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How These 6 Essential Metabolic Hormones Affect Your Metabolism

An image of a man holding his stomach in discomfortHow often have you heard people saying that they have a fast metabolism or a slow one? Factors such as environment, lifestyle, and individual health can impact your metabolism. And if your metabolism is not functioning normally, this in turn can affect your health, energy, and weight. Hormones, specifically your metabolic hormones, play a key role in either slowing your metabolism down or speeding it up. And understanding this relationship is key to having the metabolism you want.

What Is Metabolism?

Metabolism generally involves the process by which your body breaks down the liquid or food you consume and converts them into fuel that the body uses to provide cellular support. During this process, the calories from food are mixed with oxygen in order to create and exert energy.

Whether you are resting or doing physical activity, your body requires energy constantly to function. As such, it doesn't matter if you're twiddling your thumbs or running a mile. Simply put, your body needs fuel to keep going.

Many people call "metabolism" the amount of calories burnt in order to complete basic functions. However, this is, in fact, the basal metabolic rate.

Factors such as age and body composition impact an individual's basal metabolic rate. Likewise, the process of thermogenesis and physical activity also plays a role in the calories your body burns.

The Connection Between Metabolism and Weight

In general, caloric intake impacts weight gain and weight loss. On one hand, when you burn more calories than you eat, you tend to lose weight. On the other hand, when you consume more calories than your body burns, your weight will likely increase. At this point, metabolism often gets talked about.

However, metabolism is not the only or primary factor that impacts weight. In reality, several other factors can impact weight, including diet, genetics, exercise, stress, hormones, and sleep.

Hormones, Metabolism, and Stress

Hormones are different chemical messengers produced by the endocrine glands that control and regulate numerous bodily functions of cells and organs. When you experience hormonal imbalances, you increase the risk of a slowdown of your metabolic rate.

Essentially, hormones play a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism and keeping it balanced. An imbalance can cause metabolic functions to misfire.

Hormone balance is maintained by the hormone circuit of the NeuroEndoMetabolic (NEM) Stress Response. The hormone circuit is made up of three vital organs, including the adrenal glands, thyroid glands, and reproductive organs. Combined they create more than 50 hormones that function to regulate bodily processes. Imbalances of the hormone circuit can symptoms such as fatigue, infertility, PMS, irregular periods, low libido, and weight gain.

Additionally, the hormone circuit often dysregulates due to chronic stress. The NEM Stress Response becomes overworked as the adrenals attempt to maintain high levels of cortisol over a long period. The stress hormone cortisol uses many of the same precursors as other hormones, so more cortisol means less of other key hormones. This can lead to Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS), which comes with several symptoms. It often leads to hormone imbalance, cravings for sweet and salty foods, fatigue, sleep problems, weight gain, and metabolic syndrome.

6 Key Metabolic Hormones

There are six main hormones that are critical to metabolism. These include:

Glucagon-Like Peptide 1

A microscopic image of Glucagon-Like Peptide 1Glucagon-Like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is one of the metabolic hormones, and it's made in the gut when nutrients move into the intestines. It is a part of the category of hormones called incretins that boost the release of insulin based on gut-related factors. Furthermore, this hormone is a product of a molecule called pre-proglucagon which is made of parts of proteins that split to create other hormones like glucagon. GLP-1 is not only released by the L-cells of the small intestine, but also by the central nervous system and the pancreas.

The function of this hormone is to maintain stable blood sugar levels in the body. Also, it helps you to feel full when eating and between meals as well, reducing appetite. Nowadays, it is commonly used as a peptide injection to help people lose weight. The generic GLP-1 analog is called Semaglutide, and the common tradenames can come under Wegovy or Ozempic.

How GLP-1g Is Controlled

The primary stimulation for glucagon-like peptide 1 release is food. After you begin eating, it takes between 10-15 minutes for the hormone levels to rise and remain as such for many hours after you stop eating. Another hormone, somatostatin, acts on GLP-1 by decreasing its production. Also, the enzyme dipeptidyl peptidase-4 quickly breaks down GLP-1.

