The Best Supplements for Healthy Metabolism

Almost everyone, regardless of their personal health goals, is familiar with the term “metabolism,” but what does it actually mean? Metabolism is the name given to a series of chemical processes involved in how your body breaks down nutrients. In nutrition, healthy metabolism equates to the efficient burning of food. Having healthy metabolism provides a number of benefits, including weight loss and higher energy levels.

Metabolism varies for everyone and generally degrades or “slows down” as we age. Declining metabolic rates can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and other health problems. Learn how to improve and maintain your metabolism with these key vitamins!

B Vitamins

The entire range of B vitamins play a role in your body’s metabolism. B-1, or thiamine, was the first B vitamin discovered by scientists and is crucial in the production of ATP — the vehicle for energy within cells. B-2, or Riboflavin, helps build red blood cells, which transport oxygen and promote energy. Though their exact functions vary, all B vitamins hold value in the body’s energy production and transport. As this energy is required for a healthy metabolism and, in turn, a healthy metabolism is required for more energy, B vitamins are indisposable.

You can find the spectrum of B vitamins in a wide assortment of foods. These include legumes, milk, eggs, lean meats, grains, potatoes, and bananas. It’s essential to have all of the B vitamins in your diet for a fully-functioning metabolism, so if you think you may not get enough, a supplement may be required. There are many tablets that combine the B vitamins into a single form called “B Complex.” Supplements such as this B complex vitamin found on the Clinical Nutrition Centers’ web store can help you maintain an efficient metabolism.

Iron

Another nutrient that helps transport oxygen — a necessary function for metabolism — is iron. Transporting oxygen actively helps the muscles with burning fat, which also promotes healthy metabolism and weight loss. Lack of iron can cause anemia, symptoms of which include fatigue, weakness, low energy, and reduced endurance.

Iron can be found in several foods, including lean meats, spinach, beans, and shellfish. If your diet includes a regular amount of these foods and you still experience anemic symptoms, try taking in more vitamin C. Vitamin C assists with the absorption of iron. If you don’t think you get enough iron from your day-to-day food, a supplement may be required. Some supplements even combine vitamin C and iron, like this one from our web store, to help you get the most out of your vitamins.

Vitamin D

Yep, good old vitamin daylight is an important part of your metabolic health. Many who struggle with obesity have been found to possess low amounts of vitamin D. This sun-provided nutrient has two key benefits that support a healthy metabolism. First, it provides energy, which again is necessary for metabolism to function. Second, it helps combat depression. Depression can make it difficult for individuals to commit to improving metabolism, so addressing it with vitamin D can have valuable mental benefits.

The daylight vitamin is available from sources other than the sun as well. You can get vitamin D from several types of fish, egg yolks, milk products, and some cereals. If you don’t get enough vitamin D from your diet or sun exposure, a supplement may be necessary. Luckily, vitamin D supplements are readily available and generally regarded by experts as safe!

Magnesium

If there’s one word you should have lodged in your brain by now about metabolism, it’s energy. Metabolism both requires and produces it — and magnesium is another nutrient that helps. Magnesium is involved in hundreds of cellular reactions, many of which are linked to metabolism. In addition to helping with metabolism, magnesium also:

• Aids in bone health
• Nurtures a well-functioning nervous system
• Maintains blood glucose
• Supports healthy blood pressure

Magnesium deficiency can cause a wide variety of health issues, including hypocalcaemia hypokalaemia, cardiac concerns, and neurological problems. Signs of a magnesium deficiency can include muscle twitches and cramping, mental troubles such as depression, fatigue, and cardiovascular issues.

Magnesium is found in a few food sources, including nuts, seeds, legumes, and spinach. If you think you may suffer from a magnesium deficiency, supplements, such as this one found on our online store, are available to purchase.

Metabolism is key to preventing unwanted weight gain and maintaining several of our health functions. It’s natural for it to degrade as we age, but it’s not necessary. You can help maintain your metabolism with a healthy, well-rounded diet. In cases where you may not get the required nutrients to aid in your metabolism, Clinical Nutrition Centers can help! Visit our web store to browse our selection of high-quality supplements or contact us to ask about metabolism and your nutritional needs.