Did you know you can change your life by changing how you eat? I firmly believe, without a doubt, the number one diet tip every person looking to improve their health should know is learning what their metabolic type is and eating accordingly. Why? Because eating based on your unique metabolism balances fundamental homeostatic control systems within the body. When these systems are balanced, optimal amounts of energy are created within each and every cell your body, leading to robust and vibrant health! Keep reading to learn how to change your life by eating according to your metabolic type.
Metabolic Typing not only suggests what foods are best for your individual metabolism, based on their micronutrient value, but also optimal macronutrient ratios, including protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Food has a powerful impact on the two control systems, the autonomic nervous system and the oxidative system. When these two systems are balanced, the body operates at full throttle.
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The Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system is a powerful regulator of metabolism. It has two branches, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, ideally you want these branches operating harmoniously with each other as they work in tandem to maintain homeostasis or balance. Based on genetics and your specific metabolism, you may favor one of these branches over the other.
This premise that certain metabolisms are dominant in either the sympathetic or parasympathetic branch is a fundamental concept of metabolic typing. It is proposed as well that individual metabolisms favor either the autonomic or oxidative systems. Eating according to your metabolic type balances the overall function of these two systems, resulting in many favorable downstream effects in the body.
The Oxidative System
Balancing your oxidative rate is critical for energy regulation, determining how nutrients are converted to energy within the mitochondria of the cells. For instance, I’m a Fast Oxidizer, one of the six metabolic types, which means I don’t metabolize fats efficiently.
My metabolism, therefore relies on the combustion of carbs for energy. If I were to eat a high-carb diet, my oxidation rate would become imbalanced, negatively affecting other systems. By monitoring my carb intake, and eating adequate amounts of protein and fat, I optimize the rate at which my cells produce energy. This combustion of food for fuel is a key factor in determining someone’s metabolic type.
Many people struggle with weight due to imbalances in the oxidative system, and the resulting blood-sugar dysregulation. When this system is functioning as it should, weight becomes a non-issue because you burn what you eat, and utilize fat stores for energy when necessary.
The Benefits Of Metabolic Typing
Eating the way you were designed to eat is not difficult, but does involve simple swaps in food choices that can significantly make a difference in how you feel. The metabolic typing eating plans are based on every day foods, while fine tuning the balance of protein, fat, and carbs. Following is a list of positive effects you’ll notice when eating according to your metabolic type:
- More energy
- A better mood
- Increased mental clarity, focus and motivation
- Balanced hormones
- Weight optimization
- Deeper sleep
- Clearer skin
- Less inflammation
- Optimal bone and joint health
- Better blood-sugar control
- Reduced cholesterol levels
Metabolic Typing Questionnaire
Metabolic types are determined by answering questions on an in-depth questionnaire that is then analyzed using computer algorithms. There are three parts to the questionnaire, including a section that asks about dietary reactions to certain foods, physical questions about weight and other markers, and a section dealing with psychology.
Food not only affects how we feel physically, but also has an impact on our psychology. Anyone who has ever watched a two year old throw a tantrum due to low-blood sugar can attest to this. I know personally that food sensitivities can cause blood-sugar swings, anxiety, foggy thinking, and depression.
Key Points
Metabolic typing purports that each of us is biochemically unique with varying requirements in terms of nutrition and our individual responses to macronutrient ratios. A diet that works great for one person, may in fact, be detrimental to another.
I believe eating according to your metabolic type is a powerful health strategy that will significantly improve the way you live. This is only a very brief overview of metabolic typing. Learn more HERE.
How would your life be different if you had incredible health? What could you do that you can’t do now? Let me know in the comments:)
References:
(1) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Energy metabolism, fuel selection and body weight regulation
(2) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Precision Nutrition: A Review of Personalized Nutritional Approaches for the Prevention and Management of Metabolic Syndrome
(3) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Dietary Fat and Carbohydrate Composition: Metabolic Disease
(4) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: New research developments and insights from Metabolism
(5) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: The Regulation of Cellular Respiration Is Governed Primarily by the Need for ATP
(6) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Physiology, Autonomic Nervous System
(7) US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health: Physiology of the Autonomic Nervous System
Disclaimer: This article is strictly for informational purposes only and is not intended to be medical advice.