Let’s face it. The older we get, the slower our metabolism seems to get, right? Eating a medium pizza at 3 :00 A.M just doesn’t seem to burn off as easily as it did 20 years ago. Naturally, as we age…so do our bodily functions. One key function that helps to control our weight is metabolism.  As we get older, the reality is that metabolic rates slow too.  Metabolism is the amount of energy in calories that your body burns to maintain weight. There are various ways to maintain a healthy metabolic rate.  There are also ways we sabotage our metabolism as well.

First, yo-yo dieting is a primary culprit of slowing down metabolism. The constant fluctuations in eating habits are not good for stabilizing metabolic rates; they only end up decreasing your metabolic rate. So the next time you’re thinking about skipping breakfast, think about how that will effect your metabolism. Second, being sedentary is another culprit. (Some people may want to flip-flop the order, but sedentary lifestyle and yo-yo dieting can just as equally ruin your metabolism).

In order for your metabolic rates to increase, you must GET MOVING! Symptoms of abnormally low metabolic rates (these are people who often suffer from Hypothyroidism) include fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, constipation, slow pulse, low temperature and low blood pressure. These instances are definitely increasing and may be a result of heredity and other factors; but if these symptoms apply to you, please consult your physician about getting tested for Hypothyroidism.