The body’s metabolism can be a difficult thing to understand, especially without the help of your doctor or a metabolic specialist. The topic becomes even more difficult when you consider there are so many common myths about it that make it confusing. Be aware of these three common myths about metabolism and gain a better understanding of how your body works and reacts to food.
Myth Number One: Eating Past 7 P.M. Will Cause You To Gain Weight
One of the most common myths revolves around the idea of food being unable to metabolize past a certain hour of the day. The myth states that if you eat a substantial amount of food past 7 P.M., your body won’t be able to digest and metabolize it before you go to sleep. And once you sleep, your body stops the metabolic process altogether.
The Truth
Eating past a certain hour doesn’t affect your metabolic processes, and your body continues to function normally even after going to sleep. Your body breaks down more fat while you’re sleeping than it does when you are awake. Don’t fear eating past a certain hour; your body will break it down even after you fall asleep.
Myth Number Two: You Can’t Change Your Metabolic Rate
Many people believe genetics play a dictating role in how fast or slow your metabolism works and you can’t do anything to break down food and fat faster or slower. The myth states there is nothing anyone can do and that they need to understand their metabolic limitations and adjust their diet accordingly.
The Truth
While your genetics do play a significant role in your metabolism, that’s not the end of the story. You can implement certain lifestyle alterations to have a degree of control over how quickly or slowly your body breaks down food and fat. For instance, routine strength training can increase your metabolic rate, making it easier to burn calories and absorb food.
Myth Number Three: Smaller But More Frequent Meals Help Burn Calories
Another myth posits that you can manipulate your metabolism by eating small and frequent meals. The idea behind this myth is that if you keep a steady stream of food passing through your system, your metabolism will be constantly working.
The Truth
Whether you have meals that are small and frequent or large and spontaneous, your metabolism will break the food down in exactly the same way. Form your eating habits around what is healthy for you and your body, and if you need to eat less frequently or more frequently, then that’s completely fine.
Know How Your Body Works
Debunking common myths about metabolism will allow you to make more informed decisions regarding your diet and exercise. But even so, the human body is a difficult thing to fully understand. For a more complete view of how metabolism works, seek out
endocrinology services and speak to a professional on the intricacies of the human body.
