Resolved question:
Is it possible to increase metabolism as you get older?
I tried to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle last year and I thought I lost the weight through just the lifestyle changes and exercise but earlier this year I lost proprioception on the left side of my body and since then I've had to increase my calorie intake 4x to maintain my weight.
Listening back to some recordings my voice also deepened in the past 3 months.
The past two days I've eaten egg whites and bacon for breakfast, grilled chicken salad, and an entire pizza for dinner. Mix in icecream and about half a dozen candy bars and I haven't gained a pound.
I ask because despite all this increased eating I haven't had a BM since Thursday and I feel fine.
I saw a neurologist to check for MS and or ALS (because of the lack of proprioception and loss of muscle tone) and I'm worried that all my eating is just masking any weight loss. When I say loss I mean I averaged 1-2 lbs a day since 1/3 until 1/16. 1/16 was the last BM I remember.
Before 1/3 I would diet using low carb / high protein and exercise. I wouldn't normally have a BM while dieting which is why I would eat normally on the weekends and at night. Even with exercise I would have a healthy BM.
Now I eat, eat, eat and didn't exercise during this period but no BM.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Family Physician-GP
Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
I understand your concern.
Metabolism generally keeps slowing down with age, however if you switch over from a sedentary lifestyle to an more active lifestyle it does increase at times. So for example, you had a very sedentary lifestyle, you change that and start brisk walking/ jogging daily. It does impact your metabolism, and definitely improves compared to what it was before.
You're suffering from constipation, which can happen due to a change in diet, excessive protein consumption, lack of water, e.t.c
Since you did not have a BM since thursday it might cause some discomfort. You can try taking bananas, as they naturally improve the digestion as well as peristalsis, helping in bowel movement.
Or else you can try Lactulose syrup 20 ml at bed time, and that will help in clearing the stool.
Feel free to discuss further,
Regards.