Basal metabolism is a fundamental process in the human body that plays a crucial role in our ability to survive. This is the minimum amount of energy that the body needs to maintain its vital functions at rest, such as breathing, blood circulation, regulation of body temperature and organ function. Simply put, it is the amount of calories our body needs to stay alive in a state of absolute rest.
How is basal metabolism measured?
Measuring basal metabolism is important to understand the energy needs of each individual and design personalized diets that promote health and well-being. Basal metabolism can be measured through different methods, one of the most used being indirect calorimetry.
Indirect calorimetry
Indirect calorimetry is a technique that measures the amount of oxygen that a person consumes and the amount of carbon dioxide they produce while at rest. From this information, the resting metabolic rate can be calculated, which is an indicator of basal metabolism. This method is accurate and is used in clinical and research settings to assess a person's metabolism.
Other Measurement Methods
In addition to indirect calorimetry, there are other methods to estimate basal metabolism, as mathematical equations based on variables such as a person's weight, height, age, and sex. These formulas are useful for making rapid estimates of basal metabolism in settings where indirect calorimetry is not available.
Why is basal metabolism crucial to our survival?
Basal metabolism It plays a critical role in our body's ability to survive and function optimally. Below are some of the reasons why basal metabolism is crucial for our survival:
Regulation of body temperature
One of the main functions of basal metabolism is Corporal temperature regulation. The human body needs to maintain a constant internal temperature for its biological processes to function efficiently. Basal metabolism provides the energy necessary to maintain this constant temperature, even under extreme environmental conditions.
Functioning of vital organs
Vital organs, such as the heart, lungs, The brain and liver require a constant amount of energy to perform their basic functions. Basal metabolism provides the energy necessary for these organs to carry out their vital functions, such as pumping blood, processing nutrients and eliminating waste from the body.
Maintenance of muscle mass
The Basal metabolism also plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass. Muscle tissue is metabolically active and requires a significant amount of energy to maintain. A healthy basal metabolism contributes to the preservation of muscle mass, which in turn helps maintain a more active and efficient metabolism in general.
Regulation of body weight
Metabolism Basal plays a crucial role in regulating body weight. When basal metabolism is low, the body burns fewer calories at rest, which can lead to weight gain if caloric intake is not adjusted accordingly. On the other hand, a high basal metabolism can help maintain a healthy body weight and prevent unwanted weight gain.
Factors that affect basal metabolism
Basal metabolism can vary between individuals due to a series of genetic and environmental factors. Below are some of the factors that can affect basal metabolism:
Age
As we age, our basal metabolism tends to decrease. This is partly due to the loss of muscle mass and the slowing of metabolic processes that occur in the body as we age. Maintaining an active lifestyle and healthy diet can help mitigate this effect and maintain a healthy basal metabolism over the years.
Sex
Men tend to have a higher basal metabolism than women, partly because they tend to have a higher proportion of muscle mass compared to women. Muscle mass is more metabolically active than fat, meaning it requires more energy to maintain. However, it is important to remember that each individual is unique and that resting metabolic rate can vary regardless of sex.
Body composition
The amount of muscle mass and body fat in a person. person can influence their basal metabolism. Muscle mass is metabolically more active than fat, so people with greater muscle mass tend to have a higher basal metabolism. On the other hand, people with a high percentage of body fat and less muscle mass tend to have a lower basal metabolism.
Physical activity
Physical activity plays an important role in determination of basal metabolism. Regular exercise, especially strength training, can increase muscle mass and therefore raise basal metabolism. On the other hand, physical inactivity can lead to a decrease in basal metabolism, which can make it difficult to maintain a healthy weight.
Conclusion
Basal metabolism is a metabolic process fundamental that allows us to survive by providing the energy necessary to maintain our vital functions at rest. Measuring basal metabolism is important to understand the energy needs of each individual and design strategies to promote health and well-being. Factors such as age, sex, body composition, and physical activity can influence a person's basal metabolism. Maintaining a healthy basal metabolism throughout life is essential to maintaining an adequate body weight and preventing metabolism-related diseases. By paying attention to our basal metabolism and adopting healthy lifestyle habits, we can optimize our health and quality of life in the long term.