Habits/ Things That Slow Down Your Metabolism

1. HORMONES – A shift in your hormones can put the brakes on your body’s energy use. That can make you tired. Some conditions, like an underactive or overactive thyroid and diabetes, are hormonal disease that affect your metabolism. Stress also releases hormones that can trigger a slow-down.  

What you can do: If you have a medical condition, keep up with your treatment. And make it a priority to nip stress in the bud.                                                                                                                                                        

2. YOUR LACK OF SLEEP - Good shut-eye helps your metabolism stay steady. When you toss and turn night after night, it’s harder for your body to use energy well, which can make conditions like diabetes and obesity more likely.  

What you can do: Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep. If you’re not there now, try it for a week and see how much better you feel.                                                                                                                                        

3. SEA  SALT- Sea salt is a darling for foodies and chefs. You’ll find it in top restaurants and gourmet kitchens. But it lacks iodine, which your thyroid needs to manage your metabolism.

 What you can do: Just a dash of iodized table salt meets that need. Or enjoy an iodine- rich food, like shrimp.                                                                                                                                                                                
4. NOT ENOUGH CALCIUM- You need it for more than your bones.It’s also a key nutrient for a swift metabolism, among  the other positive things it does for your body. Many people don’t get enough of it. 

What you can do: There are many delicious options! You can get calcium from milk and dairy products, of course. It’s also in many fortified foods ( such as cereals, orange juice, and soy or almond milk), canned salmon, turnip greens, kale, and tofu.

5. YOUR MEDS-  Some drugs can slow down your metabolism.These include many antidepressants and certain antipsychotics doctors use to treat schizophrenia. Many other medications, like those that slow the heart rate, also can have that effect.                                                                                                                     

What you can do: Let your doctor know if you think your prescriptions might be a problem. There may be something you can could take instead.                                                                                                                          

6. CUTTING CARBS- Sure, easing up on unhealthy carbohydrates can help you manage your weight and burn fat faster. But your body needs them to make insulin. Go low-carb all the time and you make less of this key hormone. Your metabolism stalls and you don’t burn as many calories as you once did.              

What you can do: Get your carbs from fruits, vegetables, and grains that are rich in nutrients, like sweet potatoes and whole wheat flour. They’ll keep your metabolism in check and head off those cravings that can take you off-track.                                                                                                                                                          

7. A HIGH-FAT DIET- Eating Loads of fatty foods like greasy burgers and buttery goodies is never a healthy idea. It changes how your body breaks down foods and nutrients. Your body’s ability to use insulin is affected, too. That’s called insulin resistance, and it’s been linked to obesity and diabetes.                         

What you can do: Reach for more fruits and vegetables, and drink more water. Beans, peppers, and shellfish are good options, too.