Are you having trouble losing weight even though you are doing everything right? This could mean that you have a slow metabolism. Here are some common symptoms of a sluggish metabolism, and how you can get it under control.
The most common symptoms of slow metabolism are weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold easily, cravings for sugar and carbohydrates, poor wound healing, brittle and weak skin, nails, and hair, mental health issues, and slow digestion.
Let's discuss what can cause these symptoms and what you can do to boost your metabolism if you are experiencing these symptoms.
A slow metabolism can be caused by fad diets where you eat too few calories. While eating too few calories can result in weight loss, it will also result in damage to your metabolic health. Eating a well-rounded diet high in protein will help you lose weight in a sustainable way that doesn’t damage your metabolic health. Some foods that are known for boosting metabolism are coffee, chilis, green tea, and carotenoid-rich foods like mangoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes.
Not eating enough protein could also be the source of a sluggish metabolism. Protein will temporarily increase your metabolism by 20-30% while being digested, so you burn more calories than carbohydrates and fats. If you’re struggling with a slow metabolism, try increasing your protein consumption. Some excellent plant-based protein sources are tofu, beans, and lentils.
A sluggish metabolism can also be the consequence of excess fructose consumption. Sugary drinks are a major source of fructose, so try to limit your intake.
What you put inside your body is an important aspect of your metabolic health, but how you move and treat your body is another important feature of metabolic health. A slow metabolism could be the consequence of a sedentary lifestyle. Try increasing your physical activity to burn calories and raise your basal metabolic rate. Strength training is recommended for boosting your metabolism because muscle mass will burn calories at rest while body fat doesn’t.
Lack of sleep and poor sleep can be another cause of a sluggish metabolism. During periods of poor sleep, you have higher blood sugar and lower insulin levels, which result in burning fewer calories. To boost your metabolism, improve your quality of sleep. This will also reduce your stress levels, which is another cause of slow metabolisms.
Faster metabolisms come from a healthy lifestyle with healthy habits. Getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet, and being physically active with result in a boost in metabolism.
Sources: Miami Herald
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