Reasons Why Our Body’s Metabolism Gets Slow

Metabolism is the process by which the body digests food and creates energy for the cells to perform its basic life functions. As we age, our body's metabolism gets slower. However, there are really some reasons why our body's metabolism gets slower and slower every day.

Top Reasons Why Your Metabolism Slows Down

You Don't Eat Enough Food

 If you think that your body can get more energy when you lose weight and limit your food intake, you're wrong. Your body needs enough calories to provide food for your cells to perform basic processes. If you eat less food, you will not have the strength and energy for the basic needs of the body and thus you will feel weak and your metabolism will slow down. Instead of losing weight you gain a lot of weight because your body is slow in metabolizing food.

 You Don't Take Energy Boosters

 There are many substances which can serve as energy boosters, one of which is caffeine. Caffeine can give you a quick fix so that your central nervous system is stimulated and your metabolism speeds up by about 5 to 8%. It is said that your metabolism can be raised by 12% by a cup of brewed tea. Coffee and tea both contain antioxidants that fight off free radicals in the body and thus eliminate the feelings of stress from your body.

 You Take White Carbohydrates

 White carbohydrates contain empty calories and fewer nutrients that whole wheat bread and pasta. This is because whole wheat bread and pasta contain fiber; so do fruits and vegetables. If you take in more fiber, you can experience a sense of fullness and satiety without the elevation of blood sugar levels associated with high-sugar carbs which can make you feel drowsy and can slow down your metabolism. You should aim to take about 25 grams of fiber a day which is almost equivalent to three servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

 You Take Warm or Room Temperature Water

 One study done in Germany found out that if you drink about 6 cups of cold water a day, your metabolism can increase by 50 calories every day, which is enough to shed 5 pounds a year. This is because cold water increases the work of the body to regulate it to normal temperature.

 You Eat Pesticide Laden Food

 Nowadays, fruits, vegetables and meat are laden with pesticides; these pesticides are stored in the cells of fruits, vegetables and meat and are transported inside our body cells, especially our fat cells. What happens is that these chemicals slow down our metabolism even if we exercise and if we try to lose weight. There are even some studies which suggest that pesticides can give rise to weight gain. This is why you should opt to buy organic fruits, vegetables and meat .

 You Don't Eat Protein

 Protein is needed by the body to build and repair body tissues as well as to maintain muscle mass. Proteins can be found in lean meat, nuts, yogurt and seeds. A meal high in protein can burn calories by 35 percent.

 You Lack Iron

 Iron is needed by the body to carry oxygen to and from the tissues. This oxygen transported from one cell to another is necessary to burn fat in muscle. Iron stores may be low when you don't take iron rich foods, when you have malabsorption and when you have menstruation or blood loss. Low iron levels can give rise to a slower metabolism and lower energy levels. You can boost up your iron levels by eating iron rich foods such as liver, lean meat, seafood, spinach and other vegetables.

 You Lack Vitamin D

 Vitamin D which can be taken from sunshine and from various food sources can boost your metabolism and can provide you with higher energy levels while also boosting your immune resistance against infections and other diseases. Food sources include fish oil, milk, dairy products, eggs, cereals, shrimp, seafood, and fatty fish such as tuna and salmon.

 Reduce Your Alcohol Intake

 Too much alcohol can not only make you groggy; it can also slow down your metabolism levels. If you consume too much alcohol, your body can burn less fat, because the presence of alcohol inhibits the creation of energy as fuel for body processes. Alcohol can reduce your body's metabolism by about 73%, according to sources.

 You Don't Drink Enough Milk

 Milk and other dairy products contain calcium which is not essential in the maintenance of bones, teeth and joints but also for various metabolic processes such as the burning of calories and the transmission of nerve impulses. Calcium deficiency can slow down your metabolism. Make sure that you choose low-fat dairy to maintain your weight within normal levels.

 If you want to know more about eating healthy, you can try reading our other articles on this site.