Your body processes may slow for a number of reasons that may be related to your diet, perhaps resulting in low energy that persists for more than a day or two. A sedentary lifestyle, poor eating habits, high fat intake and insufficient nutrition can all cause a slow metabolism. You may experience weight loss or health symptoms of the skin, digestive tract or respiratory system. It's possible to develop nutrient deficiencies that present no outward physical signs. Learn to evaluate your condition, in order to halt low energy and restore your health.
Digestive Health Symptoms
If your diet is heavy on fat or light on fiber, you may develop gastric discomfort, such as heartburn, gas and bloating. When your stomach holds fatty foods too long, slow metabolism may cause you to vomit undigested food several hours later. The American College of Gastroenterology reports that irregular or detrimental eating habits, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, may also cause delayed stomach emptying and digestive malfunction. You may start to feel full just after you begin eating, even though you are losing weight and have low energy. See your doctor about persistent digestive health symptoms.
Fatigue-Related Symptoms
A slow metabolism that presents fatigue and low energy may be due to deficiency in iron or a B vitamin, such as B12. Reduced levels of either of these nutrients can cause anemia, or a low red blood cell count, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. When fewer red blood cells transport less oxygen to the body cells, you may feel weak and tired, and have little or no appetite for eating.
Low blood oxygen can cause shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating and poor physical balance. The NIH adds that neurological signs such as tingling or numbness in the extremities may indicate a dangerous B12 deficiency. Ask your doctor to determine whether a form of anemia is causing these health symptoms.
Skin Problems
There may be no symptoms of slow metabolism from a mild condition of iron deficiency anemia, until the situation becomes worse. Inadequate supplies of dietary iron from the foods that you eat may eventually change your appearance, the NIH relates.
You may notice a pale skin tone, or that the white part of your eyes, or sclera, takes on a bluish hue. Fingernails or toenails may become dry and brittle. These manifestations of gradual physical changes, especially in concert with fatigue symptoms, should be diagnosed by your doctor.
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