Metabolism issues. Lots of people have them. Most people still think metabolism is some sort of lottery body function. The lucky people have ‘fast’ metabolism. You know the kind: Your high school best friend who could eat anything she wanted and not gain an ounce. The not-so-lucky have ‘slow’ metabolism. These are the people who just look at food and pack on the pounds.
Hate to break it you: That’s just not how it works. Metabolism issues goes much deeper than ‘fast’ or ‘slow.’
What is metabolism and why is it so important?
Metabolic health is critical to overall health. Without getting too involved with the details here, in a nutshell, your metabolism is how well your cells are able to convert fuel to energy. But beyond merely “burning calories,” a healthy metabolism provides so much more because pretty much everything in your body needs energy to function.
Everything.
Your liver, digestive system, vital organs and other important systems require energy. Hormones, brain function, mood… it’s all connected. If your metabolism isn’t up to par you don’t just need to worry about a few extra pounds. A stressed out metabolism is bad news.
8 Signs You Might Have Serious Metabolism Issues
1. Cold Hands & Feet (and overall low body temperature)
Do you always have cold hands and feet whether it’s winter or summer? When overall body temperature is cold it’s a sign that your metabolism might be in danger.
2. Frequent Urination
Despite what some people may think or teach, clear urine and the need to pee frequently are red flags for metabolism issues.
3. Frequent Headaches
Do you find yourself getting headaches often? Do you struggle with brain fog? Time to check up on your metabolic health.
4. Poor Digestion and Food Intolerances
Because metabolic health is critical to digestion and food assimilation, poor digestion and food intolerance issues are both signs of poor metabolic health.
5. Sleep Problems and Insomnia
This was the issue that finally got me take my metabolic health seriously. Whether it’s problems going to sleep or waking up wired in the middle of the night, sleep disturbances are often a thing of the past once your metabolism has been healed.
6. Mood Swings
Dramatic shifts in mood and overall instability are another sign of poor metabolic health.
7. Blood Sugar Crashes & Instability
My blood sugar issues were pretty bad several years ago, but I didn’t catch on that it was connected to my metabolism issues until after I recovered. Now I feel much more stable, don’t deal with nasty sugar cravings, and don’t turn into the incredible hulk if I am an hour late to dinner. (Although, I’m rarely late for any meal! Ha!)
8. Weight Gain
Weight gain (and in some cases, the inability to gain weight) are other signs of poor metabolic health. Excess weight in the midsection is particularly a sign your metabolism could use some nourishing.
How to Improve Metabolism Issues & Have a Nourished Metabolism
How do you know if it’s really your metabolism?
For starters, I’d recommend taking your morning waking temperature each day to get a good feel for your body’s metabolic health. No need for fancy equipment, just a simple thermometer (like this) placed in your armpit for a minute before getting out of bed each morning will do the trick. You’re looking for at least 98 degrees. Anything cooler than that is a good indication that your metabolism could use a little work.
If your metabolism isn’t at its prime: Consider ditching some of the mainstream (and alternative health) “wisdom” that pays no attention to individual situations or bio-markers. Rather than taking blanket statements like “all sugar is bad” (read why I don’t agree with that here) and “drink more water!” (read why that may be bad advice here), you must start listening to your body and realizing that maybe, just maybe, those cravings and signals are actually important.
Finally, get your hands on The Nourished Metabolism by Elizabeth Walling. This is still my favorite book to recommend to people because it’s THAT GOOD. Elizabeth provides essential information on how to heal and nourish your metabolism without fad or restrictive diets. It’s a practical, doable approach to healing your metabolism for good. Check it out here.
Tell me: Do you struggle with metabolism issues?
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