How To Increase Metabolism

Metabolism slows for several reasons including age, inactivity and in response to different medications or dietary habits. If a sluggish metabolism is keeping you from your ideal weight or energy level, there is something you can do. Follow these steps and you can increase your metabolism.

1. Get your sleep. Adequate sleep is necessary for your body to function. Our bodies require at least 7 hours nightly. By getting enough sleep you will be energized to add the rest of the steps to your routine.
2. Eat spicy foods. There is some indication that spicy foods will speed up your metabolism. Spicy foods are the ones that make you sweat, including peppers and curry spices. Experiment with adding spices to your diet.
3. Add natural, raw foods to your diet. Natural foods, including raw fruits and vegetables, require more energy to digest. When you add these foods to your diet, you burn more calories which helps boost your metabolism. Natural foods also provide the vitamins and minerals that your body may be lacking.
4. Drink water. Water is necessary for your body to run efficiently. Our bodies are mostly water and they benefit from hydration every day. When you drink water regularly, your digestive system works better so you don't have constipation which makes you feel sluggish. Water helps energize you and increases your metabolism.
5. Breathe deep. Practice deep breathing for at least five minutes each day. Slowly inhale then exhale to empty your lungs of as much air as possible. Then repeat. Deep breathing will relax you and help expel stress from your body and muscles. Stress hinders metabolism, so reducing it will help get your body back in sync.
6. Give up metabolism crushers. Some foods are hindering your metabolism instead of helping it. Try avoiding all processed foods and sugary soft drinks for two weeks. You should feel a boost of energy once the withdrawal subsides. As an added benefit, by giving up the sugar and processed food you will also cut empty calories, which should speed up weight loss or make it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
7. Add weight training to your exercise routine. Muscle burns more calories than fat, so adding muscle will speed up how fast your body burns calories, even when at rest. Building strength has the added benefit of helping boost your energy, which you need to move and work out regularly.
8. See your doctor. If you have been eating healthy and exercising regularly with no benefit in increased energy or weight loss, try talking to your doctor. If you take prescription medications, check the side effects to make sure they aren't causing your metabolic problems. Several types of medication can impact metabolism. Metabolism also may be impacted by a sluggish thyroid. So if the first steps aren't working, it is time to talk to your doctor.

Metabolism is the buzz word thrown around by diet books and health gurus around the country. Don't let the trend become an excuse for you not getting out and getting healthy. Follow these tips and you can increase your metabolism.