How Do You Determine Your Metabolic Type?

Several types of metabolic tests can determine metabolic type; one of the most effective ways to begin is by having your blood work done by a professional doctor. The results will allow you to determine whether your metabolism is carbohydrate-efficient, fat- and protein-efficient, or some combination of both. You need your standard lipid profile to complete this task.
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Obtain your full blood profile
Make an appointment with your doctor to get your blood work done. This typically includes your HDL and LDL cholesterol levels, HDL-to-LDL ratio, triglycerides, and total cholesterol. If you do not have a primary doctor, you can get your blood work performed at a clinic or health services center.
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Determine if you are carbohydrate efficient
This metabolic type runs most efficiently on a heavy-carbohydrate, low-fat diet. If your HDL is below 45, LDL is above 140, HDL-to-LDL ratio is above 3.5 and triglycerides are below 100, you have a carbohydrate-efficient metabolism.
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Determine if you are fat- and protein-efficient
This metabolic type runs best on a low-carbohydrate, high-protein and moderate fat diet. If your HDL is above 55 with LDL below 110, with an HDL-to-LDL ratio below 3.5 and triglycerides above 120, you likely are fat- and protein-efficient.
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Determine if you are dual-efficient
Your numbers may not fit into the two main types. If your HDL is above 45 with LDL below 115, HDL-to-LDL ratio is below 3.5 and triglycerides below 120, you have a dual-efficient metabolism. In this case, your metabolism runs best on a balanced diet with moderate percentages of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.