Research suggests that a lack of sleep may be contributing to the trend of increasing obesity and diabetes, which are consequences of metabolic syndrome.

According to the CDC , adults should aim to sleep for 7 to 9 hours a night. To improve sleep patterns, try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. Lifting weights regularly allows people to gain and retain muscle mass and to burn fat. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults should perform strengthening exercises 2 or more days each week.

A study on sedentary women found that resistance training increased the overall basal metabolic rate BMR for up to 48 hours. BMR refers to the number of calories that the body burns while resting. Many foods, including green vegetables, chili peppers, and protein sources, can boost metabolism and help people achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

Other lifestyle changes that improve metabolic health include drinking enough water, getting adequate sleep, and exercise activities. The Everlywell Metabolism Test measures the levels of cortisol, thyroid stimulating hormone, and free testosterone in the body.

Learn what the results…. Evidence suggests that sauerkraut may provide various health benefits, including supporting gut health. Learn more here.

While guarana does contain more caffeine than coffee, both have potential benefits when consumed in moderation. Learn more. Guarana has a variety of benefits, such as increasing energy levels and reducing inflammation.

Whole grains are cereals and certain other grains that contain all the natural edible parts of the plant. They may benefit a person's health in a….

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Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. Best 10 foods to boost metabolism. Medically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R. Eggs Flaxseeds Lentils Chili peppers Ginger Green tea Coffee Brazil nuts Broccoli Green vegetables Other tips Summary Certain foods contain specific nutrients that increase metabolism, the rate at which the body burns calories, among other processes.

Share on Pinterest Eggs are rich in protein and are a great option for boosting metabolism. Chili peppers. Share on Pinterest Studies suggest that capsaicin can boost metabolic rate.

Green Tea. Brazil nuts. Dark, leafy green vegetables. Share on Pinterest Kale is high in iron, which is essential for metabolism. Other tips to boost metabolism.

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Ao Z, Huang Z, Liu H. Spicy food and chili peppers and multiple health outcomes: Umbrella review. Molecular Nutrition Food Res. So-ngern A, Chirakalwasan N, Saetung S, Chanprasertyothin S, Thakkinstian A, Reutrakul S.

Effects of two-week sleep extension on glucose metabolism in chronically sleep-deprived individuals. J Clin Sleep Medi.

Alperet DJ, Rebello SA, Khoo EYH, et al. The effect of coffee consumption on insulin sensitivity and other biological risk factors for type 2 diabetes: a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

American J Clin Nutrition. Ohkawara K, Cornier MA, Kohrt WM, Melanson EL. Effects of increased meal frequency on fat oxidation and perceived hunger.

Obesity Silver Spring. Yates T, Edwardson CL, Celis-Morales C, et al. Metabolic effects of breaking prolonged sitting with standing or light walking in older South Asians and White Europeans: A randomized acute study.

J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy eating for healthy weight. Coping with stress. Wilson SA, Stem LA, Bruehlman RD. Hypothyroidism: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. By Mark Gurarie Mark Gurarie is a freelance writer, editor, and adjunct lecturer of writing composition at George Washington University.

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Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Factors Affecting Metabolism. Boosting It Naturally. Other Ways to Increase It.

Signs of Slow Metabolism. Healthy Snacks If you snack, choose nutrient-dense options over foods like cookies, chips, and those with added salts and sugars.

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Share Feedback. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Obesity: the problem and its management. In: Jameson JL, De Groot LJ, de Kretser DM, et al, eds.

Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; chap Maratos-Flier E. In: Melmed S, Auchus RJ, Goldfine AB, Koenig RJ, Rosen CJ, eds.

Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.

Editorial team. Can you boost your metabolism? Here are the facts on 6 metabolism myths. Myth 1: Exercise boosts your metabolism long after you stop. Myth 2: Adding muscle will help you lose weight.

Myth 3: Eating certain foods can boost your metabolism. Myth 4: Eating small meals during the day increases your metabolism. Myth 5: Getting a full night's sleep is good for your metabolism. Myth 6: You will gain weight as you age because your metabolism slows down. Alternative Names. Weight-loss boost metabolism; Obesity - boost metabolism; Overweight - boost metabolism.

Learn how to cite this page. Related MedlinePlus Health Topics. Weight Control. Browse the Encyclopedia.

Another interesting finding: Contrary to popular belief, you actually maintain a mostly steady metabolism from your 20s to about your 60s. Your metabolism then naturally slows once you reach older age.

However, it can be hard to eat well and be active enough throughout your life, which means you probably need to proactively add certain habits into your daily routine to keep yourself feeling and acting young. Technically, metabolism is all of the chemical reactions that take place in a living organism every day to keep it alive.

Calories also called kilojoules are really a measure of energy, and our bodies depend on getting enough of them to keep us functioning in all aspects of life. While a properly working metabolism is definitely important for burning fat and preventing unwanted weight gain, boosting your metabolism is also critical for many other bodily functions.

