Metabolism

Question

Lately, I’ve been feeling sluggish, like my body isn’t processing food the way it should. I’ve always been on the heavier side, but in the last year, no matter what I eat, I feel bloated and low on energy. I tried dieting, cutting carbs, drinking more water, even doing cardio daily—but nothing seems to work. Someone told me it might be a metabolism issue, but I don’t fully understand what that means in terms of my body type and energy levels.

I’ve noticed that some people can eat whatever they want and never gain weight, while I feel like even looking at food makes me heavier. Does this mean my metabolism is slow? If so, is there a way to naturally fix it using Ayurveda? I keep hearing about herbs like Triphala and Guggul for digestion and weight loss, but do they actually speed up metabolism, or is that just a myth?

Another thing—my digestion feels weird. Some days, I get acid reflux, and other days I feel constipated, like my stomach isn’t breaking down food properly. Can a sluggish metabolism cause this, or is it a separate issue? I also have cold hands and feet most of the time, and someone said that might be a sign of slow metabolism too.

I’m really looking for natural solutions. Are there Ayurvedic practices, foods, or breathing techniques that can actually make a difference in metabolism? I’ve read about Agni (digestive fire) in Ayurveda—does improving Agni help with metabolism, and if so, how do I do that? Should I be eating at specific times of the day to keep my metabolism active?

Would love to hear if anyone has tried Ayurvedic treatments or lifestyle changes that helped with their metabolism. Any tips would be appreciated!

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

In Ayurveda, a sluggish metabolism is linked to weak Agni (digestive fire), which leads to bloating, weight gain, and low energy. When Agni is weak, the body struggles to break down food properly, causing Ama (toxins) to accumulate. Triphala, Guggul, and Trikatu (a blend of ginger, black pepper, and long pepper) are excellent for boosting metabolism and clearing toxins. Drinking warm water with lemon and honey in the morning can help kickstart digestion.

Your symptoms—acid reflux, constipation, and cold hands/feet—suggest an imbalance in Kapha and Vata. To strengthen Agni, eat warm, freshly cooked meals and avoid heavy, processed, or cold foods. Spices like cumin, fennel, ginger, and turmeric improve digestion. Eating at consistent times, with your largest meal at noon, aligns with your body's natural metabolism. Avoid late-night eating, as digestion slows in the evening.

To naturally boost metabolism, practice Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations), Bhastrika (bellows breath), and Kapalabhati (skull-shining breath) daily. Dry brushing (Garshana) and Abhyanga (warm oil massage) improve circulation and reduce sluggishness. Ayurveda emphasizes consistency—small, daily habits like mindful eating, proper hydration, and stress management can make a huge difference in improving metabolism and overall energy levels.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Your symptoms suggest a sluggish Agni (digestive fire), which in Ayurveda leads to slow metabolism, weight gain, bloating, and irregular digestion. Weak Agni causes food to be improperly processed, leading to the accumulation of Ama (toxins), which can further slow metabolism. To strengthen Agni, start your day with warm water and lemon or ginger tea to stimulate digestion. Triphala is excellent for regulating digestion, while Guggul helps boost metabolism and burn excess fat. Include spices like black pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric in your diet to enhance digestive fire. Avoid cold, heavy, and processed foods, as they weaken Agni. Eating your largest meal at midday, when digestion is strongest, and having a light, early dinner supports metabolism. Regular movement is important, but excessive cardio can sometimes aggravate Vata and deplete energy—try incorporating yoga or brisk walks instead. Ayurvedic breathing techniques like Kapalabhati and Bhastrika Pranayama help activate Agni and improve circulation, which may also help with your cold hands and feet. Consistency in diet, routine, and mindful eating will help balance metabolism naturally.

Metabolism - #17000

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