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September 23, 2021 By Dr. Todd Anderson

How to Fix a Slow Metabolism

There are 3 things to focus on when fixing a slow metabolism.

  1. Reducing Stress Hormone Production
  2. Decreasing Inflammation
  3. Addressing Blood Sugar Problems.

If you can accomplish all three, then you will more than likely be running on all cylinders.

A note on supplements: While many times symptoms will improve with supplements and are useful, I believe it is crucial to address the root issue causing the deficiencies to begin with. So, don’t just take the supplements without correcting the lifestyle issues that got you in this place to begin with.

Signs & Symptoms of A Poor Metabolism

  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Trouble Losing Weight
  • Low Thyroid Problems
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Digestive issues – gas, bloating, indigestion, etc.
  • Craving sugar

1. Addressing Stress Hormones

Stress hormones are called such because they increase due to some stress response. That can be from emotional (family, job), chemical (low blood sugar, inflammation), or physical (pain).

Avoid rapid fluctuations in blood sugar. I always say, control what you can control. It may be difficult to control your nagging mother or stubbing your toe, but you can eat better and start down regulating stress hormones. People in this category should focus on eating 3 meals spaced 5 hours apart with no snacking in between. See more under the hypoglycemia section below.

Get your emotional baggage under control with meditation, therapy, or some low intensity exercise like yoga. Excessive exercise can drive excessive stress hormone production.

Work on resolving chronic pain issues with a good manual therapist like a chiropractor, physical therapist, or qualified professional.

Consider adding an adaptogenic herb like Ashwaganda, Tulsi, or Rhodiola. Other supplements to consider would include Magnesium, Vitamin B6 (P5P), and Zinc.

Reducing Stress Hormone Supplement Stack Here

2. Decreasing Inflammation

Inflammation will drive stress hormones as well so continue on with those recommendations below.

Inflammation is generated by the immune system. Inflammation is a natural part of regeneration, but left uncontrolled will drive degeneration. This will deplete vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients over time causing deficiencies.

Reducing Inflammatory Triggers

  • Trying an anti-inflammatory or elimination diet can be helpful. Many times just cutting the biggest offenders can have a drastic impact (sugar, dairy, gluten).
  • Use caution as you reduce problem foods! You must increase the foods that you can eat, in order to avoid worsening a potential blood sugar issue. Eat plenty of good protein and fat with each meal.

Inflammatory Accelerators

  • Reduce inflammatory “accelerators.” Things that further drive inflammation include stress hormones like cortisol, insulin, and excessive NSAID use.

Clearing Inflammation

  • Consider adding in supplements that help reduce inflammation like Turmeric, Resveratrol, and Fish Oil, Magnesium, Vitamin B6 (P5P), and Zinc also help your body make more fish oil from omega 3’s.

Inflammation Stack Here

3. Addressing Blood Sugar: Low or high, it’s a problem.

A blood sugar will manifest as too high or too low. Too high is typically from insulin resistance and too low is a condition called reactive hypoglycemia. Which one are you?

Low Blood Sugar Signs & Symptoms

  • Fasting glucose under 85
  • Meals give you energy
  • Waking up between 1-3am at night
  • Anxiety, trouble falling asleep at night
  • More prone to be underweight, but not required

High Blood Sugar Signs & Symptoms

  • Fasting blood glucose above 100
  • Meals give make you sleepy
  • Neuropathy or nerve sensation issues
  • PCOS Diagnosis
  • More prone to be overweight

Both can cause PMS issues for different reasons.

Addressing (low blood sugar) Hypoglycemia

Focus on eating either 3 meals – 5 hours apart with around 30g of protein and a third of your calories for the day in each meal. I would avoid intermittent fasting in the morning. You need to run on the food you eat and not the stress hormones you produce. Most people in this category have very low appetite in the morning and even get nausea eating breakfast. If this is you, then try a piece of fruit followed by your large meal. It will be uncomfortable at first, but after the first week you will notice that those above symptoms are improving.

If you notice getting hungry before lunch, then re-evaluate your breakfast. It probably wasn’t enough for the day. I always encourage patients to focus on fat intake as it will maintain stable blood sugar much better than carbohydrates like oatmeal.

Addressing Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance occurs when the cell becomes sick of being bombarded with insulin constantly. Like the little boy who cried wolf and the town’s people stop listening to him over time. This will cause your blood glucose to rise over time as less will be pushed into the cell. You need to silence the boy long enough for the town people to trust him again. Type 2 diabetes gets diagnosed when the blood glucose builds up and goes over 100.

Stop filling the cell up with glucose Easy – stop eating sugar! Eat low glycemic carbs and focus on proper fat and protein intake.

Empty the cell of glucose

To improve insulin sensitivity exercise. This will begin to deplete the stores of glucose which will create a demand for more glucose. This is what makes the cell more responsive to insulin. Start with half of something you think you can do. If you can walk 3 miles, then start with 1.5 everyday. High intensity exercises are even better if you are physically able to.

