5 Reasons Why Your Metabolism is Slowing Down
By Genevieve Cunningham
Metabolism. You've heard of it. If you've been blessed with good metabolism and you lose weight easily, then you probably think good thoughts about metabolism in general. But if you're like the rest of us and your metabolism seems to slow down from time to time, you may not think highly of this natural body process. So what gives? Why does metabolism change and slow down and make it so hard to stay fit? If you would like to better understand metabolism so that you can be healthy and fit, tale a look at these five reasons why your metabolism may be dragging.
Age
Unfortunately it's true that metabolism often slows down as we get older. While losing five pounds may have been a cinch 10 years ago, it's now an endless struggle. This happens to just about everyone, and it may take some tweaks in your diet and movement to figure out a new normal.
Hormonal Imbalance
Hormones can be so pesky. They're so delicate that even a slight imbalance can throw multiple body systems off course, and metabolism is one of these functions. If your metabolism seems to have taken a turn for the worse, it might be a good idea to get your hormones checked.
Calorie Restriction
While slight calorie restriction will probably help you lose weight, long-term extreme calorie restriction can actually mess up your metabolism. Your body learns how to function on a new normal, and so it burns fewer calories daily. If this is you, it can take a while to retrain your metabolism, so get some professional help and be patient.
Stress
Unfortunately stress can wreak absolute havoc on your body's ability to use energy and burn calories. Everyone suffers from stress, some more than others. If your body is overly stressed, it may be why losing weight is so hard. Get the stress under control, and your metabolism may correct itself.
An Undiagnosed Illness
Sometimes we just don't know what's causing our troubles. In these cases, we need to see a medical professional for proper diagnosis and care. If you have a condition that is causing your metabolism to slow down, proper care may help turn it around.
A slow metabolism can lead to weight gain and a sluggish mood. It's definitely not a fun experience. But if you can figure out the cause for your issues, you can figure out a solution. Check your life for these situations, and make a plan to get your metabolism and health back on track.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Charleston, S.C.