Some people with thyroid problems have very obvious symptoms, while others do not. There is such a range of possible symptoms that many other ailments may be tested for first before levels of thyroid hormone are checked. Some of the other symptoms people with hypothyroidism might include:
- Weight gain
- Anemia
- Muscle cramps and joint pain
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Migraines
- Impaired memory
- Increased sensitivity to heat and cold
- Paleness
- Brittle fingernails
A blood test can determine if someone has a thyroid problem, and there are several different treatments that should make this cause of low metabolism relatively easy to tackle.
Other Causes of Low Metabolism
Of course not everyone who has a low metabolism has a thyroid problem. The fact is, most people's
metabolisms decrease as they age There are all sorts of reasons for this, some of which are beyond our control. But there are some things you may do that can be the cause of low metabolism, so changing your behavior may change the way you feel.
Diet
One of the biggest factors in metabolism is actually what we eat. If you're
fasting or on a very low-calorie diet, odds are you have slowed down your metabolism to the point that you still aren't losing a lot of weight even though you're miserable from not eating.
The body needs nutrients and calories in order to work properly, and a lot of research seems to indicate that eating more often is better than eating only a couple of meals a day. That's because it takes energy (calories) to digest and process food, and it keeps blood sugar levels more even when you eat regularly, which also keeps you feeling full.
Not only does how often you eat make a difference, what you eat can have an impact. Lots of high-sugar foods can mess with your metabolism because of the fluctuation of blood sugar. There are also foods that increase metabolism that should be consumed more often.
Water
Drinking enough water is important for a lot of reasons, but not being properly hydrated can really slow your metabolism. Most of the body's functions, including digestion and metabolism, require water. If you're not getting enough, your body can't function at its peak.
Foods that can help you boost your metabolism
Blueberries
Almonds
Salmon
Spinach
Avocado
6. Dairy products
If you’re not intolerant of dairy products, then you’ll be glad to know that by eating cheese and milk, you can greatly improve your health and your metabolism. Per cup of milk, you’ll get around 10g of protein. The best option, however, is a low-fat dairy product. Avoid high-fat dairy and you’ll boost your metabolism without consuming too much fat every day.
Asparagus
Oatmeal
Green tea
Red Beans
Garlic
Broccoli
Whole Grains
Whey protein
Legumes
Greek Yogurt