Do you think you have a slow metabolism? Maybe you struggle to lose or maintain a healthy weight without extreme diet and exercise? Or you feel constantly tired and sluggish like you are not producing enough energy? If this is the case you might benefit from supporting your metabolism with some simple lifestyle changes. Here are some symptoms of low metabolism to watch out for!
Common symptoms of a low metabolism
Here are some of the symptoms of a low metabolism that I see most often in my clients:
- Feeling cold, especially in your hands and feet
- Basal body temperature below normal
- Low energy, fatigue or lethargy
- Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
- Dry, cracked skin and lips
- Digestive issues e.g. bloating, gastroparesis
- Thin hair or hair falling out more than usual
- Sleep problems or insomnia
- Hormonal imbalance, irregular period, no period
- Low sex drive
- Brain fog, difficulty concentrating or lack of clarity
- Getting sick often
- Feeling weak and/or stiff
Yes all of these things can be related to a low metabolism! Of course there are other causes for these symptoms so you should always get checked out by your doctor. However, if you have ruled out anything else then maybe a low metabolism is to blame.
In Ayurveda, the sister science to yoga, it is said that these symptoms of a low metabolism relate to increased Vata dosha in the system. This represents the elements of air and ether leading to qualities of cold, dryness in the body. It makes sense then that a diet to speed up metabolism is one that pacifies Vata and increases the other doshas to create balance
Symptoms of a low metabolism and hypothyroid
You might notice some similarities between the signs of a low metabolism and symptoms of hypothyroidism. This is because the two are in fact closely related. Researcher Broda Barnes dedicated his life to studying symptoms of low metabolism and subclinical hypothyroidism. His work is very interesting even decades later!
He mainly focused on one of the signs of low metabolism that can be measured, basal body temperature. A low basal body temperature indicates a reduced metabolism as the body is creating less heat. The normal body temperature range for women is 36.1-36.4°C (97-97.5°F) before ovulation, rising to 36.4-37.2°C (97.6-99°F) after ovulation. the temperatures represent readings taken from the armpit or mouth which can be up to 0.5°C lower than the core body temperature.
Think about animals with a low metabolism such as reptiles and sloths. Or animals who hibernate in the winter. Their body temperatures are much colder with animals that have a higher metabolic rate such as mice or birds. The animal with the highest basal metabolic rate, i.e. energy burned per unit weight is actually a hummingbird. Which do you relate to more?!
Symptoms of a low metabolism: My experience
When I experienced a low metabolism, I felt like my body was shutting down and it was terrifying.
- Chronic insomnia and fatigue
- Bloating and poor digestion
- Thinning and brittle hair
- Irregular menstrual cycle and low libido
Not much fun! I didn’t realise at the time just how many of my problems were related to the fact that my metabolism had tanked. But once I followed a protocol to speed it up my symptoms gradually went away.
I hate this photo so much I didn’t even look like me at all! I looked and felt like I aged 10 years. Seeing this makes me feel sorry for myself back then for not understanding this sooner. Now I am glad to have gone through this as now I can help others on their healing path. Maybe you can relate to my story and these symptoms of low metabolism? If that’s the case and you want individual support in healing your body and recovering your energy and life, please reach out!
Over to you…
If you would like to work with me to balance your hormones and improve your health, contact me to set up a free 15 minute discovery call. I am a nutritionist, yoga teacher and women’s wellness coach. We work together using a combination of modalities to support your individual needs and help you to feel your best.
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Moon Life 
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