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September 26, 2022 — 9:01 AM

Do you ever feel like your metabolism is working against you? If so, you’re not alone. Nearly 90% (!!) of Americans are considered to be metabolically unhealthy, according to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. In other words, most folks have a “slow” metabolism, which can affect the body’s ability to optimally support its most basic biological processes. 

And while it’s true that genetics partially determine your metabolic rate, it doesn’t necessarily seal your fate; the things you do on a daily basis can have an even bigger impact. Translation? Lifestyle habits and behaviors provide ample opportunities to boost your metabolism and, ultimately, enhance your overall well-being.

Here, learn how to speed up your metabolism via approachable, multidimensional strategies, according to experts and science.

In the simplest terms, “metabolism is the process by which your body turns what you eat into energy,” Casey Kelley, M.D., ABOIM, functional physician and founder of Case Integrative Health, tells mbg. 

metabolism+

metabolism+

Multi-pronged approach to promote healthy weight & body composition*

metabolism+

This energy (i.e., calories) is used, or “burned,” to fuel your most basic bodily functions—such as breathing, blood circulation, and nutrient absorption.

It also provides energy for complex physiological reactions (including DNA synthesis, RNA transcription, and neuronal cell signaling in the brain), as well as actions that require more energy, (like immune function, healthy inflammatory responses, and physical activity).

Needless to say, your metabolism affects a lot.

Metabolism is closely related to metabolic rate, or the number of energy/calories you use, or “burn,” every day. Metabolic rate also depends on:

  • Basal metabolic rate. Also known as resting metabolic rate (RMR) or resting energy expenditure REE), basal metabolic rate (BMR) makes up 60% to 75% of the total calories you burn each day at rest. BMR is a resting “burn” from just “keeping the lights on” in your body (think: breathing, muscle contractions that keep food moving through your GI tract, body temperature control, etc.). Many factors can impact BMR—including biological sex, age, muscle mass, body composition, thyroid health, physical activity, lifestyle, diet, sleep, and genetics.
  • Thermogenesis. Thermogenesis is the production of heat in the body. It’s caused by the activation of brown adipose tissue (a specific type of fat), as well as the digestion and absorption of food—which, again, burns calories. Foods that require more energy to break down are known to have a higher “thermic effect,” according to registered dietitian Maddie Pasquariello, M.S., R.D.
  • Physical activity. Most folks are familiar with the link between physical activity and burning calories. Specifically, the body requires energy to move, so the more strenuous the exercise, the more energy will be used. You don’t need to hit the gym to burn calories, though—energy is also required to do non-exercise movements throughout the day (like walking up the stairs, folding laundry, doing the dishes, and playing with your dog).

Metabolism & your health.

As mentioned, metabolism is a biological process that impacts how your body uses energy and calories. This involves a variety of important metabolic pathways, including those that impact body composition, energy balance, blood sugar balance, and blood lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides)—all of which play crucial roles in overall health and longevity. 

Unfortunately, only 12% of Americans are considered to be metabolically healthy, emphasizing the importance of targeted daily metabolic support.

How to speed up your metabolism.

While genetics certainly play a big role in how “fast” (i.e., healthy and active) your metabolism is, there are a number of lifestyle habits you can incorporate into your daily routine to support your metabolism and optimize your metabolic health.

According to Kelley, hydration is key for top-notch metabolism. That’s because H2O is required for metabolic reactions in your cells, which dictate signaling to hormones and other substrates. Drinking water has also been shown to trigger a process called water-induced thermogenesis, which can increase metabolic rate by up to 30% for an hour, according to a 2016 Frontiers in Nutrition review.

According to Kelley, drinking cool water can be particularly beneficial because of the energy your body needs to expend to warm up the water.

Create a healthy sleep routine.

In addition to skin health and brain longevity, a quality sleep routine is key for metabolic wellness. As Kelley explains, not getting enough sleep can lead to increased oxidative stress and hormonal fluctuations, both of which can mess with your metabolism. Luckily, the changes aren’t permanent, meaning it’s possible to pump the brakes on these effects by fine-tuning your sleep routine.

Eat a nutrient-dense and filling diet.

“Generally speaking, [following] a Mediterranean-style diet is the best way to naturally promote a healthy metabolism,” explains Pasquariello. Specifically, foods that boost metabolism include:

  • Complex carbs. Complex carbs, sometimes called “slow carbs,” help regulate blood sugar levels and support fat metabolism. Examples include whole grains, potatoes, squash, fruit, and fibrous or starchy veggies, according to Pasquariello. 
  • Lean protein. High-quality lean protein increases satiety while providing essential nutrients. Fish and poultry are considered lean protein, as well as plant-based sources like beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, and tempeh, notes Pasquariello.
  • Unsaturated fats. Whereas saturated fat can slow down metabolism, unsaturated fats (aka “good fats”) can promote healthy lipid levels. This includes monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (we’re looking at you, omega-3s), which are found in foods like nuts, seeds, and fatty fish—e.g., salmon, anchovies, and mackerel.
  • Plants. Is there anything plants can’t do? A diet rich in colorful fruits and veggies will provide fiber and phytonutrients, which are essential for metabolic wellness. Fiber has the added perk of increasing satiety, which helps keep your appetite in check.

