Metabolic health refers to how efficiently your body converts food into energy. Metabolic health also encompasses your body’s natural ability to regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and weight.
There are certain common symptoms that can be clues your metabolic health needs attention. This article gives will explain what to look out for, and how to get back on track.
Consequences of Poor Metabolic Health
There are short-term and long-term consequences of poor metabolic health. It may sound scary, but rest assured your body is resilient, and you do have the ability to make the changes that can turn things around.
Left unmanaged, poor metabolic health can significantly increase your risk of developing:
- Insulin resistance
- Type two diabetes
- Heart disease
- Unwanted weight gain
- Alzheimer’s disease1
- Chronic inflammation
<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn about </strong> <a href="/blog/insulin-resistance-vs-prediabetes">insulin resistance vs pre diabetes</a>.</p>
Symptoms Of Poor Metabolic Health
Long-term inflammation and stress can present in many different ways in the body. Some symptoms are visible on the skin, while others can be more subtle. If you suspect your metabolic health is starting to decline, deliberately monitor your health over a two-week period. Having more information about the nature and frequency of uncomfortable symptoms can make it easier to identify the lifestyle changes that can help you feel better (tips and recommendations follow this list).
1. You're always tired, no matter how much sleep you get
Your energy levels will naturally wax and wane throughout the day, and through different seasons of your life. But waking up tired and lethargic every day is not normal.
If you have tried increasing your sleep schedule but continue to feel sluggish and easily fatigued, it could be a symptom your metabolic health is suffering.
When you feel chronically low energy, you are more susceptible to mood swings, poor food and drink choices, decreased commitment to exercise, and a compromised immune system.
<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn about </strong> <a href="/blog/sleep-and-weight-loss">the relationship between sleep and weight loss</a>.</p>
2. You can't lose weight, no matter what you try
Nutrition is not a perfect science but there are firm guidelines that should help you lose weight—at least a little. If you find that your efforts are not showing any changes in your weight, your metabolic health may be responsible.
Avoid making drastic changes during this time, no matter how frustrating it can be to experience weight loss plateau. A significant reduction in caloric intake can actually hurt your metabolism and throw your body into survival mode.
In survival mode, your metabolism will slow down and all calories will be stored to ensure you survive the “state of famine” your body believes it is experiencing.
<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn </strong> <a href="/blog/boost-metabolism">7 natural ways to boost metabolism</a>.</p>
3. You constantly have a headache or migraine
A headache can make you feel uncomfortable or irritable, but a chronic headache or a migraine is a different (and much worse) beast.
A 2019 article from the European Headache Foundation suggests that people who live in larger bodies are more susceptible to chronic bouts of inflammation.2 This state sends inflammatory markers to the brain which can be responsible for causing primary headaches.
<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn more about </strong> <a href="/blog/ways-to-reduce-inflammation">what causes inflammation and how to reduce it</a>.</p>
4. You always feel bloated, even after eating very little
Your gastrointestinal system is one of the most intricate bodily systems. Not only does it digest and break down food for energy and nutrient absorption, but it also signals your brain to produce hormones.
Your digestive system is also susceptible to stress. Chronic levels of stress wipe out health-promoting bacteria and prevent your body from replenishing a healthy gut flora.
Experiencing bloating and gas is one of the first signs that something in your digestive tract is off. Even without eating a lot of food, an unhappy gut will feel bloated and uncomfortable. It is an early sign that your metabolic health could be worsening.
<p class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn about </strong> <a href="/blog/what-is-cortisol">managing cortisol (the stress hormone) for better health</a>.</p>
{{mid-cta}}
5. Your skin is constantly dry and itchy
Bouts of dry and itchy skin (such as eczema) can be seasonal, especially during the months of the year when you are mostly indoors. But having dry skin all the time may be an indicator that something in your body is out of balance.
Eczema is a condition characterized by red, itchy, dry patches of skin.3 A flare-up can occur for a variety of reasons, even if you’ve never had eczema before. Chronic stress, allergens, certain foods, and lifestyle changes can all trigger a bout of dry skin.
While multiple studies have linked obesity and eczema, it’s unclear whether other markers of metabolic imbalance (high blood pressure, high blood sugar and high cholesterol) are associated with eczema.4 Psoriasis, which also causes dry, itchy and flaky skin, has been associated with multiple markers of metabolic syndrome.4
While skin problems may not be an indication of metabolic imbalance on their own, they could be part of a constellation of symptoms indicating poor metabolic health.
6. You can’t fall asleep, or wake up frequently during the night
Per the CDC, an adult between the ages of 18-60 years of age should sleep seven hours or more per night.5 In 2016 they conducted survey research and found that one in three people don’t meet that goal, which is a huge portion of the population. Those numbers have only increased since the pandemic.6
Insomnia and waking up frequently throughout the night prevent your body from entering deep sleep. Without deep sleep, your body may not heal as efficiently, the brain may not unwind and relax, and of course, energy levels are low the next day.6
Good sleep is essential to your health. A review from 2017 indicated that poor sleeping habits negatively affect metabolic health, cardiovascular health, and brain health.7
