Your metabolism regulates your body functions, such as your temperature, how fast you gain and lose weight, as well as your energy levels. This can play a significant role in your well-being, and how healthy you feel overall. Sometimes our metabolism can slow down for several reasons, such as age, gender, genetics, thyroid issues, and lifestyle.
If your hormones are out of balance, they can affect your metabolism. You can now visit the best at-home metabolism test kits to get more information about the potential source of your problem.
Signs That Your Metabolism Is Slow
If you suspect your metabolism might be slow, you can watch out for these signs:
- You’re gaining weight. If your metabolism has slowed down, your body slows down calorie conversion, and you will burn fewer calories, even if you eat the same amount of food in a day. Your body will then store more fat.
- If you restrict your diet and calorie intake in an attempt to lose weight, your metabolism is also going to slow down. When it’s too slow, you’ll burn fewer calories and you’ll struggle to lose weight.
- You might feel constantly tired or lethargic. If your metabolism is slow, the process of changing nutrients into energy will also take longer, and you will have less energy.
- If your skin is dry and itchy you could have a metabolic deficiency, as the same hormones that control your metabolism, also help keep your skin and nails healthy.
- If you’re losing your hair, or your hair has become dull and dry, it can also indicate that your metabolism has slowed down. Your hair and nails constantly need nutrients for growth.
- If your core body temperature is cooler, this might also slow down your metabolism.
- Your immune system can also be affected by your body’s metabolism. Your body is more likely to become sick if your food is converting more slowly to nutrients. A slower metabolism can also cause fluid to build up around your muscles and joints which can cause pain and stiffness, as well as muscle weakness.
- Sugar cravings, and craving calories, may also indicate your body’s metabolism is out of whack.
- If your metabolism is sluggish, you may feel yourself struggling with concentration and alertness. You may struggle with mental clarity and making decisions.
- Your headaches and migraines could be the result of an underactive thyroid which slows your metabolism. Fluctuations in the stress hormone cortisol also cause a metabolic imbalance and can trigger a migraine.
Habits That May Be Causing a Slow Metabolism
Some of your daily habits may be slowing down your metabolism, without you realizing it. Try to change your habits, if you find yourself doing any of the following:
- If you’re on a very restricted diet, you’re simply slowing down your metabolism and storing calories, making your body go into starvation mode.
- Skipping breakfast is never a good idea, as your metabolism is lowered while you sleep, so if you start your day without eating, your metabolism will continue at a lower rate. Have frequent snacks and balanced meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable.
- If you don’t sleep or rest enough, your metabolism will also function at a lower level.
- Your metabolic rate will decrease if your body is dehydrated. Dehydration will also cause your body to store more fat in an effort to increase your body temperature.
Final Thoughts
It’s essential that your metabolism should be functioning at an optimal level for your good health. There are things you can do to speed up your slow metabolism, such as eating healthier foods. It doesn’t have to be complicated; simple changes to the way you exercise, as well as dietary changes, can improve your metabolism.
