You’ve probably heard the word metabolism tossed around a lot. It also seems like every time we scroll down on TikTok and Instagram, many fitness celebrities talk about how to improve metabolism, which the best appetite suppressant and fat burner are, and how they help with weight loss. But what does it actually mean? In its most basic form, metabolism is the set of chemical processes that occur in your body to maintain life. This includes everything from digesting food to growing new hair to repairing cells. Needless to say, it’s a pretty important function. And while you may not think about it much, there are actually a few surprising facts about metabolism that you should know. Some even aren’t what those celebrities always say. Let’s get started.
Metabolism Is Not Simply Measured by Fast or Slow
All the talk about fast and slow metabolisms isn’t quite accurate. The basic concept we often hear from social media is even flawed. While it is true that some people do have slightly faster or slower metabolic processes than others, your body looks at the bigger picture to determine how well you burn calories. For example, if you are active, that means your body is working hard to keep up with the demands of exercise, and that will actually help increase metabolism.
You Can Increase Your Metabolism With Diet And Exercise
Though we all like to think that our metabolism is set in stone, that’s not the case. You can actually increase your metabolic rate through diet and exercise. Eating food with high protein content helps build and repair muscle, increasing your metabolic rate over time. Similarly, engaging in regular aerobic and strength training exercises helps burn more calories and boosts your metabolism as well.
Metabolism Doesn’t Slow Down With Age
Contrary to what many people believe, your metabolism does not slow down with age. Your body simply needs fewer calories as you get older because it is not working as hard as before. In fact, research shows that regular exercise and healthy eating can actually help counteract this natural decrease in metabolism that aging brings. So, if you want to maintain your metabolism as you age, be sure to stay active and eat a well-balanced diet.
Your Working Hours and Mental State Can Affect Your MBR
Okay, you may have heard that stress can have a negative effect on your health, but did you know that what you do during the day can also affect your metabolic rate? That’s right—studies show that sitting for long periods and not exercising regularly can slow your metabolism. Additionally, being mentally strained due to work or personal issues can also lower your metabolic rate.
So, be sure to take a break from time to time and practice some stress-relieving activities. While there are definitely things you can do to improve your metabolism, it’s important to remember that balance is key. Eating too much or too little can both have negative impacts on your metabolic rate. So, try to find a balance between eating healthy foods and getting regular exercise to keep your metabolism running smoothly.