MyFitnessPal's Essential Guide to Metabolism breaks down the elements of metabolism and defines metabolism as "the entire process of converting calories into energy to power your bodily processes. It isn’t just about calorie burning. It’s also about calorie storing. Your metabolism determines the number of calories you need daily to maintain your weight." Here are five ways to stimulate your thyroid and metabolism!
1. Take Shots! (of Kombucha): Kombucha is a fermented tea and, most recently, sold in many health food stores. I am not in love with the taste of kombucha, however, I do pull out my good ol' shot glass and do one to two shots before meals or in the evening before dinner. It is loaded with probiotics that are good for your gut health. It has even been shown to reduce markers of health disease ("bad" LDL cholestrol) in rat studies. The brand "Health-ade" has been my go to!
2. Explore Natural/Organic Supplements: I do take medicine for my thyroid (as prescribed by my endocrinologist). However, I do take other supplements that are natural remedies for thyroid and adrenal health. Dr. Josh Axe explains the importance of many of these in his video. Some of the supplements I take are:
Chickweed
Kelp
Ashwagandha
B Vitamins (Thiamine and Vitamin B12)
Live Probiotics
Proteolytic enzymes
Vitamin D
3. Drink Infused Water: Drinking more water a day is a great place to start. Want to elevate the water game? Add a variety of lemon, mint, pineapple, berries, cucumber to infuse your water.
4. Stand More: Have you heard lately that sitting for prolonged periods of time is the new smoking? After returning from a vacation, I made it goal to stand up more at my desk (well let's be real-- I am a dance instructor, I am also dancing at my desk!) Have trouble remembering to stand? Set an alarm that goes off every 25 minutes that reminds you to stand and allow blood to flow to all parts of your body.
5. Incorporate Strength Training Into Your Fitness Routine: The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends strength training 2-3 times a week for all adults and the same benefits have been shown in studies with older adults. Muscle is more metabolically active than fat, meaning you will burn more calories each day, even at rest. Check out this basic start up guide to strength training and one of my favorite kettle bell routines.
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Note from the author:
If you are wondering if you have an under-active or overactive thyroid, you can learn more about thyroid disease here. My personal experience with hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) inspired me to write this article about how I stay positive and informed in a sea of misinformation on the internet. Also, it can be disheartening when popular culture insists on treating thyroid issues as fictional in the context of metabolism and weight loss. Just know I am seven years into being diagnosed and I still fight every day for energy and a good mood, and I am here to support you.
xx Sara (@spiffysara)