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Metabolic Typing: Fact or Fallacy?

Many believe that each of us has our own unique metabolic "type" and that if you eat according to that type you'll feel better, have more energy, and enjoy better physical, mental and emotional health. Since each person’s metabolism functions differently, how can anyone possibly believe that one particular diet is the answer to every person’s perfect weight and health maintenance program?

Eating according to your metabolic type may help you combine the proper amounts of carbohydrates, fats and proteins to avoid feelings of hunger, cravings, irritability, nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, anger and reduced energy levels that often occur an hour or so after eating.

Although scientists have not yet validated metabolic typing, if you are interested in optimizing your health, maintaining a healthy weight, lessening your chances of premature aging, and increasing your energy – then one of the things you can do is to learn what your metabolic type is and then to eat appropriately for your type.

It is suggested that there are three metabolic types: protein types, carb types and mixed types. Each type should eat according to the following suggested guidelines:

• Protein types should eat diets that include plenty of proteins, fats and oils, while keeping carbohydrates at a minimum. A typical nutritional ratio might be 40 percent protein and 30 percent fats and carbohydrates.

• Carb types should incorporate a high carbohydrate, low fat diet into their lifestyles; they typically require about 60 percent carbs, 25 percent protein and 15 percent fat, although the carbs selected are important and should not include a lot of grains.

• Mixed types require relatively equal ratios of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.

Metabolic typing may be a way to improve your physical health. It's best done through blood, urine, saliva and glucose tolerance testing and through blood and body typing and analyses. And while further research is needed, you might find the quick self-assessment test at www.womenfitness.net/metabolic_typing.htm can offer some insight into your metabolic type. See if it helps.