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Metabolism Boosters & Alternatives

Metabolism is the rate at which the body absorbs and processes food, as well as the speed at which the body eliminates waste. There is a variety of factors that affect metabolism: In order to be healthy, the liver, heart, intestines and thyroid gland need to be in top shape, too. Natural therapists recommend a variety of herbs and supplements to increase the metabolic rate and improve overall health.

  1. Digestive Enzymes

    • Digestive enzymes help the body break down, process and digest carbohydrates, protein, fat and lactose. They occur naturally, but the body cannot produce enough so digestive enzymes are needed from food. Fruit, vegetables and sprouted grains are all high in digestive enzymes. Ginger and papaya fruit are especially high in digestive enzymes and ginger helps the body produce more of its own naturally.

    Spices

    • Natural therapists claim that turmeric and mustard increase the production of bile in the stomach which aids in digestion and elimination. They also believe that turmeric and mustard help the liver metabolize fats faster and balances blood sugar levels.

      Natural therapists recommend adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to cereal, a smoothie or juice to aid in the metabolism of sugars and to modulate blood sugar levels. They also recommend cayenne pepper, which is believed to increase the heart rate and giving a boost to food metabolism. It is also believed to stimulate and cleanse the bowel.

    Supplements

    • Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins the body needs to keep healthy. Vitamin B helps keep the nervous system healthy and strong as well as helping to maintain healthy blood and muscles. Vitamin B helps the body metabolize carbohydrates, protein and fat.

      The thyroid gland helps to produce a hormone that regulates the metabolism. Natural therapists recommended taking a kelp supplement to keep the thyroid healthy and balanced. Kelp is high in iodine, the main component in the thyroid hormone.

    Coffee and Tea

    • Caffeine increases the heart rate stimulating the metabolism for hours after consumption, but too much of it can put a heavy strain on the nervous system. Natural therapists recommend not exceeding more than three cups of coffee a day. Green tea contains properties that accelerate the nervous system and the body's ability to burn calories.

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