Answer to Question 1
The breakdown of body compounds is known as catabolism. These reactions usually release energy. Glycogen can be broken down to glucose, triglycerides to fatty acids and glycerol, and protein to amino acids. When the body needs energy, it breaks any or all of the four basic unitsglucose, fatty acids, glycerol, and amino acidsinto even smaller units. When the body does not require energy, the end products of digestion (glucose, amino acids, glycerol, and fatty acids) are used to build body compounds in a process called anabolism. Anabolic reactions involve conversion of glucose to glycogen or fat, conversion of amino acids to body proteins or fat, and synthesis of body fat from glycerol and fatty acids. Catabolism and anabolism are examples of energy metabolism.
Answer to Question 2
Constipation is a symptom, not a disease. Most constipation is temporary and not serious. Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and duration of the constipation, but in most cases dietary and lifestyle changes will help relieve symptoms and assist in preventing them from recurring.
Diet: 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day helps the body form soft, bulky stools.
Lifestyle changes: Increasing water consumption and other liquids, daily exercise, and not ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement will help prevent constipation.
Laxatives
: Most cases of mild constipation do not require use of laxatives. But if the constipation is of long duration, a physician should be consulted for the best treatment to retrain a persistently lethargic bowel.