Metabolic health refers to how well your body’s metabolism is functioning. The metabolism is the process by which your body converts the food you eat and liquids you drink into energy. When your metabolism is healthy, it helps you maintain an ideal weight, keeps your blood sugar levels healthy, and manages cholesterol levels. However, if your metabolic health could be better, it can lead to a range of health issues including obesity, heart problems, and diabetes.
What Causes Metabolic Imbalance?
There are several factors that may contribute to metabolic health problems, such as metabolic imbalance. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common. If you work in an office job, for example, and do not get much additional exercise, this can lead to increased weight and a decrease in insulin sensitivity over time. Other risk factors for poor metabolic health include lack of sleep, a poor diet, and high stress levels.
Genetics can also influence your metabolic health since some people are naturally more susceptible to these health problems than others.
Metabolic Imbalance Symptoms
There can be various symptoms of a metabolic imbalance that depend on the underlying cause. Difficulties losing weight, weight gain, and fatigue are some of the most common. People with poor metabolic health may also find that they have increased hunger and cravings, high cholesterol levels, and high blood sugar levels.
Managing Metabolic Health
The first step to managing your metabolic health is understanding what it means to be metabolically healthy.
There are several factors to consider when it comes to boosting your metabolic health. These are:
Diet
What you eat plays an essential role in maintaining a healthy metabolism. If your diet is high in sugar, saturated fat, and processed foods, this can lead to an increased risk of weight gain and chronic diseases. On the flip side, you can improve your metabolic health by focusing on eating a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods that ensure your body has the minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants it needs to function well.
Exercise
When it comes to improving your metabolic health, exercise is important. Getting enough regular physical activity in your life can help with improving insulin sensitivity, increasing your muscle mass, and speeding up your metabolism. To help your metabolic health, it’s worth aiming to get at least thirty minutes of moderate intensity activity most days of the week. Cycling, brisk walking, or swimming are ideal choices. Plus, you can incorporate some resistance training, such as lifting weights, for better metabolism and muscle mass.
Sleep
Making sure that you are getting enough sleep at night is crucial for your overall health and wellbeing, including the health of your metabolism. When you get enough sleep at night, it can regulate the hormones that control your metabolism and appetite, such as leptin and ghrelin. If you’re not getting enough sleep, then your body’s ability to regulate these hormones well will be impaired. It’s important to aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to see the metabolic benefits.
Stress Management
Finally, managing your stress levels can make a huge difference to your metabolic health. Chronic stress is a massive factor in hormone disruption, due to the high levels of cortisol that it causes. As a result, you’re at a higher risk of gaining weight or developing chronic diseases. You can help your metabolism, and your overall mental and physical health and wellbeing, by using stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and yoga.
Your metabolic health is crucial for overall health and wellbeing, energy levels, and maintaining a healthy weight. Once you understand what influences your metabolism, managing it well becomes easier.
