Dorothy FarrarMetabolic
Metabolic disorders are pathological changes in metabolic processes. Strictly speaking, this is a dysfunction of vital processes in the organism. The over- or underproduction of biochemical substances or messenger substances leads to an imbalance in the body. Metabolic diseases are the result.
What are metabolic disorders?
The metabolism regulates the supply, breakdown and production of nutrients. The most important nutrient cycles include carbohydrate, fat, protein and mineral metabolism. In addition, hormones, enzymes and messenger substances play a vital role in metabolic processes.
The metabolic disorder is a general term for health problems in the field of metabolism. A distinction is made between different types of metabolic disorders. The cause is usually a congenital or inherited autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system fights the body’s own structures.
Causes
The causes of metabolic disorders are complex and multifaceted. An important reason is autoimmune, congenital metabolic disorders that last a lifetime and are a common form within autoimmune diseases.
Other possible causes of metabolic disorders:
Symptoms and course
A metabolic disorder is usually characterized by symptoms that can be clearly traced back to the metabolism. Common signs include abdominal pain, cramps in the gastrointestinal tract, diarrhoea, nausea and/or vomiting, and general physical weakness and fatigue.
The greatest risk is dehydration of the body due to diarrhea and vomiting, which is why metabolic disorders need to be treated. Such courses are usually acute, so they occur very quickly and sometimes unexpectedly and worsen within a few hours.
However, metabolic disorders can also lead to creeping symptoms; due to the fact that they often lead to reduced nutrient uptake, deficiency symptoms occur gradually. Autoimmune metabolic disorders, on the other hand, have very individual, specific symptoms that are far removed from the usual manifestations; they usually appear quickly after birth and accompany the affected person for a lifetime.
Typical metabolic disorders (diseases)
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of metabolic disorders can be made via blood and stool. There, pathogens or occult, i.e. already clotted blood from the digestive tract could be detected. More difficult and complex is the detection of an autoimmune or congenital metabolic disorder. As part of the examination of the newborn, blood is taken and specifically searched for such diseases; the autoimmune metabolic disorder would only be recognized and detected. If the condition is not life-threatening, the detection of a metabolic disorder is usually done by blood; if necessary, stool samples can be used or endoscopies of the stomach, intestines and other organs of metabolism can be used.
Treatment and therapy
A metabolic disorder is treated depending on the underlying cause. Congenital autoimmune metabolic disorders cannot be cured; however, symptomatic treatment is possible. This is intended to make life easier for those affected if they already have to live with a congenital metabolic disorder.
The situation is easier if an infection or injury can be assumed. Many infectious, bacterial or viral metabolic disorders only need to be monitored by the doctor, some heal faster if they are treated with medication. Occasionally, the gastrointestinal flora is restored with medication and the affected person can recover more quickly.
One of the most threatening metabolic disorders is the ingestion of toxic substances or objects, which is not uncommon in small children. In these cases, objects must be surgically removed or the gastrointestinal tract pumped out to expedite the removal of toxins from the body before they can cause harm. Metabolic disorders such as ulcers or malignant growths (cancer), on the other hand, require longer-term treatment, most often consisting of removal of the growth followed by chemotherapy or radiation.
Prevention
Metabolic disorders can be effectively prevented by consciously paying attention to a healthy diet. Fruit and vegetables, few ready meals, lots of Roughage and as much fresh, natural food as possible have an effect on metabolic disorders. During a wave of infections, hygiene is the be-all and end-all; frequent hand washing is a must.
Severe stress can also have a negative effect on the metabolism, which is why a work-life balance can help. Autoimmune metabolic disorders or other serious forms of illness, on the other hand, are very difficult to prevent; It is best to avoid foods that are known to be problematic if you have a known condition. The doctor can advise and help to at least reduce the symptoms of the existing metabolic disorder.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.