The best way to measure your metabolism

For years I have felt like my metabolism was like Superman on crack. A calorie burner like no other!

My body has stayed lean and muscular with ease, so I always thought there was no way in the world my metabolism was stagnant.

When you see a paper-thin woman or a man with a shredded six-pack, you might think those physicalities are a perfect display of a healthy metabolism.

In some cases these people may have a stable metabolism. Most of the time, this is not the case.

Your metabolism isn’t measured by how fast you can lose weight, how much weight you can bench, how fast you can run 800 meters, or how nice your farts smell (okay, maybe a little when it’s about your stink bombs).

You can measure your metabolism by keeping this checklist in mind…

• His immune system is very strong, he rarely gets sick
• Gas and bloating are minimal.
• Energy levels are high and constant.
• You sweat during exercise, you rarely feel cold
• You feel warm and cozy throughout the day, especially on your hands and feet.
• Aren’t you one of those suffering people who wonder “why am I so cold all the time?”
• The sleep is incredible and constant, without waking up during the night.
• Your digestive system is alive (regular daily poops)
• Cravings are very low
• You can recover from workouts without feeling fried all day.

And finally, the best quantifiable indicator towards a healthy metabolism is…

A hearty body temperature and pulse. Your body temperature should be between 97.8 and 98.6, with a healthy pulse between 75 and 85 bmp at rest.

I learned this technique from two courses I took from Josh and Jeanne Rubin; The metabolic plan and the fight against fatigue with food.

Most people’s body temperature falls in the 95 to 97 range, due to years of elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels, blood sugar imbalances, and food choices that provide little or no energy or warmth at the body level. mobile.

I thought my metabolism was bulletproof for a long time. When I started taking my temperature and pulse I was amazed. My temperature hovered around 96.2 quite often with a low pulse of 65 beats per minute.

According to Josh and Jeanne, “A normal pattern will decrease in the morning, peak at noon, and decrease again at night.”

They share a lot of knowledge in their courses. They explain that measuring body temperature and pulse allows you to:

1. Assess hormonal fluctuation influenced by the body’s ability to meet daily demands.
2. Identify subclinical hypothyroidism
3. Identify adrenal and blood sugar influences on metabolism.

Josh says, “When your body temperature and pulse rate are out of the normal range, it indicates stress on your system and a downregulated metabolism. Stress on your system stimulates a whole host of inflammatory hormones like adrenaline, cortisol, prolactin and estrogen.

Here are some key points I also learned from them regarding what happens when you have a low body temperature and pulse:

• Digestion is disrupted, leading to the inability to break down and absorb nutrients.
• Thyroid and/or adrenal function is suppressed
• Inhibition of the production of protective steroid hormones (progesterone, cortisol, DHEA)
• Mineral imbalances develop.
• There is a strong loss of oxygen, which leads to the production of lactic acid.
• Muscle tissue begins to shrink
• Adrenaline levels rise, creating various compensations

Using a digital thermometer and your own two fingers is the easiest and cheapest general metabolic, hormonal, adrenal and thyroid test you can do.

Buy a digital thermometer at Target or another local store and start practicing taking your oral temperature. You can take the temperature in other areas, but keep it simple and use the under-the-tongue method.

Take your temperature no more than three times a day, three days in a row per week.

Your first reading should be right after you wake up, while you lie quietly in bed. The next reading should be twenty minutes after breakfast, and then a third time will be twenty minutes after lunch or another meal of your choice.

Measure your pulse using your fingers, not your thumb, since the thumb has its own pulse. Choose your carotid (neck) pulse or your radial (wrist) pulse.

A pulse greater than 85 beats per minute can be a good indicator that adrenaline and cortisol are too high and out of balance. Keep in mind that regulating your pulse takes longer than regulating your body temperature, so be patient when it comes to this measurement of your metabolism.

Do both tests together as it will make things easier. Record your results on your phone, computer, or in a notepad.

You may be scratching your head thinking that your pulse should be much lower than 75-85 beats per minute. I like what Kate Deering (a fellow health professional) has to say on her pulse blog…

“Broda Barnes MD and Dr. Ray Peat state that an optimal pulse is between 75 and 85 beats per minute. Huh? I thought a low pulse was better? Most athletes don’t have a pulse below 60 beats per minute? I think super fit Lance Armstrong has a pulse of 45 beats per minute. Yes, Lance is fit, and yes, he had a very low pulse. However, let’s remember he had testicular cancer at the age 25. We have to remember: being fit is not the same as being healthy. A healthy metabolism induces a higher heart rate and body temperature, two things you will often NOT see in endurance athletes.”

There are many biochemical reactions that take place in your body throughout the day, and it’s your job to keep your metabolism running strong.

On a nerdy scientific level, your cells need to be nourished with the right carbs, proteins, and fats.

When your cells receive the correct nutrients, they “breathe” without stress and produce heat and energy efficiently.

When your cells breathe properly and produce heat, your body temperature and pulse rate reflect this and your metabolism kicks into gear.

I can remember when my temperature and pulse started to rise and regulate. My hands and feet weren’t freezing all the time like they used to, I stopped waking up in the middle of the night and my energy levels changed drastically.

Remember, having a healthy, fast metabolism isn’t about having chiseled abs, having the lowest body fat on the block, or feeling like Superman on crack (okay, maybe a little).

Pay attention to which foods increase body temperature and pulse and which ones act as a barrier.

As your metabolism begins to improve, you will begin to notice what it feels like to have lots of energy and the new feeling of being fuzzy and warm even on a cold day. Enjoy the journey of reshaping your metabolism!