When we think of metabolic health or “metabolism”, we typically associate it with our weight and how difficult or easy it is to lose. However, weight management is just a small portion of what full-body metabolic health encompasses. There are numerous factors influencing metabolism at countless sites within our body, including our muscles, bones, brain, hormones, and multiple glands and organs.
Breaking down the idea of metabolism, it can be categorized into two basic states:
- Catabolism – meaning the general state of “break down” – the body is taking larger, more complex molecules and synthesizing them into smaller, simpler molecules to be more easily accessed by the body. An example of catabolism in the body is in osteoporosis: the breakdown of bone is happening at a greater rate than rebuild (AKA anabolism), resulting in brittle, fragile bones with a higher risk of fracture. Catabolic cascades can be stimulated by nutritional deficiencies (vitamin D in this case!) or specific hormonal imbalances (bone breakdown can be initiated by over-production of the parathyroid hormone)
- Anabolism – meaning the general state of “ building” – the body is organizing single molecules into more larger, more complex ones, often resulting in storage or growth throughout the body. An example of anabolism in the body is the role of insulin, and how it interacts with various tissues to promote growth and storage. Insulin is a hormone produced by our pancreas in response to sugar or glucose in our bloodstream (mainly from ingestion and breakdown of carbohydrates when we eat). Insulin takes the glucose from our bloodstream, helping to package the individual molecules of glucose and synthesize it into something called glycogen. Glycogen is a form of energy storage, and insulin helps to facilitate the uptake of this into our liver and muscles cells to be called upon when our body needs it.
The body is constantly working to keep us in a tightly controlled metabolic balance, with feedback mechanisms built in throughout the body to communicate and signal with tissues, glands, hormones and the brain to keep systems running smoothly. It’s no surprise that in our current society where chronic stress, lack of sleep, poor nutrition and over-work are so commonplace, that breakdowns in various realms of our metabolic health are becoming more and more prevalent.
Major conditions and hormones associated with metabolic imbalance:
- Hypo/hyperthyroid – levels of TSH, T4, T3 can impact digestion, skin health, temperature (feeling excessively cold or hot) weight and energy
- Osteoporosis – levels of reproductive hormones (estrogen, testosterone), parathyroid and growth hormone can influence the remodeling rate and density of your bones
- Adrenal Dysfunction – chronic stress and fatigue kick our adrenal glands into overdrive and over time, can cause huge fluctuations and abnormal levels of key hormones responsible for regulation of metabolism, blood pressure, immune system and our body’s stress response. Major players here are cortisol, DHEA, aldosterone and adrenaline (AKA epinephrine).
- Type 2 Diabetes – high levels and over production of insulin often seen in type 2 diabetes are integral to maintaining stable blood sugars, but can also negatively impact cholesterol levels, heart, kidney and increased weight gain (specifically abdomen)
Naturopathic Treatment
Naturopathic therapies for restoring metabolic balance can range widely, as there are numerous possible underlying causes for metabolic dysfunction. Optimal metabolic health requires looking at your whole-body person and taking into account your unique hormonal profile, rather than honing in on a specific organ system or pathway. Uncovering and treating metabolic imbalances often requires comprehensive lab work (blood, urine or salivary), may include prescribed medications, lifestyle changes (nutrition, sleep, exercise) and working closely with your Naturopathic Doctor to successfully resolve your root cause.
Examples of Naturopathic Treatments:
- Comprehensive laboratory testing to uncover differing areas of metabolic dysfunction
- Use of prescribed medications to re-establish hormonal balance – desiccated thyroid, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (estrogen, progesterone)
- Physical exams to assess blood pressure, abdominal circumference, thyroid examination, temperature regulation
- Nutrition and exercise recommendations tailored to specific needs (low glycemic framework for type 2 diabetes or specific foods and exercises for building bone density in osteoporosis)
- Supplementation to correct whole-body nutrition and metabolic deficits
- Sleep hygiene & nutraceutical sleep aids to support healthy circadian rhythm and hormone production
- Stress management techniques including lifestyle modifications and relaxation-focused acupuncture
