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Top Supplements To Kickstart Your Metabolism

Top Supplements To Kickstart Your Metabolism
Tyler Stark
Writer and expert7 years ago
View Tyler Stark's profile

With winter fast approaching, many will be settling into their “bulking” months within their fitness programs. Whether a novice or professional, this time is deemed the off-season since, well, no one will be taking their shirts off and looking tanned at the lake any time soon. Adding the extra calories is great, yes, but excess fat is not needed and makes it that much harder for you to peel off when spring-time hits. Using the right supplements will help ignite your metabolism while eating more and more often, which can in turn help you to burn body fat while still putting on some quality lean, dense muscle tissue.

Metabolism Supplements

? CLA

cla

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a great supplement to add to your repertoire if you’re looking to get big and still stay somewhat lean. CLA is a staple in most bodybuilder’s supplement routine. CLA helps provide your body with a different type of omega-6 fatty acid than what you’re used to getting from other good fats such as foods like poultry, eggs and various nuts and seeds. As with other fats in your diet, CLA allows your growth hormone response to be increased and testosterone to shoot up as well with this high-fat supplement. The increase in testosterone then translates in to a metabolism spike from your body needing to feed your growing muscles. CLA certainly provides you with an extra boost from the rest of the crowd and has some real positive benefits.

? Selenium

Ever heard of the thyroid gland? This small gland in the neck may be tiny in stature, but it plays a huge role in shooting your metabolism through the roof. Supplementing with selenium gives your body the right nutrients to support a healthy thyroid gland. A healthy thyroid gland then translates into a regulated metabolism that quickly and efficiently turns proteins, carbs and fats into usable energy for the body. Other benefits are that it can help with overall heart health and anti-oxidant properties - both of which also help create a more efficient thyroid.

? Zinc

zinc

Very similar to Selenium, Zinc is a very beneficial supplement to add to your morning routine with its abilities to also aid in the thyroid hormone. This hormone is the same one that helps boost metabolism, but it’s also the same hormone that suppresses your appetite as well. Usually found in red meats and oysters, this means Zinc is not difficult to structure into your diet. However, the absorption of this mineral is incredibly low due to all the other moving parts within your healthy diet such as other vitamins and minerals that push Zinc to the wayside. Although you don’t need much Zinc in your diet, it’s definitely one that’s worth a look when you’re looking to throw your body into overdrive and really get your metabolism pumping.

? Fiber

When you think fiber, you’re probably thinking that bran cereal your grandparents like to eat to keep them regular. What you may not know is that fiber is the key to getting the most bang for your buck when you’re either trying to cut weight or bulk and get the most out of the food you’re consuming. For example, fiber helps with the overall digestion of the protein, carbs and fats you’re consuming on a daily basis. If you’re just eating 4,000 calories/day and not taking any care about your gut health and how much your body is actually utilizing, you’re just wasting your time. Supplementing with fiber will ensure that every calorie you put into your body is actually consumed, processed and put to use through the boosting of metabolism and converting each calorie into usable energy for output. If you’re not big into eating a salad (without a bucket of ranch dressing) with each meal, find a good fiber supplement that will help keep you regular and keep your metabolism burning through the roof.

 

11 Sep 2007, Garnerville, New York, USA --- Assortment of High Fiber Foods --- Image by © Envision/Corbis
11 Sep 2007, Garnerville, New York, USA --- Assortment of High Fiber Foods --- Image by © Envision/Corbis

Take Home Message

Now that you know there’s more to the game than just eating and doing cardio to boost metabolism, get out there and find what works best for you. Not one supplement is the only route to take, so try and get all your dietary needs via real foods first, and then seek help through these supplements. Whether you are looking to start your winter bulk within the next couple weeks, start a shredding program or just maintain your current physique, ensuring your metabolism is never stagnant will keep you ahead of the game and your body will ever be wanting to build new lean muscle and burn body fat.

Our articles should be used for informational and educational purposes only and are not intended to be taken as medical advice. If you're concerned, consult a health professional before taking dietary supplements or introducing any major changes to your diet.

Tyler Stark
Writer and expert
View Tyler Stark's profile
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