What You Need to Know About Your Metabolism

There are a lot of factors that influence your metabolism, and how easy it is to gain or loose weight. While it's true that for most people, your metabolism slows down as you age. There are other factors that are involved such as thyroid health, gender, and genetics. Here is what you need to know about your metabolism.

Muscle and Activity

Muscle burns more calories than fat. That is one of the resons it is so important to do strength workouts. Men tend to burn more calories than women because they naturally have a higher muscle mass. This is not to say that you will loose weight if you do stength exercises, but it is one factor. Same with staying active which could be gardening, going for walks/hikes, and dancing. All of these will increase your muscle mass and require more energy than doing nothing.

Hormone Balance

Your pancreas, thyroid, and pituatary gland all produces hormones that can effect your blood sugar levels. Those same hormones determine how your body distributes weight. If your hormones are not balanced, it can effect whether or not your body breaks down carbohydrates as needed for energy. If your thyroid is underactive, it can cause yout metabolism to slow, and you may end up gaining weight. Lack of hormone balance is one of the most common reasons you may not be able to loose weight, even if you reduce calories.

Digestive Health

Your digestive health is a critical factor in your overall wellness. If you can't digest your food well and get the nutrients your body needs, it can effect many aspects of your health. Likewise, if your digestion is sluggish, it can be a symptom of a slow metabolism. Your gut health also makes some of the hormones needed by your brain to trigger drowsiness and can also effect your mood.

Don't Limit Calories

Eating too few calories can actually slow your metabolism down. This is true in the situation that your body needs more calories than you are providing. This is because eating too few calories causes your body to try and conserve energy. Most people thrive on a healthy diet of leafy greens, healthy protein, and limited simple carbohydrates.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough pure water is one easy way to help your body function at it's best. It helps your body remove toxins, and your body needs water for optimal metabolism. It may also encourage your body to burn fat. One study showed that drinking water supported healthy metabolism, although it didn't increase the metabolic rate.

Did this help you? If so, I'd greatly appreciate it if you commented and/or share it on social media.