Metabolism | Health Encyclopedia: Metabolism

Metabolism: From 5 Different Sources

Concerns chemical changes and physical processes whereby (1) energy is created for the body’s vital activities and (2) old cells are replaced by new ones. Metabolism is dependent upon a chemical interaction promoted by enzymes. A wide range of illness may follow metabolic disturbance, from debility to hyperactivity. Requires attention to the liver, digestive organs, and endocrine glands.

To stimulate: Boldo, Barberry, Dandelion, Devil’s Claw, Artichoke, Knotgrass, Garlic, Gentian, Bee pollen, Ginseng, Kelp, Oats, Peppermint, Prickly Ash, Wild Yam.

Tea: combine equal parts: Agrimony, Dandelion root, Betony. 1 heaped teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes. Thrice daily.

Formula. Dandelion 1; Devil’s Claw half; Ginseng half; Liquorice 1. Powders: quarter of a teaspoon. Liquid extracts: 30-60 drops. Tinctures: 1-2 teaspoons. In water, honey or suitable vehicle, thrice daily. Diet. See: DIET – GENERAL. Watercress.

Vitamins: B-complex, B6, B12. Folic acid. C. D.

Minerals: Iron, Manganese, Zinc.

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

A collective term for all the chemical processes that take place in the body. It is divided into catabolism (breaking down of complex substances into simpler ones) and anabolism (building up of complex substances from simpler ones). Usually, catabolism releases energy, while anabolism uses it.

The energy needed to keep the body functioning at rest is called the basal metabolic rate (BMR). It is measured in joules (or kilocalories) per square metre of body surface per hour. The BMR increases in response to factors such as stress, fear, exertion, and illness, and is controlled principally by various hormones, such as thyroxine, adrenaline (epinephrine), and insulin. (See also metabolism, inborn errors of; metabolic disorders.)

Health Source: BMA Medical Dictionary
Author: The British Medical Association

The sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis). Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.

Health Source: Herbal Medical
Author: Health Dictionary

This means tissue change, and includes all the physical and chemical processes by which the living body is maintained – as well as those by which the energy is made available for various forms of work. The constructive, chemical and physical, processes by which food materials are adapted for the use of the body are collectively known as ANABOLISM. The destructive processes by which energy is produced with the breaking-down of tissues into waste products is known as CATABOLISM. Basal metabolism is the term applied to the energy changes necessary for essential processes such as the beating of the heart, respiration, and maintenance of body warmth. This can be estimated, when a person is placed in a state of complete rest, by measuring the amounts of oxygen and carbon dioxide exchanged during breathing under certain standard conditions. (See also CALORIE.)

Health Source: Medical Dictionary
Author: Health Dictionary

n. 1. the sum of all the chemical and physical changes that take place within the body and enable its continued growth and functioning. Metabolism involves the breakdown of complex organic constituents of the body with the liberation of energy, which is required for other processes (see catabolism) and the building up of complex substances, which form the material of the tissues and organs, from simple ones (see anabolism). See also basal metabolism. 2. the sum of the biochemical changes undergone by a particular constituent of the body; for example, protein metabolism. —metabolic adj.

Health Source: Oxford | Concise Colour Medical Dictionary
Author: Jonathan Law, Elizabeth Martin

Basal Metabolism

The basic rate of combustion by a person, usually measured after sleep and while resting.... basal metabolism

Drug Metabolism

A process by which the body destroys and excretes drugs, so limiting their duration of action. Phase 1 metabolism consists of transformation by oxidation, reduction, or hydrolysis. In phase 2 this transformed product is conjugated (joined up) with another molecule to produce a water-soluble product which is easier to excrete.... drug metabolism

Metabolism, Inborn Errors Of

Inherited defects of body chemistry. Inborn errors of metabolism are caused by single gene defects, which lead to abnormal functioning of an enzyme.

Some of these gene defects are harmless, but others are severe enough to result in death or physical or mental handicap. Examples include Tay–Sachs disease, phenylketonuria, Hurler’s syndrome, and Lesch–Nyhan syndrome. Collectively, inborn errors of metabolism affect around 1 child in 5,000.

Symptoms are usually present at or soon after birth. They may include unexplained illness or failure to thrive, developmental delay, floppiness, persistent vomiting, or seizures.

Routine tests are performed on newborn babies for some genetic disorders, such as phenylketonuria.

Treatment is not needed for some inborn errors of metabolism. For others, avoidance of a specific environmental factor may be sufficient. In some cases, the missing enzyme or the protein that it produces can be manufactured using genetic engineering techniques, or a vitamin supplement can help compensate for the defective enzyme. If the enzyme is made in blood cells, a bone marrow transplant may provide a cure.

People with a child or a close relative who is affected may benefit from genetic counselling before planning a pregnancy.... metabolism, inborn errors of

First-pass Metabolism

a process in which a drug administered by mouth is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and transported via the portal vein to the liver, where it is metabolized. As a result, in some cases only a small proportion of the active drug reaches the systemic circulation and its intended target tissue. First-pass metabolism can be bypassed by giving the drug via sublingual or buccal routes.... first-pass metabolism

Inborn Error Of Metabolism

any one of a group of inherited conditions in which there is a disturbance in either the structure, synthesis, function, or transport of protein molecules. There are over 1500 inborn errors of metabolism; examples are *phenylketonuria, *homocystinuria, and *hypogammaglobulinaemia.... inborn error of metabolism

Metabolism Health Dictionary

Metabolism: From 5 Different Sources

Basal Metabolism

Drug Metabolism

Metabolism, Inborn Errors Of

First-pass Metabolism

Inborn Error Of Metabolism

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