What Can I Do to Increase My Metabolism?

Your metabolism includes all of the chemical reactions in your body, but most people use this word to refer to their metabolic rate, or the speed at which you burn calories. 

Boosting your metabolic rate not only helps you lose weight but keep it off as well. If you’re trying to lead a healthier lifestyle, there are ways to boost your metabolism to reach your goals. 

Here at Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine in Meridian, Idaho, we provide support for improving your metabolic function and boosting your weight loss efforts.

Understanding your metabolism

At every moment, your body is expending energy, even while at rest. Your heart beats, your lungs take in air, and your cells continue to reproduce. Every reaction in your body is a metabolic one, but the speed at which these take place depends on your metabolic rate. 

This is the rate at which your body processes calories into energy, and your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the baseline amount of energy you need to maintain function. 

Many people claim a high metabolism is the key to weight loss, but changing your metabolism isn’t a straightforward solution. Many fixed factors contribute to your metabolic rate, including: 

• Sex: Men tend to have higher metabolic rates than women
• Age: Your metabolism typically slows down after 40 
• Family history: Metabolic disorders or a slow BMR can be genetic

8 ways to boost your metabolism 

Some aspects of your metabolism can’t be changed, but you can boost your metabolic rate in other ways, particularly through lifestyle changes. Examples include: 

1. Build muscle mass

Every pound of muscle adds to your BMR, helping you burn calories faster.

2. Don’t sit so much

Standing up and taking a few steps every few hours can improve your metabolism and overall well-being.

3. Get better sleep

Sleep deprivation has been linked to weight gain and lower metabolism.

4. Do HIIT workouts

High-intensity interval training increases calorie burn, even while resting.

5. Have a cold glass of water

Staying hydrated has countless health benefits, and cold water requires more energy to heat up.

6. Avoid crash diets

These place stress on your body and lower your metabolism, defeating the purpose of a diet.

7. Have coffee, tea, or both 

Caffeine and green tea can boost your metabolism. They’re not magic potions, but they can help in moderation. 

8. Eat more protein

Protein requires more energy to break down, making it great for your metabolism and kick-starting your digestive system. 

Reaching your weight loss goals

While boosting your metabolism can help you shed weight faster and feel better doing it, no two people have the same results. Certain factors might make it difficult to adjust your metabolic rate, and there’s no way to force it. 

If you’re struggling to reach your goals, you might require a more personalized approach to weight loss. At Advantage Spinal Dynamics & Innovative Medicine, our expert team can help put together a diet and exercise plan tailored to your needs.

Everyone’s experience with weight loss is different, which is why you deserve a specialist who understands you. To schedule your consultation, call 208-213-7963 or request an appointment online.