7 Foods That Might Be Harming Your Metabolism
Want to clean up your diet habits? Here are a few things to avoid that might help you get your metabolism back on track.
1. Sugar
After eating sugar your blood sugar levels spike. This causes your cortisol and insulin hormone levels to increase, in an effort to even things out—and it can eventually lead to metabolic disruption if left unchecked long-term. According to dieticians, the lack of fiber in sugary snacks is yet another factor that makes them a total no-go for a solid metabolism. Fiber-rich foods are digested slowly—your body fights hard to break them down, kickstarting your metabolism in the process.
2. Processed Grain
Refined grains like white rice, highly processed breads, and white pasta have a similar affect on your body as sugar, breaking down quickly and causing insulin to skyrocket. Processed grains have had their whole grains extracted during processing. Refining also removes fiber and pretty much all nutritional value. It’s important to minimize refined carbs and opt for complex carbs like whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and beans.
3. Alcohol
Your body cannot store alcohol, so it must metabolize it right away. When you drink alcohol, your body makes metabolizing it a priority over all other metabolic processes. Your body sends alcohol to the liver, which produces the enzymes necessary for the oxidation and metabolism of alcohol. Around 98% of alcohol that is consumed is processed in the liver, with the other two to ten percent being expelled through urine, breathing, or sweat. Any weakening of the stomach will lessen the rate and efficiency at which food is digested, which ultimately interferes with a healthy metabolism and the weight loss process.
4. Soda
One of the main reasons soda gets a bad rap is because it’s sweetened with a little something known as high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS, a sweetener found in many of America’s highly processed foods and soft drinks, is as damaging as it is cheap. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition further explained the link between HFCS and obesity. HFCS may lead to obesity because of its negative effects on the metabolism.
5. Non-Organic Fruits
One study published in the Journal of Medical Toxicology showed the toxic effects of pesticides from fruits and vegetables actually caused metabolic changes in mice, causing them to gain weight. This means the mice were eating “healthy” fruits and vegetables in the same quantities as the organic control group and were STILL gaining weight. This illustrates the metabolic changes in the mice directly from the pesticides.
6. Margarine
The trans fats in the margarine can wreak havoc on your metabolism because they can lead to insulin resistance (which is when the body can’t use insulin effectively). Insulin is a hormone used in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, and insulin resistance results in slower metabolism and weight gain, especially around the abdomen, as it causes our bodies to store fat more easily.
7. Dairy
Some people don’t process high levels of dairy protein or sugar very well, which is why they find that dairy can lead to inflammation and bloating. Some research suggests that calcium deficiency can also slow metabolism. Greek yogurt offers many metabolism-boosting benefits thanks to its high protein concentration and probiotics. Probiotics also improve gut health — which has also been shown to reduce systemic inflammation and reduce the risk of obesity and other diseases.
For more information on foods that are hurting your metabolism, check out 11 Worst Foods for Your Metabolism, 10 Common Foods That Are Completely Messing with Your Metabolism, or THESE 3 FOODS ARE *THE WORST* FOR YOUR METABOLISM, ACCORDING TO JILLIAN MICHAELS.