Metabolism is the set of chemical changes in an organism that produce energy and materials needed for growth and health. A fast metabolism helps eliminate toxins, recycle proteins, and renew tissues, leading to a longer, healthier life. Factors like age, hypothyroidism, chronic stress, menopause, insulin resistance, and diets high in refined carbs can slow metabolism. Visceral fat, significant childhood infections, and hypocaloric diets also contribute to a slower metabolism. To improve metabolism, one should repair the circadian cycle, avoid refined carbs, apply intermittent fasting, and engage in high-intensity exercise to stimulate mitochondria production. Lifestyle changes over the past century have contributed to metabolic slowdown, but improving metabolic speed can increase life expectancy and overall well-being.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Metabolism is the set of chemical changes that occur in an organism, producing energy and materials for cells to grow and stay healthy.
2. Metabolism is responsible for eliminating toxic substances from the body.
3. Having a fast metabolism is beneficial for overall health, energy, and longevity.
4. Metabolism is not just about weight loss or gain, but also about maintaining healthy tissues and organs.
5. Age is a factor that slows down metabolism, as the ability to produce growth hormone decreases with age.
6. Growth hormone helps to renew tissues and is necessary for living a long life.
7. Hypothyroidism can slow down metabolism, as thyroid hormones affect the speed of metabolic processes.
8. Visceral fat is more dangerous than subcutaneous fat, as it can prevent the correct functioning of organs.
9. Chronic stress, menopause, insulin resistance, and diets high in refined carbohydrates can slow down metabolism.
10. Low-calorie diets can slow down metabolism, as the body responds to the lack of calories by reducing metabolic speed.
11. The bacterial flora in the gut affects metabolism and weight, and altering it through antibiotics or other means can slow down metabolism.
12. There is an ideal weight that is determined by the body's metabolism and bacterial flora.
13. Symptoms of slow metabolism include feeling cold, depression, food cravings, constipation, and dry skin and hair.
14. Exposure to cold temperatures can help increase brown fat, which helps to maintain body temperature and accelerate metabolism.
15. Repairing the circadian cycle, avoiding refined carbohydrates, and applying techniques like intermittent fasting can help improve metabolism.
16. Exercise, especially high-intensity exercise, can help maintain a healthy and fast metabolism.
17. The intensity of exercise is the most important variable in defining metabolic speed.
18. Producing energy uses calories, and the more energy produced, the faster the metabolism.
19. Lifestyle changes over the last 100 years, including reduced physical activity and dietary changes, have contributed to the slowing down of metabolism.
20. Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause, can also slow down metabolism.