the body’s activities, including movement, thinking, and growth. ATP is your body’s energy currency. There are Many Stages of Generating ATP like glycolysis, krebs cycle etc. but it will be too much technical to explain them in details.

The amount of energy that is produced from food molecules varies depending on the type of food. Fat Has Highest Energy Stored Followed By Protein and Carbohydrates, But Body First Consumes Carbohydrates as Primary Energy Source.

If We Categorized Metabolism as per Energy Expenditure then there are mainly two type of Metabolism:

BMR: Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the amount of energy your body needs to function at rest. It is the energy used to power your organs, such as your heart, lungs, and brain. So Never Think, You Burn Calories Only When Do Workout!

RMR: Resting metabolic rate (RMR) is the amount of energy your body needs to function after waking up in the morning. It is slightly higher than BMR because it includes the energy used to digest food.

There are no Fix Percentage of BMR and RMR in person because it keeps varying as per age, sex, diet, genetics, daily activity, rest time, stress and hormone levels etc. People with more muscle mass will also have a higher BMR and RMR.

Signs of imbalanced or slow metabolism:

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight, even if you are eating a healthy diet and exercising.
  • Fatigue, even after getting a good night’s sleep.
  • Poor immunity, such as getting sick more often than usual.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Hair loss, which can be caused by an underactive or overactive metabolism.
  • Brittle nails, which can be a sign of an underactive metabolism.
  • Acne, which can be a sign of an overactive metabolism.
  • Irregular periods, which can be a sign of an underactive metabolism.
  • Insomnia, which can be a sign of an overactive metabolism.

Here are some tips on how to keep your metabolism balanced:

  • Eat a nutritious diet: A nutritious diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods are high in nutrients and fiber, which can help keep your metabolism running smoothly.
  • Get regular exercise: Exercise is another great way to boost your metabolism. When you exercise, your body burns calories and builds muscle mass, both of which can help improve your metabolism.
  • Get enough sleep: Getting enough sleep is also important for maintaining a healthy metabolism. When you don’t get enough sleep, your body produces more of the stress hormone cortisol, which can slow down metabolism.
  • Manage stress: Stress can also affect your metabolism. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as exercise, yoga, or meditation.
  • Eat regular meals: Eating regular meals helps keep your metabolism running smoothly. Aim to eat 3 meals and 2 snacks per day.
  • Drink plenty of water: Water helps keep your metabolism running smoothly. Aim to drink 10-12 glasses of water per day.
  • Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese can slow down your metabolism. Aim to maintain a healthy weight by eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Believe Me, if You Don’t Have Good Health then You Will Never Be Able to Enjoy the Life at Its Full.

That’s Why Health is Wealth &

Metabolism is Health! 

Diet Plan

Healthy Lifestyle Guidelines:

  1. Eat an abundance of fruits and vegetables: Packed with vitamins and nutrients, these low-calorie options are ideal for weight management. Aim for a minimum of five servings daily.
  2. Prioritize whole grains: Opt for whole grains over refined options to benefit from their fiber content, which enhances satiety and retains essential nutrients.
  3. Opt for lean protein sources: Incorporate sources like soaked dry fruits, beans, and fish into your diet. They’re low in saturated fats and calories while providing the essential protein for muscle maintenance.
  4. Embrace fresh cooking: Avoid reused oils and processed foods laden with preservatives, stabilizers, and harmful chemicals. Cooking at home offers better control over your diet.
  5. Limit sugar and salt: Excessive salt can lead to high blood pressure, while added sugar contributes to weight gain and health issues.
  6. Stay hydrated: Water is vital for your well-being. Consume at least two glasses upon waking and aim for a daily minimum of ten glasses, infusing some with slices of fruits and vegetables for variety.
  7. Never skip breakfast: A morning meal sets a positive tone for the day and reduces the likelihood of overeating later on.
  8. Soak in the sunlight: Spend time outdoors to boost your vitamin D levels, supporting both bone health and metabolism.
  9. Practice mindful eating: Approach meals with patience and gratitude, engaging all your senses to savor and fully enjoy your food.
  10. Regular physical activity: Exercise is crucial for weight management, flexibility, circulation, detoxification, and overall well-being. Strive for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days.
  11. Cultivate patience: Sustainable weight loss requires time and effort. Avoid quick, risky solutions; prioritize your overall well-being.
  12. Seek support: Enlist the help of friends or family members on similar journeys to provide encouragement, accountability, and motivation.