Every single system within the body, from the endocrine system to digestive system, is linked to our rate of energy production at the cellular level. Your brain is actually one of the biggest beneficiaries of a strong metabolic rate, since its energy demands are extremely high.

Approximately 16 times more energy is needed to keep the brain working than to support skeletal muscle! Some of these factors are within your control like muscle mass and activity level, for example , while others are not genetics and age.

Ready to learn the best ways to boost your metabolism and burn fat? Here are some of the top metabolism boosters to try. These are signs of your metabolism becoming more sluggish — in other words a decrease in your basal metabolic rate.

On the other hand, keep your body properly fueled and it will perform much better in all areas of life for many years to come. This is a long-term solution instead of a quick fix. If you live in a calorie deficit because your exercise level is too high and your food intake is too low, your metabolism gets the message that it must slow down all functioning to conserve energy.

Which metabolism booster is good for weight loss then? I recommend you stop counting calories and instead focus on nutrient density. Eating enough every day, especially when you consume calories from a variety of unprocessed whole foods, is critical for metabolic health.

It also supports cognitive, hormonal, sexual and digestive health. People who are well-fed and avoid yo-yo dieting often experience better digestion, positive moods and more motivation, stronger desire to be active, better mental health, stronger sex drive, and more stable blood sugar levels.

Eating enough also usually means you have more motivation to be active, gain strength and muscle mass quicker , and feel less fatigued. This is why sleep deprivation can contribute to trouble with weight loss.

According to the one meta-analysis, sleep restriction decreases insulin sensitivity and causes changes in brain activity in response to food stimuli, meaning food especially unhealthy types becomes more rewarding. Make it a priority to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night in order to keep hormone levels in check, including cortisol.

High cortisol levels associated with a lack of sleep are tied to poor mental functioning, weight gain and becoming more resistant to insulin that controls blood glucose levels. Another way to maintain hormonal balance is to rest enough between exercise days.

Overtraining repeatedly causes fatigue, muscle loss and a lower basal metabolic rate, not the opposite as you might think. How can exercise help you build muscle? Staying hydrated is essential for the body to function at its best.

Water is necessary for optimal metabolism, and it may help a person lose weight. In , scientists assessed the metabolic rate of 13 people who consumed either or milliliters ml of water.

They found evidence of increased fat oxidation after ml when a person is at rest, and concluded that drinking water may have an impact on metabolism.

However, they did not find that it increased metabolic rate. This may happen because the additional water helps the body burn fat preferentially over carbohydrate. How much water should I drink each day? Stress affects hormone levels, and it can cause the body to produce more cortisol than usual.

Cortisol is a hormone that helps regulate appetite. In , researchers found unusually high cortisol levels in people with disordered eating. The body releases cortisol in times of stress.

However, the authors of a small study found no evidence linking resting metabolic rate and anxiety. Stress could also have an indirect impact by affecting eating patterns and sleep, both of which can alter the rate of metabolism.

Why does stress happen, and how can I manage it? People who have less sleep may have a lower metabolic rate, according to research from The study took place in a sleep laboratory, and participants slept 4 hours per night for 5 nights followed by one night of 12 hours sleep.

Their metabolic rate fell after the nights with little sleep but returned to their usual levels after the night of recovery sleep. The authors believed the body reduces metabolic rate to conserve energy when a person sleeps less.

They noted this could lead to weight gain in people who do not get enough sleep. The need for sleep varies between individuals, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC recommend that adults aged 18—60 should have at least 7 hours per night.

What should you do if you have trouble sleeping? The results of a rodent experiment from suggested that a low intake of various B vitamins could impact the rate at which the body metabolizes lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

More research may be needed to understand the relationship between vitamins, metabolism, and weight loss. A complete guide to B vitamins, types, sources, and more.

Some research has suggested that eating spices such as chili, which contains capsaicin, can increase metabolic rate, including the rate at which the body burns fat and uses energy.

A study from China found that people who ate spicy food every day were more likely to have a high body mass index BMI than those who did not. The researchers noted that more investigations are needed to find out why this happens.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says that while eating hot chilies might boost metabolic rate temporarily, it is unlikely to have a significant impact. What are some healthy herbs and spices? Thyroid hormone stimulates the production of substances that increase oxygen consumption, respiration rate, and body temperature.

This involves a higher rate of energy consumption. Conversely, the body of a person with hypothyroidism is likely to burn energy at lower rate. Their metabolic rate may be slower, and they may have a higher risk of weight gain and obesity.

For those with hypothyroidism, taking medications that increase the levels of thyroid hormone can increase their resting metabolic rate. Seeking help for hypothyroidism can help speed up metabolic rate and reduce the risk of complications linked to this condition.

What is hypothyroidism and how can you recognize it? Metabolic rate refers to the rate at which the body uses energy and burns calories. The body uses most of its energy this way. Metabolic rates vary widely between individuals, so it is not possible to specify a standard or high metabolic rate.