Supplements

  • Supplements like berberine, lipoic acid, and chromium are also helpful to improve insulin issues.

Insulin Resistance Supplement Stack Here

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Dr. Todd Anderson
Dr. Todd Anderson
Owner | Author at Dr. Todd Anderson
Dr. Anderson has vast experience aiding patients to reach higher levels of internal and external health performance.
Dr. Todd Anderson
Latest posts by Dr. Todd Anderson (see all)
  • Piecing Together Painful Psoriasis - January 20, 2022
  • HOW TO: Actually Address LOW Testosterone - December 28, 2021
  • How to Fix a Slow Metabolism - September 23, 2021

Filed Under: Hormones, Thyroid Tagged With: Fatigue, hormones, thyroid

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Holly Miller
Holly Miller
2021-11-23
I have seen Dr Todd for a few years and I must say, he goes above and beyond for his patients. He is extremely knowledgeable in his field and is very caring as well. He will take the time to explain everything to you so you can better understand what is going on and, therefore, be able to find a solution to the cause! I love that treatment of causes is the priority, not just treating symptoms. He has helped me personally with a lot of hormonal issues that have been causing me problems with fatigue, inability to lose weight, digestive issues,, migraine headaches and more. All other Drs just want to treat the individual symptoms with medication versus treating the root CAUSE! I'm so thankful for Dr Todd and all he has taken the time to help me with!
Dave Dickens
Dave Dickens
2021-10-31
I am very sorry to lose Todd as my chiropractor. You folks are in for an excellent mix of chiropractic and holistic healing. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Suzanne Swiney
Suzanne Swiney
2021-10-20
Dr. Todd Anderson changed my life. I was seeing seven specialists when I started seeing Dr Anderson three years ago. He helped me regain my life, and I’m down to two specialist and a chiropractor. He also helped get my blood sugar under control by finding numerous food sensitivities and multiple infections, all of which were treated without prescription medication. As a result, my pain from chronic inflammation is gone; I’m sleeping through the night and have more energy and stamina. He thoroughly explained the importance of nutrition in a life with autoimmune diseases. He was easy to talk with and put the patient’s needs first. I was never anxious while under his care because I was continually informed. I was very blessed to have his care for three years until he and his wife moved. If you’re looking for this type of care, Dr Anderson is the best.
Heather Nelson
Heather Nelson
2021-09-30
Dr. Anderson is very professional and knowledgeable. I would highly recommend him!
Nicole Michaelis
Nicole Michaelis
2021-09-20
Dr. Todd is the best. He has helped me so much. I'd be limping into his office and leave with a spring in my step. Well, maybe not immediately. But he always made me feel better, digged deep to unearth the issues, and helped me get back out there ready to do what I love to do.
Chris Klingler
Chris Klingler
2021-09-17
I’ve had numerous back, neck and shoulder issues over the past few years. Dr. Anderson has done an amazing of treating my issues with a focus on finding the underlying issues and treating them. It’s allowed me to stay in the gym and on my mountain bike when I don’t believe I could have otherwise. I’d highly recommend him to anyone dealing with pain, range of motion and other issues.
Cristie Bryant
Cristie Bryant
2021-09-14
The care I have received from Dr. Anderson was excellent. He is professional, caring and he listens. His methods are unique, non invasive and his knowledge of overall health are second to no one. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Laura Cunningham
Laura Cunningham
2021-09-11
Highly recommend Dr. Anderson! He is knowledgeable, thorough and caring! He has helped so many people and has been a huge asset to our community! He will be greatly missed. Best wishes on your next endeavor Dr. Anderson! Your new community is gaining a wonderful doctor.
amy estep
amy estep
2021-09-10
Dr. Anderson was very helpful n took time to listen to all my concerns. He would always help explain any blood work or test that I had done n that helped me understand a lot. He is very caring n sympathetic doctor n will be missed.
Melissa Brown
Melissa Brown
2021-09-03
So knowledgable with nutrition. Eases my aches and pains through diet and kinesthetic work. Excellent care.

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About Dr. Todd Anderson

The purpose of this site is to educate and break down the rhetoric of mainstream thought prohibiting the progress of health through functional nutrition and chiropractic. He is a chiropractor currently located in Elk River, Minnesota.

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Disclaimer: Dr. Todd Anderson is a licensed Chiropractic Physician and Applied Kinesiologist in the state of Minnesota & West Virginia. Information on this website is provided for general educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute (i) medical advice or counseling, (ii) the practice of medicine including psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy or the provision of health care diagnosis or treatment, (iii) the creation of a physician patient or clinical relationship, or (iv) an endorsement, recommendation or sponsorship of any third party product or service by the Sponsor or any of the Sponsor's affiliates, agents, employees, consultants or service providers. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your health care provider promptly.

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