Metabolism is a catch-all term for the chemical processes that continuously happen inside the body to keep it functioning normally. One of those processes is the digesting of food. A speedy metabolism will help keep weight off, while a slower one will cause you to burn less fat and keep it stored in the body.
We’ve often read ways to speed up our metabolism, but there are also things that we do that have the unintended consequence of slowing it down.
Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has a look at five of those actions.
- Lack of Sleep
You’re likely to gain weight even if your eating habits don’t change if you’re sleep deprived because your metabolism will be affected, causing the body to burn fewer calories. You also may find yourself eating more to help you stay awake through the day.
- Being Dehydrated in the Morning
Your metabolism slows when you sleep, so experts say if you drink around 20 ounces of water shortly after you wake up, that helps kickstart your metabolism and it also will help you feel more full, preventing you from overeating at breakfast, especially carb-heavy options.
- Holding Onto Stress
Holding onto unnecessary stress can lead to headaches, high blood pressure, gastrointestinal issues, and also drops your metabolism when it comes to digesting food. In addition, stressful situations cause us to turn to comfort foods—fatty meals or sweet treats like pastries or chocolate.
- Drinking Too Much Caffeine
Having one or two cups of coffee in the morning is good for your metabolism, but drinking it regularly throughout the day can backfire. You may not eat much if you’re loading up on caffeine, so you may make up for it late in the day by having a big dinner or snack late at night.
- Not Eating Organic
Many of today’s cage-raised foods are loaded with hormones, which can send your metabolism and other processes like your thyroid and insulin levels, for a loop. You’ll be able to avoid consuming those hormones if you eat organic, free-range, and grass-fed meat, eggs, and dairy products.
To learn more about Martine Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://martine-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
