People often think of metabolism in the context of body weight, blaming excess weight on a slow metabolism. They turn to a variety of methods (both natural and synthetic) to try and rev up their metabolism to burn more calories. But nutrition, environmental exposures such as mold, physical activity and even quantity and quality of a person’s sleep can weigh in on weight issues. Although metabolism is not the only factor when it comes to excess weight, it certainly plays a significant role in people’s health.

Metabolism is a complex system that refers to the chemical processes that take place in the body to maintain life. Ranging from converting food into energy to the elimination of nitrogenous wastes, metabolism is the way the body builds up and breaks down substances (as anabolic and catabolic states). These chemical processes are complex and may need attention, whether one feels overweight, or not, even in chronic illness where fatigue is a common side effect and metabolism boosting foods (or pills and the like) can only do so much to counteract this metabolic disruption.

So how can someone boost his or her metabolism, impact such a complex system and improve overall sense of well-being? The most common recommendations include nutritional and lifestyle changes such as increasing protein and water consumption, engaging in high-intensity workouts, or avoiding exposures to unnatural chemicals and pollutants. For someone looking for new options for a true metabolic boost or to help remove body pollutants to free up these chemical processes that keep us alive or thriving, one can turn to a number of treatments that employ the body’s innate ability to self-regulate and correct systemic imbalances.

Here are a few treatments along with their benefits and health conditions they might address. (As with all conditions, it is important to confer with a physician to determine the proper course of action in order to not create further imbalance):

 Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) EWOT is an altitude-contrast training system. During EWOT, a patient will breathe in four times as much oxygen than is present in normal air. This increase in oxygen triggers an anti-inflammatory response within two minutes. The effects of the increased oxygen are cumulative and increases in metabolic energy are notable within one week. Increases in oxygen levels last three days and anti-inflammatory effects last up to one year. Breathing concentrated oxygen while exercising can provide immediate increase in strength, endurance and energy by increasing the level of oxygen in the blood, plasma and tissues. In addition to boosting your metabolism, EWOT can be beneficial in those with various conditions, such as aging, cancer, cardiac conditions, emphysema and stress.

 Vitamin IV Therapy The intravenous route is the most effective and efficient way to replenish vitamins and minerals because it bypasses the digestive system, allowing for 100 percent absorption. IV Vitamin Therapy works by administration of vitamins and nutrients directly into the bloodstream. Customized infusions can be used to help treat a variety of ailments and imbalances. For instance, there are comprehensive infusions of key cellular ingredients used to target hydration, infections, or nutritional deficiencies, for example. They are also an ideal way to boost the immune system, increase energy levels and relieve stress. Nutritional IV therapy is safe when administered by a qualified practitioner.

 Whole-Body Low-Level Hyperthermia Hyperthermia is a therapy that increases the core body temperature. It activates the body’s heat regulating mechanism, stimulates the immune system, improves circulation and metabolism. In addition, hyperthermia will enhance glandular (endocrine) function while decreasing lactic acid in cells. Hyperthermia also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide in the cells while facilitating cellular waste removal or detoxification. This treatment option can reduce blood pressure and shift metabolism to positively decrease body fat mass.

 Electron Foot Baths An electron foot bath is a 30- to 45-minute treatment where the patient sits comfortably with his or her feet in a warm foot bath. Conduction and a specific frequency within the bath add a positive charge to the hydrogen in the water which allows toxins to be pulled through the more than 4,000 large pores in the feet. Because electromagnetic energy controls our chemistry, when this energy is disturbed, cellular functioning is compromised, and metabolism is impaired. By restoring the electromagnetic balance of the cell, the tissue can repair and heal. Electron foot baths have a variety of health benefits and can be used for many conditions such as supporting immune, endocrine and nervous system health as well as cancer support, chronic disease, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia support.

Dr. Heather Tallman Ruhm is the medical director at the American Center for Bioregulatory Medicine and Dentistry (The BioMed Center New England) located at 111 Chestnut St., Providence. The center uses a holistic system of assessments and therapeutics to help the body heal itself, treating chronic conditions and maintaining health. For more information, visit TheBioMedCenterNE.com.