BODY METABOLISM SLOWS DOWN, NEED TO BE ALERT
Have you ever felt tired quickly or frequently hungry even after just eating? Be careful, this could be a warning sign that body metabolism is slowing
Have you ever felt tired quickly or frequently hungry even after just eating? Be careful, this could be a warning sign that body metabolism is slowing down.
Metabolism isn't just a process of burning calories; it's like the body's main engine, regulating energy production, cell repair, and organ function.
Unfortunately, many people don't realize how important it is to maintain an optimal metabolism. A suboptimal metabolism can lead to weight gain, illness, and decreased physical performance.
So, what causes a slowed metabolism?
So, what causes a slowed metabolism?
Causes of a Decreased Metabolism
Several health literature reveals that metabolism can slow down for several reasons, including:
1. Lack of Sleep
Lack of sleep not only makes you feel sluggish but also disrupts the body's hormonal rhythms. Studies show that lack of sleep can disrupt the hormones leptin and ghrelin, which regulate hunger sensations.
In another article, I've discussed the dangers of sleep deprivation in depth; you can read more about the dangers of sleep deprivation in this article Lack of sleep is dangerous for your health
Furthermore, a body lacking rest slows down its metabolism as an energy-saving response. It's no wonder that staying up late often leads to weight gain and increases the risk of diabetes. Ideally, everyone should get 7 to 8 hours of sleep per day.
2. Overly Strict Dieting
Many people try to drastically reduce their portion sizes to lose weight. However, this actually forces the body into energy-saving mode, which stimulates a slow metabolism.
A low calorie intake will result in muscle wasting due to a lack of nutrients, which automatically reduces calorie burning.
3. Not Drinking Enough
Water is an essential component for chemical reactions in the body, including metabolism. Therefore, a lack of water will also significantly reduce calorie burning.
4. Iodine Deficiency
Modern salt is not always fortified with or contains iodine. The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce hormones that regulate metabolism. Iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism, disrupting metabolic processes.
5. Calcium Deficiency
Calcium is not only important for bone formation but also for energy metabolism. When calcium intake is inadequate, our bodies will have difficulty maintaining a healthy metabolic rate.
6. Chronic Stress
Prolonged stress increases the hormone cortisol, which can trigger fat storage in the abdominal area. As a result, a person's body can become obese, potentially disrupting the function of other organs, such as the heart.
7. Consuming foods high in unhealthy fats
Fried foods, fast food, and foods containing coconut milk can trigger insulin resistance, making it more difficult for the body to process energy. This can further slow down metabolism and increase the risk of diabetes.
How to Increase Metabolism
I have previously outlined some of the serious impacts of metabolism. Therefore, the best solution to maintain an active metabolism is to do the following:
- Get enough sleep
- Consume protein with every meal
- Drink enough water
- Increase physical activity and weight training
- Consume foods rich in iodine and calcium
- Avoid stress
- Limit foods high in fat and sugar
Conclusion
Human metabolism is a vital system that determines how efficiently the human body can convert food into energy.
Many factors can trigger a slow metabolism, such as lack of sleep, extreme dieting, dehydration, and stress.
The good news is that by making the right lifestyle changes, we can maintain our metabolism so that our health can always be maintained.
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HEALTH