How to Boost a Slow Metabolism

Metabolism is the "force" responsible for burning the calories you consume. While some people are blessed with a metabolism that burns calories at a fast rate, others burn calories at a slower rate due to factors such as age, genetics, stress and lifestyle. It is possible to speed up your metabolism, however, if you make the effort to implement changes to your personal habits that will increase your potential to burn fat more efficiently and that will result in weight loss.

Things You'll Need

• Exercise Siberian ginseng capsules Cayenne powder or capsules Dietary changes Adequate sleep

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Instructions

• 1

  Exercise. Walk, do an aerobic workout that includes cardio, and start a weight training program. Getting involved in physical exercise is one of the best ways to boost a slow metabolism and it can also improve your overall health in general.

• 2

  Take Siberian ginseng. Also called eleuthero, Siberian ginseng is derived from a plant long used for medicinal purposes in Russia and parts of Asia. It builds muscle strength, increases energy, aids in boosting your metabolic rate and reduces stress, which can actually slow down your metabolism and cause your body to store more fat. You should not take Siberian ginseng if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a sleeping disorder, suffer from high blood pressure or take sedatives or the prescription drug Digoxin.

• 3

  Consider adding cayenne powder to your diet. Cayenne comes from a popular plant in Mexico and South America and is well-known for its ability to increase energy and for helping to burn fat. If you don't like the taste of cayenne powder, then take cayenne capsules, which can be found in any health food store and use as directed by the individual product. Talk to your doctor before using cayenne if you take lisinopril, captopril, enalapril, warfarin, theophylline and ACE inhibitors or have ulcers or digestive problems. If you are pregnant and breastfeeding, you should not take cayenne.

• 4

  Eat wisely. Reduce the number of calories you consume. Increase your fiber intake and cut back or entirely eliminate fatty foods, fried foods, refined carbs, processed foods, sugary foods, sugary drinks, alcohol and the like. Drink low-fat milk and eat low-fat cheese or yogurt up to four times daily since they contain calcium, which enables you to get rid of more body fat.

• 5

  Make sure that you get enough sleep every night. If you only sleep four or less hours nightly on a regular basis, it could slow down your metabolism since your body can't process carbs sufficiently when you feel sluggish and tired. Try to get 6-8 hours of sleep so you will wake up feeling more energetic and refreshed.