Hormones, aka your body’s chemical messengers, affect nearly every process in the body. This includes energy expenditure, which is directly affected by the actions of hormones. 

For example, thyroid hormones have a proven link with energy expenditure and body weight. The same goes for cortisol, aka the stress hormone (more on that in a bit), and insulin, which is involved in the metabolism of carbs, fats, and protein

All that said, it’s worth partnering with an integrative health care professional that approaches hormonal health from a holistic slant, especially if you have existing hormonal health concerns.

It’s also helpful to practice eating mindfully and listening to appetite cues for your body’s own neuroendocrine hormones. This includes ghrelin and leptin—the hunger and satiety hormones, respectively. 

Take a metabolism-supporting supplement.

For multidimensional metabolism support, consider adding a high-quality supplement to your overall metabolic well-being toolkit. 

For example, mbg’s metabolism+ features five targeted botanical extracts that promote metabolic health.*

metabolism+

metabolism+

Multi-pronged approach to promote healthy weight & body composition*

metabolism+

  • Veld grape. Native to India, veld grape has been shown to promote healthy weight, energy balance, and overall cardiometabolic health.*
  • Grains of paradise. Grains of a paradise, an ancient spice from West Africa, has been clinically shown to support a healthy metabolic rate.*
  • Capsaicin. Research has shown that capsaicinoids, the main active compounds in chili peppers, are known to increase calorie burn and improve satiety.*
  • Caffeine and EGCG from green tea. According to research, both caffeine and EGCG (the primary catechin in green tea) boost thermogenesis and fat burn.*

As with all mindbodygreen supplements, metabolism+ features these ingredients at clinically researched doses. 

But take note: Nutritional strategies, including supplements, are most effective when part of an overall healthy lifestyle that optimizes daily energy balance via physical activity, mindful nutrition, and other holistic habits mentioned in this article.

No approach to metabolism support is complete without stress management. Here’s why: When you feel stressed, your adrenal glands (which are located on your kidneys) release cortisol, sending your body into fight-or-flight mode, Kelley tells mbg. “This will give you a burst of energy, while simultaneously pausing other bodily functions and slowing your metabolism,” she explains. 

The longer you’re feeling stressed out, the more your metabolism will bog down. Plus, the spike in cortisol will increase your appetite for particularly salty and sweet foods, further slowing down your metabolism, says Kelley.

Prioritize regular physical activity.

Daily movement can nurture myriad aspects of health, and metabolism is certainly on the list. 

As Pasquariello tells mbg, both aerobic exercise (continuous movement like walking, running, biking, swimming, etc.) as well as anaerobic exercise (shorter bursts of movement, like lifting weights or doing a HIIT class) can support metabolism. What’s more, both types are technically forms of cardio, she says—meaning either activity will increase your heart rate and burn calories.

All that said, a person’s metabolic rate is directly associated with their percentage of muscle mass, so consistently building and preserving muscle strength is key for lifelong metabolism support. “As you gain muscle, your body naturally burns more calories at rest because muscle takes more energy to ‘maintain’ than fat,” explains Pasquariello. 

However, it’s worth noting that some movement is better than none. Small amounts of daily, regular movement (rather than sporadic, hard-core gym sessions) will be most helpful for metabolism in the long run.

When it comes to drinks that speed up metabolism, you can’t go wrong with green tea. Its main catechin is epigallocatechin (EGCG), an antioxidant that’s been shown to promote thermogenesis.* EGCG even works synergistically with the caffeine in green tea, helping boost metabolism and burn fat by releasing adrenaline.* 

In fact, in one clinical trial published by The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, green tea extract containing 270 milligrams of EGCG and 150 milligrams of caffeine was shown to increase energy expenditure in healthy adult men.* (Note: You’ll find these exact clinically proven doses of EGCG and plant-origin caffeine in each two-capsule serving of mbg’s metabolism+.)* 

Metabolism FAQs

What is metabolic rate?

Metabolic rate is the amount of energy you use, or “burn,” on a daily basis. It’s influenced by your basal metabolic rate (also known as resting energy expenditure), thermogenesis, and physical activity.

What foods speed up metabolism?

Overall, a plant-centric diet full of colorful fruits and veggies, whole grains, and fiber-rich foods will help speed up your metabolism. Sources of lean protein and “good” fats are also essential for metabolic well-being. 

What drinks speed up metabolism?

Water and green tea are best for supporting metabolism. Both drinks keep you hydrated, which is critical for metabolic reactions in cells, tissues, and organs. Green tea also has the added perk of offering caffeine and EGCG, two compounds known to increase thermogenesis and calorie burn.*

If you’re wondering how to speed up metabolism, the answer is to hone in on healthy lifestyle habits in general.

Strategies like getting quality sleep, practicing healthy stress management practices, eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of fluids, and staying active are all paramount for metabolic well-being. The same goes for focusing on your hormonal health, which is a major player in maintaining a healthy metabolism.If you’d like to take it up a notch, consider adding green tea (for calorie-burning EGCG and caffeine) to your rotation as well.*

You can also take a premium, targeted supplement, like mbg’s metabolism+, which contains both green tea components and other plant bioactives—including veld grape, capsaicin, and grains of paradise. Each of these ingredients are included at doses clinically shown to promote calorie burn and energy balance, providing you with multifunctional metabolic support.*

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.