Your body's metabolism or basal metabolic rate is like a fire.

Alcohol and Speeding Up Your Metabolism

How does alcohol affect metabolism?

The consumption of alcohol can cause a number of ill-effects to your body, the major one being its effect on the metabolic process.

Metabolism simply refers to a series of chemical reactions that occur in the body to convert ingested materials to other compounds thus producing energy that is essential for organ growth and proper cell structuring as well as functioning. But when you consume alcohol, it can adversely affect the metabolic process, as it slows down fat and sugar metabolism. According to studies conducted by the American Journal of Clinical Research when people consume alcohol they tend to eat a higher-fat diet thus resulting in weight gain. Try our metabolism boosting diet meal plan.

In contrast to most of the foods that have to undergo several steps prior to absorption, alcohol is quickly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract. Upon its absorption, the alcohol enters the blood stream, where it suspends with the blood. The alcohol content found in the blood and other vital tissues of the body are metabolized and removed by such organs as the kidney, lungs, and liver. The kidney excretes 5% of alcohol through urine while the lungs eliminate a small amount of alcohol through breathing. The remaining portion of alcohol in the blood is detoxified and washed away by the liver through a process called oxidation. The outcome is the interruption of all other normal bodily processes.

The processes in connection with alcohol metabolism can result in the formation of harmful compounds that can cause damage to vital cells and tissues. Alcohol can also affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals, since its consumption will cause your liver to convert acetate alcohol. In addition, the ingestion of alcohol may result in the increased excretion of calcium and magnesium through urine.

Another drawback associated with the consumption of alcohol is that it will inhibit the absorption of nutrients necessary for smooth metabolic activity. Other problems that could arise due to consumption of alcohol are impaired cognitive functioning, ineffective physical coordination, liver diseases, and early onset of such devastating ailments as cancer and cardiovascular diseases.

How can I jump start my metabolism?

A healthy metabolism represents a fast metabolism and is primarily based on the metabolic rate, which in turn is determined by a number of factors such as the BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate). This is the rate that your body utilizes energy for performing activities like breathing; the rate at which you shed energy while performing physical activities; and the rate at which you burn calories. The higher the metabolic rate, the more fat and calories your body will burn. Even though a variety of supplements are available to raise the metabolic rate, it is highly recommended to use natural methods to improve your metabolism. Mentioned below are some simple yet effective tips to kick start your metabolism.

Never skip breakfast: Since metabolism is slowed down while sleeping, it is important to start your day with a protein source such as eggs enriched with Omega-3 in order to jumpstart your metabolic process. Further, it is important to note that your metabolic process is slowed down in the evening. It is therefore advisable to avoid heavy meals at night.
Fragment your meals: As it helps to increase metabolic rate, it is beneficial to consume five or six smaller healthy meals rather than having three heavy meals per day.
Keep yourself hydrated: Water is integral for a variety of metabolic processes, from digestion and flushing out waste from your body to maintenance of body temperature. Hence, it is important to make sure that your body get at least six to eight glasses of water per day.
Try circuit training: Performing exercises not only helps to shed off fat and elevate your metabolic rate but also helps you to maintain your figure. Running, cycling, and weight lifting are among the most recommended exercises to fuel metabolism processes.
Balance your calorie intake: Some people lower the intake of calories as part of their regime to lose weight. But this may lead your body to drop down your metabolism process. Hence, make sure that your body gets the right amount of calories to rev up the metabolic rate. Check out the weight loss meal plan for fat burning.

What foods can I eat to speed up metabolism and shed fat fast?

Eating nutrient-dense foods containing the right proportion of calories and fats is effective for boosting metabolism and burning fats quickly. Listed below are some of the food items that help to improve your metabolic rate as well as promote faster fat burning.

Foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber such as brown rice, whole grain breads, and oatmeal
Low fat dairy products
Non starchy vegetables such as asparagus, celery, spinach, and tomatoes
Foods rich in potassium, vitamin C and B12, and phosphorous
Negative calorie foods
Spices such as peppers, cayenne, and chilies
Foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids
Ginger and garlic
Green tea
Whey protein (protein overview here) and lean protein

Water

Also see

A meal plan to help boost your metabolism

Metabolism definition

Forums

Metabolism and hypothyroidism

High Intensity Interval Training

Foods that speed up your metabolism

Slowing metabolism and what you can do

Increase your metabolism

Lipid and fat metabolism explained

Metabolism calculator

Alcohol and metabolism

How about a meal plan to boost my metabolism?
It is very important to understand the relationship between food, hormones and your basal metabolic rate. If this relationship is understood one can boost metabolism for the entire day. Food plays a major role in controlling hormones and metabolism. Try this meal plan to boost your metabolism for the whole day.