What's wrong with slow metabolism

Slow metabolism may be caused by factors such as aging, lack of exercise, hypothyroidism, malnutrition, chronic diseases, etc. It can be improved through adjusting diet, regular exercise, medication treatment, improving daily routine, and regular physical examinations.

1. As age increases, the basal metabolic rate of the human body naturally decreases, mainly due to a decrease in muscle mass and changes in hormone levels. It is recommended to maintain muscle mass through resistance training and increase the intake of high-quality protein such as eggs, fish, and soy products to help slow down metabolic decline.

2. Lack of exercise

Prolonged sitting can lead to muscle atrophy and weakened mitochondrial function, directly affecting energy expenditure efficiency. Daily aerobic exercises such as brisk walking and swimming, combined with strength training such as squats and plank support, can significantly improve resting metabolic rate.

3. Hypothyroidism

Insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones can reduce cellular metabolic activity, often accompanied by symptoms such as cold sensitivity and fatigue. Thyroid stimulating hormone levels need to be tested, and after diagnosis, medication such as levothyroxine sodium tablets and thyroid tablets can be used as substitutes for treatment according to medical advice.

4. Malnutrition

Long term dieting or imbalanced diet can lead to the body activating energy-saving mode, especially the lack of B vitamins, iron, zinc and other trace elements can affect enzyme activity. It is recommended to consume sufficient amounts of lean meat, whole grains, and dark vegetables daily, and supplement with multivitamins if necessary.

5. Chronic diseases

diabetes, chronic kidney disease and other diseases will lead to metabolic disorder, which may be related to insulin resistance, inflammatory factor release and other factors. It is necessary to control the primary disease, regularly monitor indicators such as blood sugar and kidney function, and adjust the treatment plan under the guidance of a doctor. Improving metabolism requires establishing a healthy lifestyle, ensuring a daily water intake of over 1500 milliliters, sleeping for 7 hours, and avoiding excessive dieting. Eating foods such as chili and green tea can promote thermogenesis, but patients with thyroid diseases should be cautious. If there are symptoms such as sustained abnormal weight gain, chills, hair loss, etc., it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to check for endocrine system diseases. Long term low metabolism may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, and metabolic status should be regularly evaluated through indicators such as body fat percentage and waist circumference.