Alexandria Wyckoff
Metabolism is an important part of your body’s functions, helping convert the food you eat into energy. However, sometimes your metabolism can slow down, leading to health changes that may require diet or lifestyle changes to keep you in good health. Check out these six signs your metabolism is slowing down below, and keep an eye out for these symptoms if they happen to you.
6. Experience Mood Changes
Starting our list of signs your metabolism is slowing down is mood changes. While occasional mood swings aren’t anything to be too concerned about, frequent mood changes may be a result of a slower metabolism. Low energy levels and hormonal imbalances lead to irritability and frustration, and can impact your relationships with family and friends.
5. Dry Skin
Fifth on our list of signs your metabolism is slowing down is dry or dull skin. While dry skin is common in the colder months, there may be a problem if you’re noticing it regularly throughout the year. Thyroid hormones, which deal with metabolism speed, also have a part in skin hydration. An imbalance with your thyroid can then lead to dry skin issues.
4. Have Cravings
Next on our list of signs your metabolism is slowing down is having cravings. For instance, craving foods that are high in sugar and fat could be connected to a slower metabolism. These cravings may be signaling that your metabolism isn’t effectively converting food into energy and nutrients. It’s important to have a nutritious diet, as those that do not can negatively impact your metabolic health.
3. Gaining Weight
Rounding out the top three signs your metabolism is slowing down is gaining weight. This doesn’t mean weight gain from an improper diet; it’s often unexpected weight gain that signals a problem with your metabolism. If you eat healthy or haven’t changed anything in your daily routine, and the pounds are stacking on, your metabolism may be at fault. A slower metabolism converts food more slowly, burning fewer calories and storing the excess as fat, leading to weight gain. It often collects around the waist area and can be difficult to lose.
2. Feel Cold
Second on our list of signs your metabolism is slowing down is feeling cold, even when it’s not cold outside. Your body generates heat when metabolizing food into energy, so a slower metabolism will not create as much heat, leaving you colder than before. The coldness is especially noticeable in extremities, like fingers and toes, as your body reduces blood flow to conserve energy and prioritize essential organs located in the body’s core.
1. Always Tired
Last but not least on our list of signs your metabolism is slowing down is always feeling tired. If you’re getting a full night’s sleep but still feeling tired all the time, then your metabolism may be at fault. Slow metabolisms have a slow breakdown of food into energy, leaving you with less energy to expend throughout the day and often turning into fatigue, brain fog, or decreased motivation to be active.