Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have boundless energy, quick digestion and effortlessly maintain a healthy weight? The answer may lie in their metabolic type, specifically as fast oxidisers. In this article, we will explore the concept of fast oxidation, its characteristics, and how understanding your metabolic type can help you optimise your health and wellbeing.
What is Oxidation?
Oxidation is a chemical reaction that takes place in your body during metabolism, which is the process of converting carbohydrates, proteins and fats into energy. It is the measure of the amount of time it takes for the nutrients from the food you eat to be converted to energy at a cellular level. If your oxidation rate is too slow or too fast, it will hamper your body's ability to produce sufficient energy. Diet and genetic factors play important roles in your oxidation rate. That means, what you eat can slow or expedite your rate of oxidation and energy production, which in turn influences the state of your mental, emotional, behavioural and physical wellbeing.
Being knowledgeable of your oxidation rate will help you find the perfect diet to suit your metabolism. Eating more carbohydrates than proteins and fats are advised to slow oxidisers as they convert food into energy at a slower rate. Fast oxidisers, on the other hand, need more proteins and fats that burn slowly since they have a rather speedy oxidation rate that makes them hyperactive and always hungry, but are susceptible to anxiety, irritability and impatience. They also have low blood sugar levels and a relatively faster pulse rate. The majority of the population fits into this grouping.
Metabolism Defined
Metabolism refers to all chemical reactions that occur in the body to break down the nutrients from the food it takes in and transform them into energy. This task is controlled by enzymes secreted by several hormones in the body, including insulin, progesterone, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
Metabolic typing is based on the concept that everyone has a unique metabolism that requires a specific type of diet to support it. Maintaining the proper metabolic typing diet will balance your body chemistry, which will significantly increase your energy production. To restore balance and harmony in the body, the following should be religiously observed:
- Diet - include foods which your body is comfortable with in your diet
- Metabolism - observe how fast or slow your body breaks down what you eat to ensure a healthy metabolism
- Energy levels - eating the right foods to sustain a healthy metabolic rate will increase your energy levels
5 Characteristics of a Fast Oxidiser
Fast oxidisers are individuals whose bodies have a natural tendency to metabolise nutrients at a faster rate. This increased metabolic rate can have a significant impact on their overall health and lifestyle. Fast oxidisers typically exhibit certain characteristics that set them apart from other metabolic types.
1. Increased Appetite
Fast oxidisers often experience a strong appetite and may need to eat more frequently to sustain their energy levels.
2. Rapid Digestion
These individuals have efficient digestive systems that break down food quickly, allowing them to process nutrients more rapidly.
3. Higher Energy Levels
Fast oxidisers tend to have abundant energy, which can contribute to their active lifestyles.
4. Tendency for Weight Loss
Due to their accelerated metabolism, fast oxidisers often find it easier to maintain a healthy weight or lose excess pounds.
5. Potential Nutrient Deficiencies
The rapid nutrient metabolism in fast oxidisers may lead to increased nutrient requirements, making it essential to prioritise nutrient-dense foods.
The majority of fast oxidisers have a lean body frame size as their bodies break down and convert the nutrients in the food they consume at a faster rate. This causes them to expend their body's energy in just a short amount of time and feel sluggish the rest of the day. The most common symptoms of people with a fast oxidative rate are:
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Overly emotional
- Nervous
- Overactive thyroid and adrenal glands
- High blood pressure
- Loose bowel movement
- Back and neck pain
- Prone to bacterial infections
The Relationship Between Fast Oxidisers and Nutrient Absorption
Fast oxidisers possess a heightened metabolic rate, influencing the absorption and utilisation of nutrients. Fast oxidation affects enzymatic activity, gut health, and the transit time of nutrients through the digestive system. Fast oxidisers may experience faster absorption, requiring strategies to maximise nutrient utilisation.
The Impact of Fast Oxidation on Nutrient Absorption
Fast oxidisers' efficient metabolism may impact the body's ability to absorb and utilise nutrients effectively. Factors such as enzymatic activity, gut health, and the speed of nutrient transit through the digestive system can influence nutrient absorption in fast oxidisers.
Strategies to Enhance Nutrient Bioavailability
Practical tips and strategies will help fast oxidisers enhance nutrient bioavailability. It's important that they understand the importance of mindful eating practices, such as chewing food thoroughly, as it aids in digestion and nutrient breakdown. Proper food combining also helps optimise nutrient absorption and reduce digestive distress.
The Role of Gut Health in Fast Oxidisers
A well-balanced gut microbiome supports optimal nutrient absorption. It's crucial for fast oxidisers to incorporate probiotic-rich foods or supplements to promote gut health and enhance nutrient bioavailability.
Tailoring Diet for Fast Oxidisers
The body of a fast oxidiser needs nutrient-dense foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats. Consuming a varied diet ensures adequate intake of essential vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies
Due to their rapid metabolism, fast oxidisers may have increased nutrient requirements. Common nutrient deficiencies that fast oxidisers may be prone to include iron, B vitamins and magnesium. Fast oxidisers should work with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to identify and address their specific nutrient deficiencies.
