15 things that slow down your metabolism

Your genes

If your body burns calories slowly while resting or sleeping, you may have inherited this from your parents through your genes.

Since genes cannot be changed, focus on your habits and do more sports, look for other ways to be active.

Your hormones

Hormonal imbalances can slow down your body's use of energy. And this leads to fatigue. Some conditions, such as an underactive or overactive thyroid gland or diabetes, are diseases that affect your metabolism. Stress also releases hormones that can slow down your metabolism.

If you have a disease, take it seriously, and start treatment. And try to suppress stresses in their original state.

Lack of sleep

A good night's sleep keeps your metabolism stable. If you don't get enough sleep, it becomes harder for the body to use energy efficiently. And this can increase the likelihood of such diseases as diabetes and obesity.

Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep. If you don't get enough sleep, consult your doctor to improve your sleep.

Strict diets

How you lose weight matters. If you don't eat enough, your metabolism slows down. Rigid diets while exercising train your body to use fewer calories. This can have unpleasant consequences and the body will cling to calories, which will complicate the process of losing weight.

Stick to a realistic, not drastic, weight loss plan.

Fashionable salt

Sea salt has now become very popular among gourmets and chefs. It can now be found in any kitchen. However such salt lacks iodine, which is necessary for the thyroid gland to control metabolism.

Add some iodized table salt to your diet. Or eat foods rich in iodine (such as shrimp).

Lack of moisture

Without enough H2O, your metabolism can grind to a halt. Do not forget to drink plain clean water. Some studies show that plain water helps the body burn energy and promotes weight loss. At any temperature, water helps to fill you up because you eat less.

Drink water throughout the day. And eat foods rich in moisture - watermelons, cucumbers.

Decaffeinated coffee

This is a good option if you like to drink coffee before bed. But you shouldn't skip a dose of caffeine in the morning, which kickstarts your metabolism. Some studies show that coffee can affect blood sugar levels. But you will have to limit it if you have diabetes.

If you can't tolerate caffeine, replace it with other foods or drinks that will help your metabolism.

Lack of calcium

You need calcium not only for your bones. It is also a key nutrient for a fast metabolism. Many people lack it.

There are plenty of tasty options to help you get your fill of calcium. For example, milk and dairy products. Cereals, orange juice, soy or almond milk, canned salmon, cabbage, and tofu are also rich in calcium.

It's too warm at home

Warming up your bedroom is nice, but it's not always good for your metabolism. High temperatures prevent your body from producing brown fat, which is full of calorie-burning cells.

Try to lower the temperature in the room before going to bed. And even when it's cold outside, regular brisk walks in the evenings will help.

Medicine

Some of your medications may slow your metabolism. These include many antidepressants and some antipsychotics. Some drugs that slow the heart rate can also have this effect.

Tell your doctor if you are not happy with the drug and explain why it is causing the problem.

Carbohydrate reduction

Of course, cutting out unhealthy carbs can help you control your weight and burn fat faster. But your body also needs carbohydrates - to produce insulin. A low-carb diet on an ongoing basis will cause your body to produce less of this key hormone. Your metabolism will slow down and you won't burn as many calories as before.

Get your carbs from nutrient-dense fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Nocturnal lifestyle

Flying on a red-eye plane or working a night shift disrupts your body's natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythms). These changes can lead to a slower metabolism and other problems such as diabetes and obesity.

Reset your biological clock. If you have to travel a lot at night, choose another departure time. Ask management to change your work schedule. If both options don't work, talk to your doctor about healthy ways to help you adjust your circadian rhythms.

Changes in meal times

When you eat is as important as what you eat. Skipping meals, and snacking on the go leads to social and metabolic time zone changes. Shifting meal times can disrupt metabolism and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Stick to a regular meal schedule - have lunch and dinner together as a family.

Chronic stress

When you are in a stressful situation, your body produces the hormone cortisol. Its purpose is to give you a quick boost of energy. If you're stuck in a stress zone, your body thinks you need to fight and continues to produce cortisol. A high level of this hormone makes it difficult for the body to use insulin. This slows down your metabolism and contributes to weight gain.

Find a way to relieve stress. Breathe deeply, and meditate. Find something you like. Find a way that works for you.

High-fat diets

Eating a lot of fatty foods, such as hamburgers or sweets with fatty cream, will never be good for your health. This changes the way your body breaks down food and nutrients. It also affects your body's ability to use insulin. This is called resistance and has been linked to obesity and diabetes.

Eat more fruits and vegetables, and drink enough water. Add beans, peppers, and shellfish to your diet.

Earlier we wrote about what the doctor called frequent mistakes that prevent losing weight.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.