You must have heard someone saying, ‘Iska metabolism bada tez hai tabhi patli hai‘ (her metabolism is faster, so she’s thin). Well, there is some truth to it.
Metabolism plays a pivotal role in a person’s health, orchestrating the conversion of food into energy and the regulation of vital processes. When this delicate balance is disrupted, metabolic disorders can wreak havoc on our bodies, affecting everything from our energy levels to our risk of chronic diseases, which can push our health down the gutter.
According to Kanikka Malhotra, consultant dietician and diabetes educator, understanding the root causes of metabolic disorders is crucial for proper management and prevention.
What are metabolic conditions?
Metabolic conditions occur when the body’s ability to convert food into energy or manage essential nutrients is impaired. These disorders can result from various factors, including hormonal imbalances, enzyme deficiencies, or genetic predispositions.
As highlighted by Malhotra, common metabolic conditions include diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, obesity, and phenylketonuria (PKU). Each of these disorders presents unique challenges to metabolism, leading to health complications.
Since metabolic conditions impact multiple bodily systems, they require a multifaceted approach to treatment.
Diabetes is also a metabolic condition (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Causes of metabolic disorders
According to Dr Madhu Juneja, Director of the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Pune, Kalyani Nagar, the causes of metabolic disorders are diverse and multifactorial. Some are genetically inherited, while others are the result of environmental and lifestyle influences:
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- Genetic Mutations: Many metabolic conditions are inherited. For example, disorders like PKU and Gaucher’s disease arise from defective genes affecting enzymes critical to metabolic processes.
- Insulin Resistance: In Type 2 diabetes, cells become resistant to insulin, leading to poor glucose absorption and high blood sugar levels.
- Obesity and Poor Diet: Excessive intake of calorie-dense foods, especially those high in sugars and fats, can overwhelm the body’s metabolic processes, leading to conditions like metabolic syndrome.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Hormones such as thyroid hormones or cortisol play pivotal roles in regulating metabolism. Conditions like hypothyroidism or Cushing’s syndrome disrupt normal metabolic regulation.
- Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, may malfunction due to genetic or acquired causes, leading to inefficient energy production and metabolic problems.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to environmental toxins or pollutants can also interfere with normal metabolic functions.
Managing metabolic conditions
Managing metabolic conditions requires a holistic approach, combining lifestyle modifications with medical treatments. Abhilasha V, Chief Clinical Nutritionist at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru, notes diet and exercise are cornerstones of metabolic health management. A balanced diet, rich in whole foods and low in sugars and fats, can prevent and manage many metabolic disorders. Regular physical activity, stress management, and ensuring adequate sleep are also vital in maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Medical interventions are necessary for more complex cases. Diabetes management, for example, may require insulin or oral medications to control blood sugar levels, while hypothyroidism may need hormone replacement therapy. In cases of severe obesity, surgical procedures like bariatric surgery can help individuals achieve significant weight loss, improving metabolic health.
Emerging therapies like gene therapy hold promise for treating certain genetic metabolic disorders, although these treatments are still developing.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
