Annapolis Integrative Medicine
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Annapolis, MD 21403
More Complementary & Integrative Healthcare Articles
Jump Start Your Metabolism For Spring
Around this time of year we tend to look in the mirror and wonder how the extra layers got on us and how we get them off and return ourselves to how we used to look.
Consider the issue is a slowed metabolic rate. Another way of saying this is that our body's machinery is just not functioning as effectively or efficiently as it could our furnaces are not working optimally.
Many issues can contribute to this phenomenon. Going on a hunt for which factor is relevant to you and then correcting it can turn your metabolic rate, improve your ability to lose weight, have energy and just simply feel better about life.
The first place to look is at sleep. Are you allowing time to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night? Are you getting to sleep and staying asleep? Does your partner say you are restless, that you snore, that you talk in your sleep? Addressing sleep is critical to overall well-being and without consistent good sleep your metabolic rate will not return to normal.
Another area to look at is hormones. Hormones are chemical messengers essential to well-being and energy. There are many in the body, but the main ones to consider are thyroid, adrenal and reproductive hormones. Most common are deficiencies of these hormones that occur as we age.
Investigating hormonal status including identification of subtle deficiencies that might otherwise be ignored and the onset of early menopause and andropause (testosterone deficiency in men) can absolutely impact our metabolic rate and increase our resistance to insulin which can contribute to fatigue and weight gain.
Basic deficiencies of iron, vitamin D and B12, and trace minerals can also slow our metabolic rate. Each of these are essential components of what keeps our metabolic processes working optimally.
Our gastrointestinal tracts are one of our most vulnerable areas being constantly exposed to foods, organisms and substances from the environment. The buildup of bacteria yeast and parasites as well as the development of food allergies and inflammation can cause dysfunction of our digestive system with system wide implications. Consequences include malabsorption of nutrients, activation of our immune system, and even mood disorders.
Accumulation of toxins in our system is consequence of living in an ever more toxic world. Some are more susceptible to this than others. Symptoms include pain, brain fog, weight gain and hormonal issues. Increasing levels of insulin in response to meals also stimulates fat storage.
Diet must be addressed. As we age we generally become less tolerant of processed foods, sugars, and excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine. Years of mistreating our systems can leave us unaware of the benefits of actually eating well. And changes don't necessarily produce results overnight, you have to stick with them for at least four weeks to really see benefits.
After all of the above factors are addressed metabolic rate begins to improve. Instituting a nutrient rich diet and beginning an exercise program is essential as well.
Other approaches such as the HCG protocol and laser body contouring can aid us in achieving the body we want.