The Impact of Fast Oxidation on Hormonal Balance and Endocrine Health
A fast oxidiser may experience unique implications for hormonal balance and overall endocrine health. Understanding the relationship between fast oxidation and hormones is crucial for maintaining optimal wellbeing. Let's find out how fast oxidation can influence hormonal balance.
Fast Oxidation and Hormonal Imbalances
Fast oxidation can potentially disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body. The rapid metabolism of fast oxidisers may impact hormone production, metabolism and overall hormonal equilibrium, which is why addressing the potential risk factors and common symptoms of hormonal imbalances in fast oxidisers is vital.
Nutrition and Lifestyle Factors Affecting Hormonal Balance
Nutrition and lifestyle factors play a big role in supporting hormonal balance for fast oxidisers. Having a well-rounded diet rich in essential nutrients, including healthy fats, proteins and phytoestrogens, as well as managing stress levels, getting regular exercise and prioritising quality sleep, can significantly improve a fast oxidiser's hormonal activities.
Supporting Specific Hormones in Fast Oxidizers
Fast oxidation has a potential impact on specific hormones such as cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones and sex hormones. Through lifestyle modifications, targeted nutrition choices and stress management techniques, a fast oxidiser can keep these hormones in check, allowing them to function normally rather than excessively or insufficiently.
Foods Recommended for Fast Oxidisers
As they convert nutrients in their bodies into energy quickly, fast oxidisers have a rather speedy carbohydrate oxidation rate, hence are advised to limit their carbohydrate intake. Regardless of the carbohydrate types that you consume, these will break down immediately into tiny molecules called glucose, which then flows straight into your bloodstream and cells to be used as the primary source of energy. Unused carbs are stored by the body as fat, which may lead to fatigue and visceral fat.
If you have a fast metabolic rate, eating too many carbs is not good. However, this is not to say that you should eliminate this macronutrient from your diet altogether and run the risk of producing low insulin levels and sending insufficient glucose into your cells. A healthy diet for carb types (fast oxidisers) consists of 50% protein, 20% carbohydrates and 30% fat. Sources of animal protein, such as beef and lamb, which digest gradually and keep blood sugar levels constant are recommended, along with other beneficial foods, including:
- Fish, especially tuna, salmon and sardines
- Seafood like oysters, scallops, shellfish and mussels
- Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, cereals, leafy greens, beans, peas, lentils and corn
- Nuts such as almonds, walnuts and peanuts
- Supplements: Vitamins A, C, E, B12, copper, zinc, calcium and magnesium
Having a full breakfast, which comprises heavier proteins like eggs, whole milk and cheese, and snacking frequently on other protein types and healthy fats thereafter, such as yoghurt and avocados, will help slow your oxidation while sustaining your energy levels.
Foods to Avoid for Fast Oxidisers
Certain foods to avoid if you have a fast oxidation rate include the following:
- Anything that has refined sugar or artificial sweeteners
- Starchy foods such as rice, potatoes and pasta
- High GI foods such as white bread and white rice
- Alcohol as it depletes glycogen storage in the liver causing an increase in blood sugar
- Caffeine such as in coffee and regular teas
- Hydrogenated vegetable oils
Benefits of Following a Diet Suitable to Your Body's Metabolic Type
A high-protein diet may suit a fast oxidiser, but it could trigger physical ailments or affect the mental and emotional health of people with other metabolic types. It's important for everybody to seek dietary advice from a health professional who specialises in metabolic typing diets to find out which foods are suited to their body's needs. Determining the correct diet will enable you to:
- Prevent fatigue and feelings of lethargy
- Eliminate cravings for unhealthy foods
- Produce energy at a normal rate
- Reduce the risk of developing diseases that cause cell damage
A Summary of Scientific Studies on Fast Oxidation and Its Relation to Health
While scientific resources specifically focused on fast oxidation may be limited, here are some general resources that may provide insights into metabolic typing, personalised nutrition and related topics:
1. "Metabolic Typing: Customized Nutrition and Exercise" by William Wolcott and Trish Fahey: This book explores the concept of metabolic typing and provides insights into how individual variations in metabolism may influence dietary and exercise recommendations.
2. "The Metabolic Typing Diet" by William Wolcott and Trish Fahey: This book offers guidance on identifying and understanding different metabolic types, including fast oxidisers, and provides recommendations for personalized nutrition and lifestyle adjustments.
3. "Nutritional Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis" by Dr. Lawrence Wilson: This resource delves into the use of hair mineral analysis to assess metabolic types and offers insights into the role of nutrition and mineral balancing in supporting overall health.
4. "Precision Nutrition" by Dr. John Berardi and Brian St. Pierre: While not specific to fast oxidisers, this book explores the concept of personalised nutrition and offers practical strategies for tailoring dietary approaches to individual needs.
5. "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" and "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine": These peer-reviewed journals may occasionally feature studies or articles related to metabolic typing, personalised nutrition, or alternative approaches to health and wellness.
6. Professional Holistic Health Practitioners: Consulting with qualified healthcare professionals, such as naturopaths, functional medicine practitioners or integrative medicine doctors, who specialise in personalised approaches to health and nutrition, may provide valuable insights and guidance.
Want to know which foods match your metabolic type? Consult a dietitian or check out our full listing of natural health practitioners on the Natural Therapy Pages to find a qualified dietitian in your local area.
Originally published on May 03, 2009
