Our digestive system is a giant and powerful machine. Each organ represents a singular part of the machinery, churning and operating the way it was designed to. Oxygen dissolved in the blood is the fuel propelling the machine, and arteries are the pipes bringing the fuel to wherever it is needed. Even as the mind sleeps, this machinery works. It never stops, never takes a break, and the slightest glitch in the system brings forth extreme discomfort to a person. Needless to say, this system’s vitality cannot be undermined, yet many of us are unaware of the intricacies of its functions.
The digestive system is mainly responsible for metabolism. In simple words, this is comprised of a system of chemical reactions within the body that convert food into energy. If we delve into more detail, metabolism is made up of two processes – catabolism and anabolism.
Catabolism is the process in which larger, more complex substances are broken into simpler ones, for example, the breakdown of starch into a simple sugar, such as maltose, is catabolic. This makes it easier for cells to take up and make use of nutrients. Digestion of food is, therefore, a catabolic reaction.
The process of catabolism results in the expulsion of energy, which the body uses for various processes, such as breathing, blood circulation, growth and repair of cells, managing hormone levels, and regulating a constant body temperature.
Anabolism is the exact opposite of catabolism. It involves the buildup of complex food molecules from the products of digestion. For example, surplus glucose is transported to the liver, where it is used to make glycogen. Since this is a large and insoluble carbohydrate, it is better suited to act as a store of energy, as it does not dissolve in the blood or cytoplasm of liver cells.
Another useful application of anabolism is protein synthesis. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. In the stomach, protein ingested in food is broken down into amino acids. These are absorbed by the blood, and then used up to make different kinds of useful proteins, such as hemoglobin.
Metabolism combines energy to burn calories. There is a strong correlation between calories burned and the rate of metabolism. A high metabolism means that more calories are burned, and so more calories need to be taken in as food to maintain weight. Conversely, a slower metabolism means that fewer calories are burned. If more calories are taken in than burned in a day, it results in obesity, causing high blood pressure, diabetes, cholesterol, and various forms of heart diseases.
A few other unhealthy habits that cause a slower metabolism along with a whole host of issues related to it are lack of proper sleep, sedentary lifestyle, excessive drinking of sugary beverages, and a diet deficient in protein.
As with all healthy practices, the key to maintaining a healthy metabolism is found in the Quran and Sunnah. First, it is important to aim for moderation, when it comes to eating habits. Overeating is one of the leading causes of obesity and is discouraged in the Quran, where Allah (swt) says: “… eat and drink, but be not excessive. Indeed, He likes not those who commit excessiveness.” (Al-Araf 7:31). The Prophet (sa) also encouraged us to fill only one-third of our stomach with food, leaving one-third for water and one-third empty.
Scientific studies today are teaching us to drink water slowly, as this results in the best absorption rate. The Prophet (sa) instructed his Ummah not to gulp water down all at once, but rather swallow it in three gulps. A healthy diet for a Muslim should also be inclusive of figs and olives, because the Prophet (sa) encouraged us to eat these in particular.
We owe it both to ourselves and to Allah (swt) to take care of our bodies. Health is an important blessing of Allah (swt), and neglecting it comes under the heading of ingratitude. The best and easiest way of preserving our health is being mindful of our nourishment, in which metabolism plays a significant role. Only if we are in the best of health, we will be able to direct our energies in the way of Allah (swt), as He wants us to.
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