The Mayo Clinic defines metabolism as the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Whatever food or beverage you have consumed, it - together with the oxygen in your body – transforms to energy that your body needs. This process even goes on when we are asleep. There are body systems that are ongoing and therefore need fuel, albeit not as much. Functions like breathing, circulating blood and even repairing cells go on whether we are awake or not.
When the aforementioned type of functions, as well as other things like adjusting hormonal levels and growing, burn calories, this process is what scientists calls your BMR or basal metabolism. In common terms, we typically call BMR metabolism.
Your basal metabolism uses the most calorie intake for life support. Physical exercise uses the next greatest amount while the thermic effect of food (calories burned while eating) uses the least. Under normal conditions, to lose weight, less food is eaten while physical exercise is increased. In the case of individuals with thyroid problems, because the basal metabolism (BMR) is impaired, the physical activity is more than likely drastically reduced. Remember, extreme fatigue is one of the symptoms of a thyroid ailment. And if your basal metabolism and physical activity is stifled, your thermic effect of food is definitely impaired as well.
What can be done? Bottom line, especially if you have a clear diagnosis of hypothyroidism, your metabolism needs a serious boost. If you don’t have a clear diagnosis yet, anything you do will fail. Even after a thyroid blood test is done, it is important that you receive adequate treatment, which means the proper dosage and type of medicines. Your doctor should be made aware of any supplements you are taking as some supplements can block thyroid medicine’s potency.
What are some practical steps to building metabolism? After correct diagnosis and treatment is underway, you can begin to successfully build your metabolism. One way is with strength training by lifting weights or exercise bands. Muscles burn more calories than fat. So it stands to reason, the more muscle you build, the more fat is being burned, which is another way of saying that your metabolism is becoming more active.
If you have any deficiencies, check with your doctor to see which supplement is safe to take like vitamin C or B, which are great antioxidants.
The three last things in building metabolism are staples of every healthy lifestyle – drinking plenty of water, getting adequate exercise and eating a healthy diet. Water hydrates the system and flushes out all the bad stuff. Exercise gets the heart rate going, particularly aerobic exercise.
Lastly, in regards to diet, a complex, high-fiber diet beats out one with simple carbohydrates. In layman’s terms, eat your fruits and veggies and healthy grain cereals. I know, I know. It sounds like a lot, but really, it’s simple. Your health is way worth it. A better you is better not only for you but for all the lives you touch.
Best health to you!
Resource: Mayo Clinic, Thyroid.About.com, American Thyroid Association
Dita Faulkner is a freelance writer that loves people and campaigns for the betterment of individuals and families - which includes the extended family of Haiti. Please don’t forget to give and pray for these earthquake victims.
Please check out her book of poetry at: http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/red-toenails/6181258