11 Common Habits Which Are Slowing Your Metabolism

We know that any automobile needs an engine and fuel to function, right?

Similarly, even the human body can function in a healthy way, when the metabolic rate is optimum!

Metabolism can be described as a group of chemical processes that occur within the human body in order to maintain its normal functions.

habits which are slowing your metabolism

If your metabolic rate is not up to the mark, it could lead to a whole range of health issues, starting from fatigue and ending at dangerous diseases like diabetes and cancer!

So, it is very important to make sure that you gain more knowledge on metabolism and do everything you can to maintain a healthy metabolic rate.

Weight gain, difficultly in losing weight, dry skin, inflexibility, general weakness, sugar cravings, low immunity to diseases, etc., are some of the common side-effects of a slow metabolism.

A balanced diet and a regular exercise regimen can help you maintain a healthy metabolic rate.

There are a few habits that many of us may follow on a regular basis, which can slow down our metabolism significantly.

Check out for some of these common habits which are slowing your metabolism down!

1. Consuming Artificial Sweeteners

A lot of food and beverages today contain a high amount of artificial sweeteners in them and they claim to be low in fat content. So, people try to substitute regular sugar with artificial sweeteners. However, many research studies have proven that artificial sweeteners contain toxins, which can not only lower your metabolic rate significantly, but can also cause ailments like diabetes, brain diseases, etc.

2. Consuming Less Calcium

Many people today follow a vegan diet, in which milk and milk products are not included. As we know, milk is one of the best natural sources of calcium and when it is completely avoided, it could lead to calcium deficiency in people. Calcium deficiency can also slow down your metabolism. So, ensure that you consume enough calcium or calcium supplements on a regular basis.

3. Skipping The Meals

Whether it is to lose weight or simply because of the lack of time, a lot of people tend to skip meals on a daily basis and eat at an odd time! This habit can also slow down your metabolic rate to a great extent and make you gain weight, along with causing other health complications. So, skipping meals, especially breakfast, must be avoided.

4. Not Drinking Enough Water

Most of us already know that not consuming at least 2 litres of water per day can cause dehydration and other health issues. Now, research studies have also shown that, dehydration can slow down your metabolism, as enough water is required to keep the metabolism healthy.

5. Eating Too Less

Again, people who have busy schedules or who want to lose weight, tend to eat very less and count calories before consuming food. Eating less food can also cause a slowed down metabolism because your body needs enough fuel to keep the metabolic rate healthy.

6. Consuming Alcohol

A lot of people today, especially youngsters, consume alcohol on a regular basis, to unwind or at parties. While we already know that alcohol has a number of dangerous health effects, we may not know that it can also slow down your metabolic rate, when consumed in excess.

7. Eating Excess Raw Vegetables

This may come as surprise for most because we know that consuming raw vegetables is healthy, right? However, we also know that too much of anything is bad! A large amount of raw vegetables is difficult to be digested easily by the intestines and take up a lot of energy, so this process can also slow down your metabolism.

8. Not Consuming Healthy Fats

Most people tend to avoid all kinds of fats in order to lose weight or prevent weight gain. However, healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids, found in nuts, ghee, coconut, avocados, etc., are essential to boost your metabolic rate. So, avoiding healthy fats can also slow down your metabolism.

9. Getting Stressed Out Often

If you are a person who gets stressed out too often, over little things, then it could be one of the causes for a slowed down metabolism, as stress can produce a hormone known as cortisol, which can lower your metabolic rate.

10. Going On A Liquid Diet

A lot of people go on liquid diets, for many days, in order to detoxify or lose weight, which is fine when done for a couple of days; however, not consuming solid foods for a long time can also slow down your metabolism and cause nutritional deficiencies.

11. Not Exercising

Exercise is very much essential for a human body to remain healthy. Even a few hours of exercising in a week can make a positive difference. So, not exercising at all can surely slow down your metabolism, along with giving rise to a number of other health problems.