Natural ways to boost your metabolism

Natural ways to boost your metabolism

The process of metabolism consists of two main steps:

catabolism – breaking down of substances and nutrients and

anabolism – building up more cells and repairing our bodies.

Throughout this energy exchange with our environment, we keep our own systems in a more or less steady state.

The number of calories your body burns to keep the organs working and to maintain all bodily functions is called BMR (basal metabolic rate). It roughly accounts for 70% of your metabolism. The consequences of low BMR:

• weight-loss resistance
• chronic fatigue
• dry skin and brittle nails
• hair loss
• frequent headaches
• poor memory
• low libido
• depression
• constipation

How to boost your metabolism naturally?

Unhealthy food is the major cause of disease, while healthy food can be its main healer.

Along with vitamins and minerals, fiber from farmers’ fresh produce is  a natural way to support detoxification of the gut. Also, fiber costs more energy which maximizes your BMR.

Under-fueling is just as risky as overeating – you lose muscle weight and your body hangs onto every calorie to save the energy. This unnecessary sacrifice puts you through the pain of hunger and deprivation which severely drops BMR.

• Breakfast is the fuel of the day. Go for protein foods. BMR is influenced by how much energy your body expends. About 30% of calories in protein goes into its digestion and absorption. Plus, it’s the essential.
• Don’t give up on good carbs. Remember, the calories content in high fructose syrup isn’t the same as in blueberries.
• You have to monitor nutrients  but not the amount of calories. All macronutrients, vitamins and minerals are vital for your health.

Catechins – molecules in green tea are powerful antioxidants that counteract some harmful effects of unhealthy fats and carbohydrates. It activates the process of fat burning and lowers cholesterol levels. Fix on the real thing – don’t take supplements that contain green tea extract and claim to have miracle benefits.

Traditional Chinese medicine has been using ginseng root for centuries. It was used as a supplement to improve general well-being, physical stamina, immune system and to slow the aging process. It

• Lowers blood sugar levels
• Alleviates the effects of free radicals that are harmful byproducts of breaking down process
• Boosts metabolism – drinking ginseng root tea on a daily basis maximizes the breakdown of fat cells

Avoid foods that could be acting like toxins on your body causing inflammation, harm digestion, trigger diabetes, interfere with absorption:

• fried foods
• high-sodium snacks
• hydrogenated oils
• white flour products
• refined sugar
• alcohol

It goes without saying that exercise is among natural ways to speed up metabolism.

Not enough sleep affects: insulin, melatonin and cortisol which promote weight gain