Anabolism and catabolism: know the differences and improve your results

The correct regulation of metabolism – and greater use of energy – begins with an understanding of each of these phases. Simply put: if you understand the characteristics of anabolism and catabolism you will be able to get better results.

That simple.

Therefore, today we are going to talk about the phases of metabolism, evaluating which exercises are suitable to work each one. That way, you will know when to train, how to train, and what is the correct supplement for each phase.

Let’s start. Get comfortable and enjoy reading!

What is metabolism?

In a nutshell: metabolism is the set of biochemical reactions that occur in the body. It is regulated according to several characteristics of each individual, the most influential in metabolism are:

• Age
• Weight
• Sex
• Daily physical activities

That is, each metabolism undergoes countless transformations due to the different combinations of many factors, with a greater emphasis on the four elements mentioned above.

Metabolism is divided into two forms: anabolism and catabolism. They are responsible for the correct balance and the correct integration between the biochemical elements present in our organism.

What is Anabolism?

The anabolic form occurs during the formation of complex molecules from simpler ones. It is during anabolism that energy is called.
Therefore, during anabolism we can say that there is a set of reactions of synthesis and construction.

Anabolic examples and training

One of the most classic examples of anabolism is the synthesis of proteins from amino acids. So, anyone who wants to gain muscle needs to stimulate anabolism.

Anabolic exercises are exercises focused on weight lifting, for example. It is also a good idea to increase the rate of energy foods. Thus, the body will receive the amount of energy necessary to perform anabolic processes and develop muscle growth.

The consumption of Whey Protein Concentrate (WPC), assists in anabolism, as it provides the metabolism with all the energies necessary to meet the needs of exercise.

That is, at the time of a workout, your body will not burn “muscles”, but fat. And then, during the rest phases, your body will use the supplementation protein to heal the microlesions present in the muscles – resulting from exercise.

Therefore, offering energy-rich foods and ensuring dietary supplementation are essential for those who want to gain muscle.

What is catabolism?

Just so that the article doesn’t get extremely technical, let’s say that catabolism is an “inverse” phase of anabolism. Well, there are all the biochemical reactions when complex organic compounds are converted into simpler molecules.

Therefore, in summary, the catabolism phase is formed by reactions of degradation and breaking – the opposite of the synthesis and construction of anabolism.

Catabolic examples and training

The most classic example of catabolism is digestion. In it, consumer foods are broken down and transformed into several simpler substances, which will later be used by metabolism in countless bodily functions.

Catabolism produces energy. For example, when consuming starch, a polysaccharide food – carbohydrate – the body is able to transform it into glucose molecules, much simpler and more energetic.

Proteins are transformed, primarily, into amino acids. These will be used in the body’s anabolic processes.

That is, it is during catabolism that the necessary energies for anabolism are manufactured. Therefore, an insufficient diet can cause the catabolic phases to use muscles in the break and interfere with the results.

On the other hand, if the catabolic phase gets the help of supplements – such as Whey Protein Concentrate – this protein will be transformed into amino acids, which will be available for the next workout. The protein will also assist in the repair of muscles. Improving the performance of the metabolism and the use of available energies.

Differences between anabolism and catabolism

To be clear, we have divided the two phases into items, so that you can see exactly the main differences between anabolism and catabolism. Look:

Anabolism:

• Has synthesis reactions
• Consumes energy
• Produces complex molecules – for example, proteins
• It’s protein synthesis and photosynthesis

Catabolism

• Has degradation reactions
• Produces energy
• Produces simple molecules, such as amino acids
• It’s digestion and cellular respiration

Best time to take Whey Protein Concentrate

Okay, now that we’ve discussed the anabolic and catabolic phases, it’s time to talk about the best time to take Whey Protein Concentrate. After all, will the best results come if taken before or after training?

Well, the answer to that question depends on the time you practice the exercise.

We already know that physical exercise requires mainly amino acids. Thus, your body must have a generous offer for you to be able to do a quality workout.

Anyway, at the end of each workout, your body enters the regeneration phase. When it restores the intracellular and intramuscular concentration of amino acids, used during training.

So, if your exercise is done in the afternoon, or at night, when your diet has already supplied the body with all the amino acids needed for training, you should take Whey Protein right after training.

After all, its focus is on the regeneration phase, when the body goes in search of the protein necessary to produce amino acids.

On the other hand, if your training is in the early morning, Whey Protein can be used before training, in conjunction with a fast digesting carbohydrate source.

That is:

• if the training takes place at a time of day when your solid diet has already met the energy needs for exercise, Whey Protein can be consumed between 1 am and 2 am after training.

• if it occurs in the first moments of the morning, when your solid food has not yet had time to meet the energy need. The fast absorbing Whey Protein is indicated as a supplement to provide energies in an effective way.

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Thanks for reading and see you next time.