Can Supplements Boost Your Metabolism?
Metabolism is the process that turns the food you eat into the energy that powers everything you do. When you have a healthy metabolism, you naturally burn more calories throughout the day. This makes metabolism-boosting supplements tempting: can they help with managing weight?
While supplements can offer a boost, the fact of the matter is that a healthy metabolism is the result of a balanced diet and an active lifestyle. Let’s take a look at the vitamins and minerals that are believed to assist your body in these areas.
How Vitamins & Minerals Affect Your Metabolism
Our bodies require a variety of vitamins and minerals to keep the metabolic engine running smoothly. Each one plays a specific role, and deficiencies can slow things down.
B Vitamins
The B-vitamin family is a powerhouse for energy metabolism. These vitamins help your body unlock the energy stored in carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. Good sources of B vitamins include lean meats, seafood, dairy products, eggs, and whole grains like barley and brown rice.
Those following a vegan or vegetarian diet may be at risk of a B-12 deficiency. If this is the case, fortified plant-based milks, nutritional yeast, and certain cereals are good sources of this essential vitamin.
Vitamin D
Researchers have noticed that people with higher body fat levels tend to also have lower vitamin D levels. The exact reason why is still a bit of a mystery, but it looks like vitamin D has something to do with how well our bodies manage blood sugar and insulin—both major players in keeping our metabolism on track.
Getting a dose of sunshine is a great way to top up your vitamin D. If the weather isn’t cooperating, try fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), egg yolks, and fortified dairy products to boost your levels.
Calcium
While we need more research to say for sure, some studies suggest that getting enough calcium—especially when combined with vitamin D—may support weight loss efforts. The primary source of calcium is dairy products, but if those aren’t a staple in your diet, fortified foods like orange juice and plant-based milks can help you get your daily dose.
Iron
Iron is a crucial component of red blood cells, which carry oxygen from your lungs to your muscles and organs. Without enough iron, your muscles can’t get the oxygen they need to burn fat efficiently. This can leave you feeling tired and weak, making both workouts and everyday activities more difficult.
To keep your iron levels in check, eat foods like red meat, beans, dark leafy greens (such as spinach), and fortified cereals. It’s important to note that too much iron can be harmful, so it’s always best to get your levels tested by a doctor before starting an iron supplement.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a vital role in the chemical reactions that generate energy within your body. Without enough magnesium, your metabolism can become sluggish.
You can find magnesium in a variety of foods, such as nuts, seeds, legumes, bananas, and whole grains. While magnesium supplements are available, it’s wise to consult your doctor first, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.
Metabolism-Boosting Supplements at Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding
While a healthy diet and lifestyle are the foundation, Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding offers several supplements formulated to support a healthy metabolism. Here are some of our top choices:
Cornerstone Pharmacy Adrenal Health
Designed to promote a healthy stress response, Adrenal Health provides a full spectrum of B vitamins, minerals, and adaptogenic herbs. When your body is constantly in “fight or flight” mode due to stress, your cortisol levels rise, potentially disrupting metabolism and weight management. Along with holy basil, bovine adrenal and spleen tissue in this formula help soothe the adrenal glands and support balanced cortisol production.
Hum Nutrition Counter CravingsTM
Formulated with a blend of chromium, seaweed extract, and L-theanine, Counter Cravings addresses one of the biggest obstacles to weight loss. Chromium helps balance blood sugar levels, reducing those pesky sugar cravings that can derail your progress. Seaweed extract and forskolin support healthy weight management, while L-theanine, an amino acid from green tea, promotes relaxation and eases stress-related cravings.
Pure Encapsulations Metabolic Xtra
With ingredients that have been proven to provide support for healthy glucose and lipid metabolism, Metabolic Xtra is designed to enhance the expression and function of insulin receptors. It also supports cellular metabolism, glucose homeostasis, and healthy AMPK and SIRT1 protein levels.
Pure Encapsulations SP Ultimate
SP Ultimate is primarily designed for prostate health, but its ingredients offer potential benefits for your overall metabolism, too. Saw palmetto, pygeum, and beta-sitosterol work together to support healthy urinary function, which in turn helps maintain balanced hormone levels and enzyme activity. It’s packed with powerful antioxidants, along with vitamins and minerals like lycopene, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D, which play a vital role in keeping your prostate cells healthy.
Your Path to a Healthier Metabolism Starts Here
It’s crucial to remember that supplements should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise—they are not a magic solution. If you’re unsure about which supplements might be right for you, the team at Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding can answer your questions and guide you toward the choices that best align with your goals and health needs.
We offer personalized consultations to create a supplement plan tailored to your specific needs. To kickstart your journey, we’re offering 15% off your first supplement order when you schedule a consultation.