Our bodies have trillions of cells that require energy. In order to provide energy to these cells and synthesize new organic material, hundreds of complex and coordinated chemical reactions occur within our bodies. Metabolism is the sum of these reactions.
Metabolism is the conversion of nutrients from the food we consume into fuel that supplies our bodies with the energy it needs to move, breathe, circulate blood, perform digestive functions, and repair damaged cells and tissues.
Good metabolic health is defined by the absence of metabolic syndrome, which is a general term used to describe a cluster of conditions, such as increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, that significantly elevate your risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
The following are some simple ways to improve your metabolic health:
#1 Make Healthy Changes to Your Diet and Lifestyle
Your diet and lifestyle factors, along with your age, body size, and sex, play an essential role in your metabolic functioning.
Maintaining a balanced diet that provides your body with all the necessary nutrients and a healthy lifestyle can help keep your metabolic rate in a moderate range and improve your overall health.
Some tips that you can follow to improve your metabolic health are:
- Eat plenty of protein at every meal, as it can give you a greater sense of fullness and prevent overconsumption
- Avoid eating at irregular times
- Limit your intake of sugary drinks and increase your intake of water
- Do not skip meals, as consuming too few calories can result in a slower metabolism
- Fuel your metabolism with fresh vegetables, fruits, healthy carbohydrates, and fats
- Eat vitamin B-rich foods, e.g., spinach, eggs, bananas, basket potatoes, etc.
- Reduce stress, as it can influence hormones that affect your eating patterns and sleep quality, as well as alter your metabolic rate
- Get an adequate amount of sleep (7-9 hours is optimal)
- Exercise regularly; if possible, indulge in high-intensity cardio workouts and strength training
- Do not sit for a prolonged period of time, as it can lead to obesity
#2 Manage Hormonal Imbalance
Regardless of your gender, your hormones play a vital role in your metabolic functioning. Disorders of the endocrine (a gland that produces and releases hormones), such as Cushing’s syndrome and hypothyroidism, can cause your metabolism to work slower. As a result of this, you ultimately burn fewer calories and increase weight gain.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with a hormonal imbalance due to a metabolic disorder, it’s a good idea to seek help from a functional medicine practitioner. They will be able to conduct the initial assessments and medical testing necessary to determine the root cause of your hormonal imbalance and provide you therapies, services, and nutraceuticals (medical grade supplements) that are best suited for your specific needs in order to ensure that your hormones are within a normal range, which will ultimately improve your metabolism.
#3 Consider Metabolic Detox
A metabolic detoxification program provided by a functional medicine practitioner can radically enhance your metabolic health.
Through metabolic detoxification, you can eliminate metabolic waste products and unnecessary toxins and chemicals often found in processed foods, alcoholic beverages, and environmental pollutants.
The detox program offered by functional medicine practitioners is customized to fit your unique needs and is specifically designed to guide you into a safe and comprehensive metabolic detoxification process, which will result in more energy, an elevated mood, and possible weight loss.
Holistic Therapies for Metabolic Disorders
If you have abnormal metabolic markers, like increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels, it’s high time to consider consulting with a functional and integrative medicine practitioner so that you can begin your journey to improved metabolic health and minimize the risk for other serious illnesses.
Our functional and integrative wellness practitioner, Dr. Catherine Oseni, Pharm.D, ABAAHP, FAAMFM, FICT is committed to empowering people to improve their metabolic and overall health. She passionately employs a holistic approach to treating the symptoms of metabolic syndrome and its associated disorders, which may include nutrition counseling, medical-grade nutraceuticals, a metabolic detox program, and/or a weight management program.
To learn more about our services or schedule a consultation, please call us today at (817) 550-6332 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form.