However, the higher the rate, the quicker a person will use the energy they take in from food, which may reduce the chance of weight gain. It is not always possible for a person to change their metabolic rate, but exercise and dietary measures may help.

A good metabolic rate may help with weight management. Several studies suggest that green tea extract GTE may increase fat metabolism both at rest and during exercise. However, other research reports no notable effects. Furthermore, scientists cannot guarantee that drinking green tea would have the same results as taking GTE.

A small-scale study involving 63 people with type 2 diabetes suggests that drinking 4 cups of green tea daily can significantly reduce body weight, body mass index BMI , waist size, and systolic blood pressure. Other proposed health benefits of green tea include:.

Coffee can stimulate metabolism thanks to its caffeine content. Research reports that caffeine intake has a stimulating effect on energy expenditure and can lead to increased metabolism. However, it is essential to be mindful of total consumption.

Learn about how much caffeine is too much, here. Decaffeinated coffee does not have the same metabolism boosting benefits. Brazil nuts are one of the richest sources of selenium , a mineral that is essential for metabolism, reproduction, and immune function.

They also contain protein and healthful fats to make people feel fuller. Selenium is especially important for the thyroid gland, a gland that regulates metabolic function and produces several vital hormones.

According to the National Institutes of Health NIH , each Brazil nut provides 68 to 91 micrograms mcg of selenium, which is more than the recommended dietary allowance RDA of 55 mcg per day. People should avoid eating too many nuts, however, as this can cause selenium toxicity.

The NIH set upper limits of selenium intake at mcg. Research also suggests that Brazil nuts can improve the cholesterol levels of healthy people. Abnormal cholesterol levels are a marker of metabolic syndrome. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may also prevent or slow down several forms of cancer.

For more significant metabolism enhancing effects, look for Beneforte broccoli, which contains high levels of glucoraphanin. Spinach, kale , and other leafy green vegetables may boost metabolism thanks to their iron content.

Iron is an essential mineral for metabolism, growth, and development. Leafy greens are a source of non-heme, or non-animal, iron. Many leafy greens also provide good amounts of magnesium , another mineral that supports metabolic function and plays a role in over processes in the body.

Eating a healthful diet is essential for regulating metabolism. Other ways to boost metabolic function include:. According to one small-scale study , drinking an extra 1, milliliters ml of water daily can decrease body weight and BMI in some people who are overweight.

Participants drank ml before each meal. The researchers suggest that this is due to water-induced thermogenesis, where water increases metabolism. Research suggests that a lack of sleep may be contributing to the trend of increasing obesity and diabetes, which are consequences of metabolic syndrome.

According to the CDC , adults should aim to sleep for 7 to 9 hours a night. To improve sleep patterns, try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

Lifting weights regularly allows people to gain and retain muscle mass and to burn fat. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults should perform strengthening exercises 2 or more days each week.

A study on sedentary women found that resistance training increased the overall basal metabolic rate BMR for up to 48 hours. BMR refers to the number of calories that the body burns while resting. Many foods, including green vegetables, chili peppers, and protein sources, can boost metabolism and help people achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

Use strength training Strength training is great for your metabolic rate. Try body weight workouts, circuits, or kettlebell training.

Anything that places your muscles under resistance will count. Sign up now. Read our privacy policy. Speak to an Advisor. Book your free, one-to-one online consultation with one of our qualified advisors.

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How to Lose Weight Quick Weight-Loss Best Foods for Weight-Loss Weight-Loss Motivation Popular Diet Program Reviews Weight Loss Challenge Transformed View. You may want to focus on healthy eating habits while you consume enough calories to support your body functions.

Consider reducing processed foods, sugar and alcohol intake, and saturated fats. Resistance training and eating an adequate amount of protein can help preserve lean body mass. Muscle growth helps you burn more calories at rest. Making small lifestyle changes and incorporating these tips into your routine can help increase your metabolism.

Having a higher metabolism can help you lose weight and keep it off, if that is your goal, while also giving you more energy. Try this today: In addition to trying the tips outlined above, you can also add more metabolism-boosting foods to your diet.

Check out this article for a list of some nutritious foods that can support your metabolism. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

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Nutrition Evidence Based 8 Ways That May Speed Up Your Metabolism. Medically reviewed by Marie Lorraine Johnson MS, RD, CPT — By Helen West, RD — Updated on January 11, Eat protein Do HIIT Try lifting Stand up Drink tea Eat spicy foods Sleep more Drink coffee FAQ Bottom line There are several easy and effective ways to support your metabolism, many of which involve making simple changes to your diet and lifestyle.

Eat plenty of protein at every meal. Do a high-intensity workout. Lift heavy things. Stand up more. Drink green tea or oolong tea. Eat spicy foods. Drink coffee. Frequently asked questions. The bottom line. Just one thing Try this today: In addition to trying the tips outlined above, you can also add more metabolism-boosting foods to your diet.

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