Metabolism is the sum of all the biochemical reactions that take place in our bodies. A good metabolism leads to good health. Here are some habits to boost your metabolism.
How to Boost Your Metabolism
What is Metabolism Exactly?
Metabolism is like a recycling center with a continuous cycle of absorption, breakdown, and conversion – substances are broken down into useful parts, then converted into new materials. When we practice healthy living habits, we positively contribute to our metabolic ecosystem, where not just food is converted into energy but also digestive enzymes, micronutrient absorption, and even sleep cycles, all play a part in our metabolism.
The most important factor is one’s metabolic health, meaning all the necessary chemical reactions to convert food into energy must be efficient.
For instance, if a person is deficient in carnitine, their mitochondria will be unable to quickly convert fat into energy, slowing down their metabolism. Many other nutritional deficiencies can also negatively impact metabolic health, such as vitamins, metals, sulfur compounds, and fiber.
To boost your metabolism, consider incorporating the following five daily habits into your life.
Habits to Boost Your Metabolism
Get Enough Protein
Ensure you’re getting adequate protein throughout the day from plant or animal sources as protein helps maintain muscle mass and boosts metabolism. You can do this as simply as possible: for example, add chicken to your salad, sprinkle chia seeds on your yogurt, or drink a glass of Greek yogurt every day.
Get Quality Sleep
Quality and consistent sleep helps balance hormones such as insulin, cortisol, and leptin. Poor sleep can slow down metabolism, increase appetite, and make it harder for the body to use energy efficiently. Try to go to bed at the same time every night, develop bedtime routines that promote sleep, and wake up at the same time each day.
Eat More Fermented Foods
Include more fermented foods like kombucha with live probiotics, kimchi, and kefir in your diet. Fermented foods provide probiotics for a healthy gut microbiome, reduce inflammation, and help efficiently absorb energy from food. Make fermented foods a priority on your shopping list.
Stay Hydrated
Water is essential for all metabolic processes in the body. Even mild dehydration can slow down metabolism. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day and aim to drink about half your body weight in ounces daily. Maintaining metabolic health starts with staying hydrated.
Eat Regular Meals
In addition to eating healthily, it’s important to eat regularly. That means not skipping lunch or avoiding late-night dinners: try to eat three to five small meals, spaced two to four hours apart.
