Metabolism is the chemical processes of the body that are aimed at maintaining life in it. Metabolism is usually divided into two stages: catabolism and anabolism. During catabolism, complex organic substances degrade to simpler ones, releasing energy. In the processes of anabolism, more complex substances are synthesized from simpler ones, and this is accompanied by energy costs. Carbohydrates perform the function of storage and transportation of energy and structural function. Proteins also have a structural function, helping to carry oxygen and enzymes. Lipids are mainly fats and complex molecules by breaking which the body receives energy.
The three water compartments of the body include the intracellular fluid compartment, interstitial fluid, and plasma. Water balance is maintained when water consumption equals water loss. As Evans et al. (2017) note, “water balance fluctuates throughout the course of a day” (p. 283). The reason is that the body gets water episodically through drinking and food and loses it constantly through sweating, breathing, skin loss, urine, and fecal production.
The six essential electrolytes of the body are sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphate. Sodium is the most important extracellular cation that participates in the regulation of fluid movement between parts of the body, as well as in the conduct of nerve impulses. Potassium is “the major intracellular cation” and the component of most proteins; potassium is necessary for conducting nerve impulses (“Electrolyte balance,” n.d., para. 12).
Chloride is the predominant extracellular anion important for maintaining osmotic balance and proper hydration. Bicarbonate, as a part of buffer systems, maintains the acid-base balance of the body. Calcium is the structural component of bones and teeth that is important for blood coagulation processes, muscle contraction, fertilization, and conducting nerve impulses through synapses. Phosphate is a component of nucleic acids, phospholipids, nucleotides involved in energy transfer, and the structural component of bones. The electrolyte balance is maintained through the work of the kidneys, which filter electrolytes and water from the blood, returning them to the blood and removing excess in the urine. The acid-base balance depends on several body systems, including buffers, the respiratory system, and the renal system.
Changes in the acid-base balance can lead to acidosis or alkalosis. When the acid levels in the blood increase, it is called acidosis. Alkalosis, in contrast, is caused by the rise of alkaline in the blood. The researchers distinguish respiratory and metabolic types of alkalosis and acidosis (“Acid-base balance,” n.d.). Lungs problems cause the respiratory type, and kidneys disorders cause the metabolic type.
In athletes, metabolism occurs at an accelerated pace, since working muscles require a huge amount of energy. Physical activity increases the need for trace elements for the proper functioning of the body. According to Lazović et al. (2018), intensive exercise can cause a lack of trace elements that means that sportspeople need supplementations and a well-balanced diet for athletic performance. Supplements may be especially necessary for athletes who need to maintain low weight and therefore follow reduction diets. In addition, for athletic performance, it is necessary to maintain a water balance. Casa et al. (2019) note that for many athletes, it is important to keep optimal day-to-day hydration, especially in hot conditions. Dehydration, according to the study, in some cases, can worsen the performance of athletes.
Mineral supplements can be considered an ethical method for altering metabolism. For instance, Gaffney and Bagchi (2019) claim that calcium benefits “female athletes who are prone to osteoporosis” and zinc “reinforces the immune system in athletes” (p. 156). Unethical methods may include the use of doping and various drugs. For example, some athletes use drugs to enhance oxygen delivery to fasten recovery and regeneration in a competition (Gaffney & Bagchi, 2019). The study claims the use of such drugs may cause heart attacks, stroke, or pulmonary embolism.
References
Acid-base balance. (n.d.). Healthline. Web.
Casa, D. J., Cheuvront, S. N., Galloway, S. D., & Shirreffs, S. M. (2019). Fluid needs for training, competition, and recovery in track-and-field athletes. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 29(2), 175-180.
Electrolyte balance. (n.d.). BC open textbook. Web.
Evans, G. H., Maughan, R. J., & Shirreffs, S. M. (2017). Effects of an active lifestyle on water balance. In Nutrition in Lifestyle Medicine (pp. 281-294). Humana Press.
Gaffney, G. R., & Bagchi, D. (2019). Performance enhancement drugs and sports supplements: A review of the evidence. In Nutrition and Enhanced Sports Performance (pp. 151-161). Academic Press.
Lazović, M., Milenković, J., Bojanić, N., & Bojanić, Z. (2018). Pathophysiological aspects of oligoelement supplementation in athletes. Acta Medica Medianae, 57(2), 45-52.