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Now that you've had some time to understand and digest what poor metabolic health is, including how to identify its symptoms and the various ways it can manifest, some of you might be wondering if you also fall into the category of “poor metabolic health,” which research shows affects about 88% of the US population.
Several years ago, it was commonly believed that poor metabolic health was primarily associated with individuals who were overweight and inactive, often referred to as "couch potatoes." However, what's interesting is that STRESS can actually have a more significant impact on our metabolic health than simply overeating and under exercising.
This leads to my next point: considering that nearly everyone, if not all of us, struggles with stress—many of us dealing with chronic stress—it's safe to say that everyone can benefit from working to restore and optimize their metabolic function. This is exactly what you'll be learning HOW to do in this week's workshop. However, before diving into the solutions, it's crucial that you understand the root causes of poor metabolic health. This understanding will enable you to assess your life and pinpoint areas that are going to require your attention. Keep in mind that as you make your way through this list, I will be showing you exactly what to do about each category below in the workshop. So, for now, as you read through the list below, begin to explore each of the sources of poor metabolic health, take mental notes, and get ready to learn exactly what to do about it on Thursday in the “how to restore poor metabolic health workshop.
Here's a list of some of the most common causes of poor metabolic health:
1. Unhealthy diet: Eating too much processed foods (foods that come in a bag, box, or can), sugary snacks, alcohol, and unhealthy fats (vegetable and seed oils) can lead to metabolic problems.
2. Lack of physical activity or over-exercising: Not getting enough exercise can slow down your metabolism and lead to weight gain. And, over-exercising can overly stress the body and hormones and lead to hormone imbalances and a slowing of metabolic rate.
3. Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance or when your cells no longer respond to insulin, plays a significant role in metabolic dysfunction.
5. Chronic stress: High levels of stress can disrupt hormone levels and lead to metabolic imbalances. Remember, it’s not just conscious stress that impacts our health; unconscious stressors like repressed emotional, unresolved trauma, etc., may play an even bigger role.
6. Poor sleep: Not getting enough sleep or experiencing poor sleep quality is one of the most common and significant contributors to poor metabolic health.
7. Hormonal imbalances: Imbalances in hormones such as insulin, leptin, thyroid, sex, and adrenal hormones like cortisol can disrupt metabolic function.
8. Eating too often: Constant snacking or eating too frequently can disrupt metabolic processes and lead to insulin resistance.
9. Snacking or eating right before bed: Consuming large meals or snacks right before bedtime can alter circadian rhythm and interfere with deep and reparative sleep and disrupt metabolic function.
10. Not allowing a daily 12-hour fasting window: Fasting for at least 12 hours overnight allows your body to rest and reset its metabolic processes. Not allowing this fasting window can impair metabolism.
11. Too much fasting: While intermittent fasting can have benefits for some individuals, excessive fasting or prolonged periods without food often overly stresses the body and disrupts metabolism.
12. Chronic caloric restriction: Severely restricting calories over a long period of time can slow down metabolism and lead to nutrient deficiencies.
13. Poor breathing patterns: Shallow breathing or breathing irregularities can contribute to nervous system dysfunction and affect oxygen intake and metabolic function.
14. Nervous system stress: Dysregulation of the nervous system can lead to chronic stress and inflammation, impacting metabolic health.
15. Poor liver function: The liver plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, and when it becomes burdened by a buildup of toxins over time, metabolic processes are disrupted. Toxins stored in fat tissues can make it challenging to lose weight effectively until the body eliminates these accumulated toxins.
Any of this sound familiar?
Before you feel overwhelmed, thinking, 'Oh no, I have a lot of work to do,' take a deep breath and know that this is going to be a work in progress, and remember the body cannot heal in a state of stress of overwhelm! We don't restore metabolic health overnight. It's a process that requires your patience and diligence over time. In the workshop, you'll have the knowledge that you need to begin making these positive changes in your life!
I don’t know about you, but this stuff excites me beyond words because when we have a healthy metabolism, not only do we have more energy, lose extra weight, etc., but it can literally be the difference in whether someone ends up with cancer, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, etc. Improving metabolic health is one of the most effective ways to prevent disease. Prevention is always the best cure, and by doing this work, you are absolutely setting yourself up for a long and healthy life! 😊
Looking forward to seeing you all in the workshop! |
