METABOLISM AND YOUR BIOCHEMICAL INDIVIDUALITY

Everyone has somewhat unique and individual nutrition needs and I think intuitively we know this. What we struggle with is understanding what determines them and in knowing what our own unique needs are. Nutritional needs vary depending upon heredity, age, lifestyle, temperament, occupation, stress levels, and illnesses. They also depend on our metabolic type (metabolism), mineral ratios, the presence of toxic metals and other subtle factors such as the level of mental development. The idea or assumption that everyone has the same nutritional needs is simply incorrect. The implication of this, is that our metabolism has unique needs and if you are struggling with energy, weight, fatigue or any other number of symptoms, then learning your unique requirements will help you to speed up or slow down getting you the results that are eluding you.

The first thing you need understand is that just like we are not here in isolation from those around us and the environment in general, nor are your minerals and vitamins functioning in isolation. Yes, Vitamin C may be good for immunity but did you know that it also influences the levels of iron, copper, manganese, zinc, selenium, phosphorus, B12, A, E, B3, B5 and B6 to use as an example.

It raises some of these and it will lower others. Having intimate knowledge of what affects what becomes critical if you are looking to undergo any form of vitamin or mineral supplementation.

The relationships or balance of our essential nutrients becomes the key. When it comes to understanding our own metabolism or oxidation rate we need to understand that our "cellular speed" is the end result of many, many, nutrient interactions and this can get quite complex. Fortunately there is a simple way to measure our oxidation or metabolism rate and this is by looking at the levels and relationships between calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

The diagram on the left illustrates slow metabolism. Note that the levels of calcium and magnesium are elevated as compared to the levels of sodium and potassium. A slow oxidizer is an individual who metabolizes food at a rate slower than that required for the production of optimal energy levels to adequately perform basic body functions. In slow oxidation the activity of both the adrenal and thyroid glands is less than optimal. Slow oxidizers often experience some degree of fatigue, lack of energy, sugar cravings, low blood sugar levels, constipation, weight gain, dry skin and depression.

The diagram on the right illustrates fast metabolism. Note that the levels of calcium and magnesium are lower than sodium and potassium. A fast oxidizer is an individual who metabolizes food at a rate faster than ideally required for the production of optimal energy levels to adequately perform basic body functions. Although this results in higher energy levels, the energy generated is temporary and is dissipated rather quickly. Fast oxidation is generally characterized by excessive activity of the adrenal and thyroid glands. Fast oxidizers often experience some degree of anxiety, irritability, elevated blood sugar levels, elevated blood pressure, oily skin and a tendency for frequent bowel movements.

In the most general of terms vitamins and minerals that will usually be of great benefit to the fast oxidizer are calcium, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, and Vitamin D amongst others. They help to slow the adrenals and diminish the dominance of the sympathetic nervous system.

Conversely, in the most general of terms vitamins and minerals that will usually be of great benefit to the slow oxidizer are Vitamins A, B1, B3, C, E, phosphorus and potassium amongst others. Of note is that large amounts of calcium and magnesium supplements that many people take will usually worsen slow oxidation.

The caveat is this. These are general terms and if you refer back to the first paragraph we are all very much unique individuals with our biochemistry. What helps one slow metaboliser will not always help another. Certainly trial and error can have some success, but measuring, making corrections and then re-measuring our calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium levels makes much more sense and is far more effective.

If you are struggling with, or wish to understand your metabolism better, the most effective, objective way to do this is through the use of a hair tissue analysis. This is because we want to know what is going on in the cells(hair), not the blood, which is where our metabolic problems are occurring. One final note to consider is that in order to properly assess this a lab that does not wash the hair prior to the analysis needs to be used. This important question needs to be clarified prior to sending any sample in.

Getting your metabolism correct is a critical step in helping anyone to function at their best or to start the healing process for many chronic degenerative diseases. With the correct supplements and/or dietary changes metabolism can be very effectively corrected.