Metabolic Type Spiral: Understanding

The Metabolic Spiral is key to understanding your metabolic type. At the outset, it may seem a little confusing but if you take the time to study it, it will make understanding all about Metabolic Typing and your metabolism much easier.

We recommend that you print the Metabolic Spiral graphic. You will need it for a record to track your progress in the future. If you cannot print it, make a written copy.

Notice that the spiral is placed on a two axis graph. Also on the graph are placed the numbers 1 through 12 which represent the twelve metabolic types. The horizontal axis represents the progression of metabolic types from strong vegetarian, carbohydrate-based metabolism on the left (Type 1) to balanced carb/protein-based metabolism at the center (Type 9) to strong protein-based metabolism (Type 2) on the right. Therefore, all types to the left of the vertical axis are sympathetic dominant and carbohydrate prone, with Type 1 being more so than Types 4, 6 and 11. The perfectly balanced metabolizers, Types 3,8,9 and 10 are found directly on the vertical axis. The parasympathetic protein-based metabolizers Types 2,5,7 and 12 are found to the right of the vertical axis with Type 2 being the strongest of the four.

Now, notice the vertical axis. It represents the metabolic efficiency. It depicts the progression from very poor metabolism at the bottom (Type 3) to very good metabolism (Type 10) at the top. The types below the horizontal axis (3,6 and 7) have inefficient metabolisms but 6 and 7 are more efficient than 3. As we move from the bottom of the spiral toward the top metabolic efficiency improves.

In summary, as you look at the spiral from a left to right horizontal perspective, it represents your relative position on the progressive scale from carbohydrate to protein-based metabolism, ie, from vegetarian to heavy meat eater. As you look at the chart from a bottom to top perspective, it represents how strong or efficient your metabolism is regardless of where you are on the horizontal scale. For example, Type 1 is a strong vegetarian with average metabolic efficiency whereas Type 3 is a balanced metabolizer with very inefficient metabolism.

As you improve your metabolism and therefore your health, you should retest your metabolic typing about every six months. By doing so you can monitor your progress and the effectiveness of your nutrition and supplement program. Study Steps to practical application of your Metabolic type test to see exactly how that is accomplished.