When we think of slow metabolism, we automatically think of constant weight gain and the inability to lose weight.
We believe it all depends on our age, and it’s just a process we can’t control, right? Wrong!
Our sluggish metabolism can actually be caused by factors such as what we are putting into our bodies and the stress our bodies go through.
Our metabolism is like the engine that keeps our bodies going, and when it slows down, it can significantly impact our overall well-being.
In this blog, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of metabolism and its importance and explore why it sometimes slows down.
We’ll also cover seven signs of a sluggish metabolism beyond just struggling with weight loss.
We’ll talk about some simple solutions to help rev up your metabolism and bring back that energetic spark to your life.
What is Your Metabolism, and Why is it Important?
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat”?
Well, your metabolism is the process that transforms the food you eat into the energy your body needs to function. It’s like a magical system that works behind the scenes, ensuring every cell in your body gets what it needs.
Metabolism is vital for maintaining optimal health and vitality, from keeping your heart pumping to helping your brain think.
Why Does Our Metabolism Slow Down?
Low metabolism is not just to blame on age or genetics. There’s more to it that we can control!
Insufficient Nutrition and Energy Deficit
Imagine you’re a car, and food is your fuel. Your metabolism can start sputtering if you don’t give your body enough of the right fuel.
Low-carb or low-calorie diets may leave you lacking the necessary nutrition and glucose to power your body’s cellular processes.
So, nourishing yourself with a balanced and nutrient-rich diet is essential to keep that metabolism working correctly.
Stress
Stress is impossible to avoid; life gets hectic, right?
Stress can slow down your metabolism. When stressed, it affects your thyroid gland, which is crucial in regulating metabolism.
The stress response can put your thyroid in conservation mode, causing your body to conserve energy and hold onto extra weight.
Insufficient nutrients can also put your body under extra stress.
So, take time to unwind, relax, and find healthy ways to manage stress.
So how can you tell if you have low metabolism?
7 Signs of a Sluggish Metabolism
- Cold Hands and Feet
Ever find yourself constantly reaching for warm socks or cozying up with a blanket, even when others are feeling comfortable? It could be a sign of a slower metabolism.
If your body temperature drops below 97.8 degrees Fahrenheit and stays low throughout the day, it may be a sign that your metabolic rate is not functioning optimally. (Note: Your body temp also changes throughout your menstrual cycle!)
- Low Resting Pulse Rate
If your resting pulse rate is consistently below 75 beats per minute, your body is not producing enough energy to keep up with its demands.
- Brittle Hair and Nails
Our hair and nails can provide insight into our overall health. Brittle hair and nails can be signs of nutrient deficiencies caused by a sluggish metabolism. When our body is not efficiently utilizing energy, it can affect the health of our hair and nails.
- Excessive Sleepiness and Morning Fatigue
Feeling like a zombie during the afternoon or struggling to wake up in the morning? A slow metabolism may be to blame.
Instead of blaming it on “not being a morning person,” it could be because your metabolic rate is low, your energy levels are plummetting, leaving you feeling perpetually tired.
- Decreased Appetite
Ok, so speaking of needing extra morning time to feel human again, do you wake up with a lack of appetite?
Breakfast-technically is a break from our fast, from fasting overnight.
We should break that when we get up in the morning. If you aren’t hungry in the morning, it can mean your body is not utilizing energy properly, which means a really slow sluggish metabolism.
- Excessive Thirst and Urination
Feeling parched all the time? Making frequent trips to the bathroom?
A mineral imbalance caused by a sluggish metabolism can lead to increased thirst and frequent urination. When our metabolism is compromised, the body’s ability to maintain fluid balance may be disrupted.
- Irregular Bowel Movements
A slow metabolism can affect digestion and lead to irregular bowel movements. When our body’s metabolic processes are impaired, it can impact the smooth functioning of the digestive system.
How to Give Your Metabolism the Boost It Needs
Embrace a Nutrient-Dense Calorie Diet
Nourish your body with a well-balanced diet to provide your metabolism with the nutrients it craves, helping it run smoothly and efficiently.
Many women I work with are undereating without realizing it. Some diets insist on keeping your calories to 1,200 to 1,500 calories, but that can lead to insufficient nutrients.
Learn what is the right calorie intake for you. Feel free to use my nutritional calculator, which can be found in my free PDF.
Find Your Zen
Engage in activities that help you unwind and destress. Whether practicing meditation or spending time in nature, finding what destresses you can work wonders for reviving your metabolism.
Get Moving
Exercise is not just about losing weight; it’s a fantastic way to boost your metabolism. Find activities you enjoy and make them part of your daily routine.
Prioritize Sleep
Give your body the rest it needs by establishing a consistent sleep routine. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. It will not only rejuvenate your body but also support a healthy metabolism.
Hydration
Stay hydrated by sipping water throughout the day. Hydration plays a crucial role in metabolic processes and overall bodily functions.
So, keep that water bottle handy and let your metabolism thrive.
You CAN Boost Your Metabolism
Remember, a sluggish metabolism isn’t impossible to fix. With the right support and simple lifestyle changes, you can get back to feeling how you are supposed to feel.
Listen to my latest podcast to learn more about how to kickstart your metabolism. You can also check out The Wellness Principle Guide to help you get your metabolism back on track.
Hey there, I’m Kari!
As a Pharmacist and Integrative Health Practitioner, I get the privilege of working with women who are struggling with fatigue, poor sleep, painful cycles, digestive issues, and irritability- all of which have become their norm. And they are struggling just to keep up, simply wanting their health back.
I know what it’s like to feel frustrated and left with the same issues, even after spending time, energy & money thinking I’d found the answer.
With the right support, a proven method, and the Lord as our guide, let’s get your health back so you can run the race set before you with perseverance and joy.
So thankful you found your way here!
