The metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy is referred to as oxidation.  This is the rate at which nutrients are converted to energy within all of your body's cells.  If oxidation occurs too slowly or too fast energy production is impaired. Your oxidation rate is influenced by both genetics and by your diet. Therefore, what you eat affects your rate of oxidation and energy production, which in turn affects your mental, emotional, behavioural, and in some cases, physical health.  Determining if you are a fast or slow oxidizer can help you alter your lifestyle, most particularly your diet, to suit your metabolism. Fast oxidizers rapidly convert food into energy.  In order to balance their systems, fast oxidizers need to eat heavier proteins and fats that burn slowly.  In contrast, slow oxidizers convert food into energy at a slower rate, and require carbohydrates rather than proteins and fats.  Fast oxidizers are often hungry and tend to be hyper-active, but are susceptible to anxiety, irritability and impatience.  They also have low blood sugar levels and have a relatively faster pulse rate.  The majority of the population fits into this grouping.

What is metabolism?

Metabolism describes the ongoing chemical reactions in the body, such as the breakdown of food and its transformation into energy.  This is controlled by hormones, which secrete enzymes to achieve this task.

Metabolic typing is based on the belief that each person has a unique metabolism, and that diets should be tailored to reflect these differences. Balancing your body chemistry can result in a significant increase in energy production. One can therefore recommend a particular diet to bring the body into balance and harmony.

Diet - tailor your diet to the food your body is comfortable with

Metabolism - this will normalise your metabolism

Energy levels - and boost your energy levels

The most common symptoms of a fast oxidative rate are:

• Fatigue
• Emotional distress
• Lowered resistance to infections
• Lower body temperature
• Gall bladder and/or liver problems
• Weight problems, i.e. being under or over weight

Foods recommended for Fast Oxidizers:

Meats such as beef and lamb, which digest gradually and keep blood sugar levels constant

• Fish, especially tuna and salmon
• Whole grain breads and cereals
• Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and peanuts
• Carbohydrates such as beans, peas, lentils and corn
• Supplements: Vitamins A, C, E, B12, copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium

One should also eat a full breakfast, and try eat frequently thereafter.

It is best to avoid to the following if you have fast oxidation:

• Processed sugars
• Starch, such as rice, potatoes and pasta
• High GI foods such as white bread and white rice
• Alcohol - depletes glycogen storage in the liver causing an increase in blood sugar
• Caffeine - such as in coffee and regular teas
• Hydrogenated vegetable oils

Determining the correct diet will enable you to:

• Eliminate fatigue and lethargy
• Eliminate cravings
• Maintain a healthy balanced appetite
• Eliminate hyperactivity

If you would like your metabolic type analysed see a dietitian for an evaluation.