What is metabolism?

Metabolism, a term that sounds like a loanword, is imbued with scientific connotations.

In fact, the concept of metabolism has been documented in ancient Chinese texts, such as the Daoist work "Wenzi: Nature," which states, "The cycle is endless, resembling the movements of the sun and moon, akin to the changes of spring and autumn." Additionally, the Tang dynasty poet Meng Haoran described it in "Ascending Xianshan with Various Scholars" as, "Human affairs undergo changes, traversing between the past and present."

Metabolism has long been associated with the idea of transformation in China.

Over the past century, research related to metabolism has led to an impressive 24 Nobel Prizes awarded in this field.

What is metabolism?

The English term for metabolism is derived from the ancient Greek word, with the root meaning "change." It refers to the continuous exchange of matter and energy within living organisms. Essentially, it encompasses the totality of chemical reactions that occur in living beings, which are vital for sustaining life. Metabolism enables organisms to grow, reproduce, maintain their structural and functional integrity, and respond swiftly to external environmental changes.

Metabolic homeostasis

The human body has evolved a highly intricate system to meticulously regulate various aspects of our metabolic processes, achieving a state of dynamic equilibrium known as homeostasis.

Disruption of metabolic homeostasis

The rapid advancement of modern technology and society has led to a disruption of the equilibrium between living organisms and their environment.

This is evident from a 30-year lifestyle observation study published in The Lancet, which highlights the significant transformations in modern lifestyles.

The data clearly indicate that contemporary ways of living have undergone substantial changes, thereby disrupting the "metabolic homeostasis" between individuals and their environment. The most prominent health issue identified by modern science is termed "metabolic syndrome."

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a pathological condition characterized by a series of metabolic abnormalities that affect the regulation of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and other biochemical substances within the human body. This syndrome encompasses a multifaceted spectrum of metabolic disorders, including but not limited to obesity, diabetes or impaired glucose homeostasis, dyslipidemia, and hypertension.

In 2005, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) established a comprehensive global definition intended for clinical application, highlighting the importance of clinical relevance and uniformity across different populations to enhance comparability in research studies. The diagnostic criteria outlined by the IDF are as follows:

According to the IDF diagnostic criteria, a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is established when, in conjunction with a waist circumference of ≥ 90 cm for males and ≥ 80 cm for females, at least two of the following four criteria are satisfied:

1. Triglyceride levels of ≥ 1.7 mmol/L, or the individual is undergoing treatment for this condition;
2. Fasting blood glucose levels of ≥ 5.6 mmol/L or a confirmed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus;
3. Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels of < 1.03 mmol/L for males and < 1.29 mmol/L for females, or the individual is receiving treatment for dyslipidemia;
4. Systolic blood pressure readings of ≥ 130 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure readings of ≥ 85 mmHg, or the individual is being treated for hypertension or has a diagnosis of this condition.

The prevalence of metabolic diseases has emerged as a critical global public health challenge.

How to Improve Metabolic Syndrome

The World Health Organization advocates for four essential lifestyle modifications to effectively address and ameliorate metabolic syndrome: adherence to a balanced diet, engagement in regular physical activity, cessation of tobacco use, and moderation in alcohol consumption.

Furthermore, recent advancements in contemporary biotechnology have opened new pathways for innovative solutions—particularly through the implementation of endogenous metabolic management strategies that leverage the use of probiotics.