Too Little and Too Much GLP-1g

It appears that too little GLP-1 secretion can cause the development of obesity or make it worse. Less of the hormone may cause an individual's appetite to increase along with the risk of snacking between meals. There is no evidence to indicate what the effects of too much GLP-1 may be. However, GLP-1 analogs, which are drugs developed to mimic glucagon-like peptide 1 in blood circulation, have been shown to boost weight loss and improve type-2 diabetes.

Cholecystokinin (CCK)

Cholecystokinin (CCK) is another of the metabolic hormones that is also a fullness hormone. It's produced the by I-cells of the duodenum following meals and secreted by certain neurons found in the brain. Also, it stimulates receptors present in both the central nervous system and the gut.

CCK is involved in several bodily processes, including digestion, energy production, protein breakdown, and boosting the secretion of leptin. Leptin is a fullness hormone that helps to reduce your appetite during meals instead of between them. Specifically, it enhances digestion by minimizing the speed at which food is emptied from your stomach and supporting both the production of bile in your liver and its release from your gall bladder.

Furthermore, CCK releases more enzymes and fluid from your pancreas to break down certain nutrients in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

How CCK Is Controlled

Cholecystokinin release is stimulated by fat and protein in your stomach. Roughly 15 minutes after beginning a meal, the levels of this hormone increase and stay high for as much as three hours following meals. The hormone somatostatin and bile acids in the small intestine block cholecystokinin.

Too Much and Too Little Cholecystokinin

There's a lack of evidence on the impacts of an excess of cholecystokinin. Too low levels of cholecystokinin in the body could potentially increase appetite and make it more challenging to lose weight.

Somatostatin 1x

Another metabolic hormone is somatostatin which prevents the release of different hormones, such as cholecystokinin, insulin, growth hormone, and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). It's produced by several tissues throughout your body, but primarily in the digestive (gastrointestinal tract) and nervous systems.

Additionally, it controls an array of physiological activities, prevents the release of other hormones (gastrin, insulin, glucagon, and secretin), keeps the reproduction of particular cells (both normal and cancerous cells) to a minimum, and reduces gastric secretions.

How Somatostatin Is Controlled

In a similar manner to how somatostatin regulates the making of different hormones, through a feedback system, these same hormones regulate the production of this hormone. Elevated levels of other hormones increase this mechanism, while low levels minimize it.

Too Much and Too Little Somatostatin

An image of somatostatin written on a sheet of paperAn excess of somatostatin in your bloodstream can lead to an endocrine tumor, a rare condition called "somatostatinoma." Also, an elevated level of somatostatin can cause a critical reduction in the release of several endocrine hormones. For instance, suppression of insulin release from the pancreas raises blood glucose levels, causing diabetes. Too little somatostatin increases the risk for several problems, such as the release of excess growth hormone.

Gastrin

Produced by ‘G’ cells in your stomach and small intestine, gastrin, another of the metabolic hormones, supports the coordinated movement of the muscles and secretions of the stomach. When you eat food, this hormone acts on the stomach to release gastric acid to change pepsinogen (an inactive protein digestive enzyme) to pepsin (an active protein digestive enzyme). This action enables the breakdown of proteins by the stomach and nutrient absorption. Also, gastric acid limits the risk of developing infections in your gut by getting rid of harmful bacteria, viruses, and parasites that invade the stomach via food.

How Gastrin Is Controlled

The release of gastrin occurs before you eat a meal through anticipation, which stimulates the brain's vagus nerve, signaling to your stomach to secrete gastrin. The stretching of your stomach walls when you eat also stimulates gastrin secretion. Of the metabolic hormones, somatostatin slows the secretion of gastrin.

Too Much and Too Little Gastrin

Too much gastrin can result from having a gastrin-secreting tumor. It's called a gastrinoma, also known as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. With excess gastrin in the gut, acid is released and causes ulcers on the lining of the intestine that could burst. Stomach acid can also cause diarrhea as a result of damage to the lining of the intestine. While it's a rare occurrence to find low gastrin in the bloodstream, low amounts of gastric acid could likely lead to infection inside your gut and minimize the stomach's ability to absorb vital nutrients the body needs.

Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide

The incretin hormone glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide is made by the small intestine in response to eating food. It's produced and released from the K cells of the small intestine. The primary function of this hormone is the secretion of insulin into the bloodstream. This action helps with regulating blood sugar levels in the body and targets beta cells in the pancreas. Glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide further triggers the secretion of insulin to keep blood sugar levels low after you have had a meal. Additionally, it boosts beta cell production and slows the breakdown process. The hormone receptors are also found in other organs of the body. These include the brain, bone, and fat tissue.

How Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide Is Controlled

The primary stimuli for glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide secretion is food. However, fatty and sugary foods are the biggest trigger. When they enter the bloodstream, the levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide begin to decrease rapidly - roughly seven minutes after a meal. The hormone somatostatin stops the release of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide.

Too Much and Too Little Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Peptide

There appears to be a connection between too much glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as obesity. However, it's unclear if elevated levels of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide cause type 2 diabetes or result from the ailment. Furthermore, in people with diabetes, the hormone is less efficient at triggering insulin secretion. As such, high blood sugar occurs, which makes type 2 diabetes worse.

If you have too much glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide and you are obese, your body will produce more fat tissue. This worsens the existing obesity.

At present, there is no data indicating the effects of a deficit of glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide.

Glucagon

An image of Glucagon written on a piece of paperGlucagon is another of the metabolic hormones and it's also a peptide hormone that's created by the alpha cells of the islets of Langerhans. This hormone is involved in the maintenance of blood sugar (glucose) levels during fasting and boosting significantly low glucose levels in your bloodstream. Also, it blocks gastric acid release in normal subjects and in ulcer patients.

Furthermore, there's a close relationship between glucagon and insulin, where the glucagon-releasing alpha cells encircle the insulin-releasing beta cells. To prevent glucagon levels from decreasing too much, the liver helps to keep it in check.

How Glucagon Is Controlled

The hormones glucagon and insulin work together to maintain optimal blood glucose levels. On one hand, glucagon secretion prevents hypoglycemia, in which the blood glucose levels decrease too much. On the other hand, insulin is secreted to prevent hyperglycemia, in which blood glucose levels are too elevated. Glucagon release can be triggered by either low blood sugar levels, adrenaline, or high-protein foods. If the pancreatic cells detect too much blood glucose and carbohydrates, glucagon release is stopped.

Too Much and Too Little Glucagon

Glucagonoma can cause an excess level of glucagon in the body. This a pancreatic alpha-cell tumor. Too much of this hormone could lead to conditions like diabetes mellitus, venous thrombosis, and weight loss. Too little levels of glucagon secretion can cause extremely low blood sugar, which requires glucagon to control it.

Tips to Keep Metabolic Hormones Balanced

You can keep your metabolic hormones level balanced by:

  • Increasing healthy proteins in your diet to help keep you fuller, longer
  • Exercising regularly
  • Take care of your gut health with probiotics, but with the recommendation of your doctor
  • Manage the level of stress in your life
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Your doctor may recommend hormone therapy

The Takeaway on Metabolic Hormones

Metabolic hormones play vital roles in the body to keep your digestion working efficiently and smoothly. However, sometimes the body can have too much or too little of a particular hormone. This can lead to several health issues. If you suspect you suffer from an underlying hormone-related issue and would like to restore hormonal balance, speak to your doctor.

If you are concerned about how to balance your hormones and would like assistance in determining natural ways to do so, the team at Dr. Lam Coaching can help. We offer a free** no-obligation phone consultation at +1 (626) 571-1234 where we will privately discuss your symptoms and various options. You can also send us a question through our Ask The Doctor system by clicking here.

© Copyright 2024 Michael Lam, M.D. All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Lam’s Key Question

Metabolic hormones are those hormones produced by the body that are responsible for various metabolic processes. These hormones can be kept in check by exercising regularly, maintaining gut health, keeping stress down, eating protein-rich meals, and maintaining a healthy weight.

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