Exothermic Reaction

Exothermic reactions are your body’s energy-releasing processes—the molecular combustion chambers where stored chemical energy gets converted into usable forms. These reactions release more energy than they consume, making them the fundamental drivers of all biological activity.

The breakdown of glucose, fats, and other nutrients involves cascading exothermic reactions that liberate energy in controlled, usable packets. Rather than releasing all the energy at once (which would be like cellular dynamite), these reactions are carefully regulated to capture energy in the form of ATP, NADH, and other energy carriers.

From Ray Peat’s perspective, the efficiency and completeness of exothermic reactions determine metabolic quality. Clean, complete oxidation of fuels produces maximum energy yield with minimal toxic byproducts. Incomplete or inefficient reactions generate less useful energy and more potentially harmful intermediates.

The practical implication is that supporting efficient exothermic reactions—through proper nutrition, adequate oxygen, optimal temperature, and thyroid function—maximizes your energy yield from food while minimizing metabolic stress and oxidative damage.