Originally published June 23 2010
Boost Metabolism Naturally
by Christen Peattie, HHP
(NaturalNews) The basic process of metabolism is the breakdown and delivery of nutrients from the food that we eat into every cell in our bodies. Some people have a speedy and ineffective metabolism, making it hard for them to keep weight on; whereas, others` systems are sluggish, causing them to hold extra pounds. There are many methods for increasing and improving your metabolism, whatever the reason. Making a few crucial changes in diet and lifestyle can easily benefit your health and boost your metabolism. Here are a few ways to do it naturally.
Drink More Water
Every cell in the digestive system requires pure water to metabolize food properly. Experts recommend 1/2 ounce of water intake for every pound of body weight. Find a pure source and keep your glass at least half full.
Increase Activity Level
The key to metabolic efficiency is to take in fewer calories than you will immediately use. The body will more effectively balance out the use of carbohydrates and fats as fuel, if it has a consistent need to burn calories. Keep active, daily.
Decrease Amount of Calories
Eat smaller portions, more often; several small meals and snacks throughout the day is a really efficient method for increasing metabolism. If too many calories are consumed in one sitting, the body tends to store them as fat. On the contrary, if not enough calories are eaten, the body goes into starvation mode and will store carbohydrates as fat. So finding a balance is important.
Increase Soluble Fiber Intake
This will help to burn carbohydrates for a longer period of time. Eat more filling and nutrient dense foods because they burn longer. This also increases metabolic efficiency because the body doesn`t have to work as hard to digest food; in turn creating less need for calories will most often eliminate snacky cravings.
Medium Chain Triglycerides(MCT)
These are found in coconut and palm oils and can be used instead of typical commercial margarines and oils in cooking. By adding these to foods, digestion speeds up, cutting down food transit time and increasing elimination. This throws your metabolism into overdrive, burning more calories and increasing nutrient absorption rates.
Sources
Murray, Michael, ND and Joseph Pizzorno, ND; The Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine; Prima Publishing; Rocklin, CA; 1991.
Rolls, Barbara; The Volumetrics Weight-control Plan; Harpertorch; New York, NY; 2000.
Schmid, Ronald, ND; Traditional Food Are Your Best Medicine; Healing Arts Press; Rochester, VT; 1997.
About the author
Christen is a Board Certified Holistic Health Practitoner, Homeopath, Herbalist, and Nutritionist.
To further her knowledge base, she partakes in on-going seminars, classes and studies regarding holistic health, herbology, horticulture, native healing practices [Eastern and Western], acupressure, reflexology, iridology, Tai chi, yoga and meditation techniques. Plus, she is consistently writing in her field to share any insights gained through her studies; always wanting to educate anyone interested in advancing their own health knowledge.
Christen adores spending time with her husband of 17 years, 3 beautiful children, and a plethora of pets. She also loves hiking, camping, cycling, foraging for native foods, wild crafting, gardening, environmental activism, wildlife conservation, sustainable living, reading, art, history and education.
http://www.greenhearthealth.com
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