Metabolism constitutes a complex biochemical process and can be categorized into two groups – catabolism and anabolism, where each component is responsible for different kinds of metabolism that takes place within our bodies.
If anabolism is the process by which new molecules are built, catabolism is the process by which it is broken down. To build new molecules in the body, it requires energy which is procured when the molecules are ‘broken down’ from nutrients such as glucose (sugar) and fatty acids.
Thus, for a normal metabolism to take place, the body needs anabolism and catabolism to happen at the same time. This simultaneous construction and destruction is required to generate the necessary energy to stimulate the chemical reactions. Between the two, when anabolism supersedes catabolism, you can expect net cell growth; with a reverse situation, that is, catabolism is more than anabolism, you expect net cell loss.
Anabolism involves various chemical reactions through which newer and larger molecules are formed from smaller molecules. It is because of anabolism that we get new cellular material like enzymes, proteins, cells and cell membranes and tissues. This important process is a pre-requisite for the body’s growth, cellular maintenance and tissue repairs.
Catabolism on the other hand is needed for generation of energy. This process involves breaking down of large complex molecules to smaller and simpler ones. The energy generated through catabolism, is stored as fat and called glycogen.
A good example can be found in sports medicines that promote reducing the rate of catabolism and increasing the rate of anabolism, which ultimate result in speedy recovery of strained tissues and damaged muscles. Anti-oxidants, good nutrition, proteins and a number of phyto-chemicals have pronounced anti-catabolic effects. These are thus used often to reduce effects of catabolism and increase anabolism in the body.
Anabolism and catabolism are thus complex chemical processes that occur within the tissue cells of the body. They do not affect or change any other aspects of the body’s functioning, like digestion, etc.
Since the body needs multiple nutrients to function optimally, any deficiency of any of the vital nutrients, can throw the entire process of metabolism out of gear – increase of catabolism, decrease of anabolism, and many more. Thus to remain healthy, we need a balanced diet to supply enough nutrients to trigger proper anabolism and catabolism down the multitude of metabolic pathways.
The most important thing to remember is that anabolism is powered by catabolism and they occur simultaneously and incessantly within our bodies. Endocrinologists have also classified the hormones as ‘anabolic’ or ‘catabolic’ according to the section of metabolism which they interact with to cause stimulation.
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