How to Correct a Slow Metabolism

A slow metabolism can be caused by diseases such as hypothyroidism, Wilson's temperature syndrome, diabetes, fibromyalgia and adrenal insufficiency. Other things affecting metabolic rate are age, gender, physical activity, diet and medication. Some people are unluckier than others genetically and have a slower metabolism. However, there are seven things you can do to correct this.

Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor to test you for illnesses that cause a slow metabolism, particularly if you suffer from fatigue, difficulty in losing weight, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, depression and brain fog. If you have a disease such as hypothyroidism, your doctor will prescribe a thyroid replacement treatment that can correct a slow metabolism.

• 2

  Exercise and lift weights at least three times a week, especially if you are a woman and over 40.

• 3

  Eat sensibly. Overeating by obese people and under eating by those underweight can detrimentally affect the metabolism.

• 4

  Eat small regular meals throughout the day and stay hydrated. This keeps the body from going into emergency mode when the metabolism slows down to store calories as fat rather than providing energy. Staying hydrated prevents the metabolism from slowing down as the body makes an effort to retain water.

• 5

  Eat a healthy diet with metabolism-boosting foods like high fiber whole grain foods, vegetables and fruit. The folic acid in cereals, calcium in dairy products, iodine in fish and eggs and chromium in chicken and spinach make these foods a good choice for speeding up the metabolism.

• 6

  Take supplements to improve your metabolism, such as B vitamins, especially B12, for energy production, Co-enzyme Q10 and L-carnitine.

• 7

  Check your medications' list of side effects or warnings and monitor your food intake to make sure you're not taking something detrimental to your metabolism. Medications such as anti-depressants and foods like white bread and sugar can affect your metabolism.