Metabolism

Metabolism:

noun

1.

Biology, Physiology. the sum of the physical andchemical processes in an organism by which itsmaterial substance is produced, maintained, anddestroyed, and by which energy is made available.

Compare anabolism, catabolism. (dictionary.com)

In other words, your "metabolism" is the rate at which your body creates energy to power all the processes going on in you every moment.

This is a VERY important part of living with robust health and vitality and being able to lose weight and KEEP IT OFF.

How can I check my "metabolism"? 

Well, without having to spend time in an expensive laboratory for a few days in a tightly sealed room, here are some ways to get an insight into your metabolism:

1. Take your morning temperature. It should be above 98.2 degrees*. If not, then this may be a sign of a "sluggish" metabolism. *- For ladies who are of child-bearing capabilities, this temperature may fluctuate a bit during your monthly cycle, but look at the "big picture" and follow it through the entire cycle.
2. Are you regular? And, by regular, do you have a solid, non-stimulant based bowel movement every day, if not more than one? If not, this is also a sign of a "sluggish" metabolism. 
3. Are you "randy"? Your sex hormone production and regulation is closely related to your metabolic rate and metabolic health. So, having a healthy libido is definitely a sign of a robust metabolism and lack thereof a sign of one that could be "sluggish".
4. You might have a low TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) test. Since your body isn't signaled to create a robust metabolism due to extreme calorie restriction or extreme exercise, your thyroid is signaled to "slow down" and not create the hormone that will support a robust metabolism. This is ONE of MANY potential issues with the thyroid.

What damaged my metabolism and how can I begin fixing it?

• Extreme yo-yo dieting and exercise. Yes, all those attempts at losing weight by eating 1,200 calories a day or less and/or killing yourself in the gym (while cutting calories WAY down) did indeed harm you in the long run. Your metabolic rate is very responsive to your calorie intake. Calories drop low for an extended period, so does your metabolism. The problem? It doesn't always pick up when your calorie intake does, allowing for weight gain at even previously lower calorie intakes than before your diet. The Fix:  Slowly increase your intake of food and NEAT. Check temps every morning for progress.  

• Inflammation.  This is NOT the inflammation that is present at acute injuries and infections. That type of inflammation is healthy. This is the type of inflammation that makes your joints, organs, and other soft tissues "irritated", like the redness of skin that has been rubbed briskly for a few seconds. The culprits? A larger intake of omega-6 and trans fats in the diet than ever before. This comes in the form of vegetable oils, canola oil, margarine, soybean oil, "shortening" - fake lard, and hydrogenated and partially-hydrogenated fats and oils. These are commonly found in baked goods, foods in boxes that sit on shelves, cheap oils to cook or bake with, and "fake" foods like frozen whipped cream and "shortening". The Fix(es):  Eat healthier fats. These include butter, coconut oil/milk, cream, animal fats like lard and beef tallow, and oil that can actually be squeezed from it's source, like olive oil or macadamia nut oil. Are they a bit more expensive? Yes. Are they far healthier? YES. Also, the addition of curcumin to your supplementation program can definitely help lower inflammation as well as support the health and performance of numerous organs. Taking two of these per day will help decrease your unhealthy inflammation and help you start feeling better and getting that metabolism rocking and rolling!
• Poor sleep. Yes, this is a metabolism KILLER. Put more effort into restful sleep. Create a "sleep routine":  Darken the room. Yes, REALLY dark. Face the alarm clock down. No bright lights. No TV or devices for an hour or more before bed. Take time to write a list of things you did that day, lessons you learned, and things you want to do tomorrow. If 8-10 hours isn't possible, build your schedule around bi-phasic or poly-phasic sleeping.

If you are interested in learning how to regain control of your weight, your energy, your libido, and your LIFE, then attend a seminar where I lay everything out in detail for you!

Dr. B