Lifestyle Habits | While it’s true that some of our physical and physiological traits are inherited from our parents and ancestors, every person has the power and ability to change their metabolism.
An individual’s metabolism is based largely on their lifestyle habits. Individuals who are sedentary, fail to engage in regular physical activity, and eat a diet high in sugary and processed foods will often have slower metabolisms, whereas individuals who exercise regularly and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will tend to have higher metabolisms. If you’re willing to lose weight by means of diet, exercise, and even bariatric surgery, you can increase your metabolism and become healthier.
Here are four lifestyle habits you might be practicing that can slow down your metabolism.
1. You’re not getting enough exercise
When your life lacks regular physical activity, your muscles will end up burning less fat since your body isn’t working hard and your heart rate isn’t increasing. Even if you spend lots of time at work or at the office sitting down, take time every hour or so to stand up and stretch or walk around. New evidence has shown that standing up every hour can significantly reduce your risk for diseases related to metabolic syndromes such as obesity, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
2. Every meal you consume lacks spiciness
The spicy flavor in peppers and hot spices is mainly attributed to a compound called capsaicin, which will speed up your metabolism by releasing a set of hormones that can both suppress and regulate your appetite. A recent medical study found that individuals who eat red chili peppers with their meals will eat portion sizes that are 30 percent smaller than those who fail to eat chili peppers and spicy foods in general.
3. You don’t wash your hands regularly
The types of bacteria you come into contact with when touching things with your hands have been linked to a respiratory virus that may trigger obesity. Always wash your hands before handling food, after using the restroom, and after touching objects commonly handled by others, such as door handles and elevator buttons.
4. You’re eating produce without washing it first
Most non-organic produce has been treated with toxic chemicals such as pesticides, which can lead to problems with metabolism, obesity, and inflammation. Wash your produce as thoroughly as possible before eating or serving, and buy organic produce to lower your risk for diseases and other health problems.
