Metabolic health is something that affects nearly every aspect of your life. Your body depends on nutrients to produce energy to be active throughout the day.
However, many Americans struggle with having a healthy metabolism. Indeed, millions of Americans suffer from a condition known as “metabolic syndrome,” a combination of problems including high blood pressure and high blood sugar (prediabetes) that raise your risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.
Current research suggests that the key to maintaining good metabolic health and avoiding metabolic syndrome can be as simple as adding more fiber to your diet and getting enough regular exercise.
Your “gut health” is very important to avoid metabolic syndrome. You are a home to millions of bacteria collectively known as the “gut microbiome.”
Good bacteria and bad bacteria make up the microbiome. Keeping a proper balance between the two is critical for good metabolic health. One way to make sure you keep your gut healthy is to eat plenty of fiber.
Studies show that a diet high in fiber fosters optimal metabolic health. There is an inverse relationship between high fiber intake and obesity, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes. Fiber increases the time of intestinal absorption, aiding nutrient absorption. This, in turn, increases the health of your gut biome.
Eating fiber reduces rates of cardiometabolic syndrome and cancer. Soluble fiber actually decreases the amount of LDL — low-density lipoprotein, “the bad” — cholesterol.
The phytochemical properties of the fiber are found in vegetables, fruit, and whole grains. Bioactive components of fiber consist of essential resistant starches, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Get Moving to Avoid Metabolic Syndrome
The other key factor to good metabolic health and avoiding the complications of metabolic syndrome is regular exercise.
Exercise is vital in regulating your metabolism. Metabolic health relies upon hormonal balance. Hormones affect core bodily processes, including metabolism. When you exercise, hormone receptors become more sensitive because there is more blood flow to these receptors.
More blood flow also equates to more nutrients to hormone receptors, ensuring they are well-nourished.
Exercise is proven to increase insulin sensitivity in muscles. This is vital to reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes and obesity, two risk factors for poor metabolic health. Exercise also boosts metabolism, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
If you want to live longer and healthier, good metabolism is key, and you can improve your metabolic health through diet and exercise.