Your body’s metabolism is best explained as the rate at which energy is generated from the food you consume. This energy is the result of numerous unseen biochemical processes that occur within the body. The thyroid gland regulates the metabolism. Each individual metabolizes food into energy at a unique rate. In fact, two people of the same sex, weight and height might have vastly different metabolic rates. However, making minor alterations to diet, fitness, lifestyle and other factors can significantly boost your metabolic rate. Let’s take a closer look at the many different factors that determine your metabolic rate and how you can boost your metabolism.
Is Metabolism Related to the Thyroid?
Two specific thyroid hormones control the body’s cellular metabolism: T4 and T3. If there is an insufficient number of these thyroid hormones, the body’s metabolic function decreases. Autoimmune failure and/or the surgical removal of the thyroid gland lead to hypothyroidism that slows the metabolic rate. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include but are not limited to:
• Forgetfulness
• Sleepiness
• Mood swings
• Fatigue
• Depression
• Constipation
• Leg swelling
• Weight gain
What Role Does Metabolism Have in the Mitochondria?
Mitochondria are best defined as organelles that perform an important role in the metabolism of energy. Mitcohondria even contain numerous apoptogenic factors that have the potential to cause death, meaning they play a vital role in metabolic function. In short, it is best to think of mitochondria as the powerhouses of the body’s cells as they generate upwards of 95% of cell energy. The total number of mitochondria within the body is determined by everything from nutrition to exercise and the aging process. The lack of physical activity combined with an abundance of food consumption sets the stage for metabolic syndrome. Furthermore, the metabolic rate slows as mitochondrial function diminishes. Alternatively, the restriction of caloric intake combined with the proper level of exercise has the potential to enhance previously diminished mitochondrial functionality, ultimately boosting the metabolism.Boosting Metabolism for Weight Loss
Metabolic rate directly impacts one’s ability to lose weight. Though metabolism is certainly linked to body weight, it is not the sole determinant of one’s weight. In fact, a slow metabolism is only one component of excessive weight gain. The truth is the amount of food and beverages you consume combined with your level of physical activity both play a part in whether you gain or lose weight. The metabolic process involves the combining of calories from food and drink with oxygen to create the energy required for body functionality. Furthermore, metabolic rate is also determined by age, sex and body size/composition. Add in the variable of physical activity combined with thermogenesis (food processing) and the process of weight gain/loss becomes even more complex. Therefore, excessive weight gain cannot always be tied to a slow metabolism. Metabolism is certainly an important cause of weight gain yet it is not the sole cause. Physical activity is closely tied to metabolic rate. Though you cannot directly control your metabolic rate, you have the power to control the number of calories burned when engaging in physical activity. That many more calories are burned with physical activity. Even something as simple as regular fidgeting has the potential to boost metabolic rate and reduce the chances of weight gain.Things That Slow Metabolism
Though few know it, eating too few calories has the potential to cause a significant reduction in metabolic rate. Weight loss necessitates a caloric deficit yet if caloric intake is egregiously low, it will slow the metabolism, essentially sabotaging you in your quest to lose weight. A reduction in caloric intake makes the body think food is scarce, resulting in a reduction of the rate at which calories are burnt.Mind Your Protein
Even an insufficient amount of protein has the potential to slow the metabolism. Protein consumption is necessary for reaching and maintaining the proper weight. A high level of protein boosts the rate at which the body burns calories. The spike in metabolic rate that occurs following digestion is referred to as TEF, short for the thermic effect of food. Protein’s TEF is significantly higher than that of fat or carbs. Studies show consuming protein briefly heightens metabolism by around 25% versus the 3% for fat and around 7% for carbohydrates. Therefore, the proper protein intake helps maintain the proper metabolic rate, ultimately keeping body weight at the optimal level.Plant Protein
Plant protein is a great daily addition to maintain a healthy metabolic rate. TUSOL smoothie mixes are made with high quality organic pumpkin seed and pea protein that have a very impressive amino acid profile. Even superfoods like maca root, mesquite, and spirulina are have a high protein content with a very diverse amino acid profile. These superfoods come with an avalanche of benefits and are also included in TUSOL's functional blends of super-smoothie mixes.The Light Source You Are Standing Under Makes a Difference
A recent study from Nature Magazine found a very light activated neurons deep inside a mouse brain that control body heat and energy metabolism. The research suggested the importance of eating during daylight hours, which has been shown to markedly improve blood glucose regulation in people with diabetes. In this study eating late at night under fluorescent lights that are high in blue and violet light wavelengths aka your home lights. This type of lights affected the way mice burn brown fat affecting their metabolic rate and body temperature. Limiting violet/blue light might activate brown fat and thereby augment the metabolic benefits of daytime-restricted eating. This research raised the possibility that environmental light might orchestrate a host of coordinated brain responses that together determine the highs and lows of metabolism.Don't Skip Breakfast!
You’ve been fasting for 8+ hours throughout the night depleting your stores of glycogen (the body’s backup battery) You’re dehydrated. Your metabolism is at its lowest. Worst of all…you will skip breakfast. Stress hormones will accumulate until you have the first bite of the day. If you are prone to stress and have a sluggish liver then you might be even more affected by a lack of morning nutrients. How do you know you are these two? Do you wake up multiple times throughout the night? Then that is the stress hormones waking you up. I know what you might be thinking:“I just don’t get hungry”
Stress hormones are higher in the morning and they have the ability to suppress hunger, digestion, reproduction, and all the things you don’t need when you are running from a lion, or stressed out about your job. If you’re having just drinking coffee as breakfast it's just adding fuel to the fire.- Eating breakfast will:
- Adjust your circadian rhythm.
- Reduce stress
- Provide consistent energy throughout the day
- Your brain will have more fuel giving you more concentration, memory, and less brain fog.
- Increase metabolic function for weight loss
- Blending a nutrient dense TUSOL smoothie helps break down hard-to-digest plant cell walls allowing chemicals to penetrate the cells and stimulate vital reaction optimizing bioavailability.
- Timing is everything, drinking it within an hour window of waking up is crucial. Even if you are not hungry.
