Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease. The National Cholesterol Education Program states that patients with Metabolic Syndrome have three or more of these five criteria:

• Abdominal obesity (waist circumference >102 cm in men, and >88 cm in women)
• High levels of blood triglycerides (>1.69 mmol/litre)
• Low HDL (<1.04 mmol/litre in men and <1.29 mmol/litre in women)
• Hypertension (>130/85 mmHg)
• Elevated fasting glucose (>5.5 mmol/litre)

All the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome are related to three key factors: insulin resistance, visceral obesity and endothelial (blood vessels) dysfunction. These three factors perpetuate each other in a vicious cycle. Some of the mediators of these dysfunctional interactions are free fatty acids, inflammatory cytokines (cell signals), insulin, nitric oxide and glycated proteins (proteins bound to sugar)…

Cause / Risk Factors

Major causative factors and risk factors that can contribute to the incidence of Metabolic Syndrome include the following:

• High calorie diet
• High glycaemic load diet
• High fat diet
• Lack of exercise
• Chronic stress
• Toxicity
• Hormonal imbalances
• Chronic inflammation

Signs & Symptoms

• Acne
• Diabetes
• Early Puberty
• Infertility
• Sleep Apnoea
• Snoring
• Daytime Fatigue
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Depression
• Tinnitus
• Migraines
• Myopia
• Hypertension
• Angina
• Heart Attack

Treatments

In order to obtain optimal results, the patient might consider a holistic approach that integrates several treatments to address biochemical, physiological, energetic, emotional and/or spiritual imbalances.

Biomedical Treatment

Biomedical or Nutritional and Environmental doctors and practitioners use treatments that include Diet, Nutrient Therapy, Detoxification and treatment of infections.

It is recommended that a patient consult a qualified Practitioner to assess their symptoms and case history and explore their dividual need to:

• Screen for food sensitivities and allergies
• Improve gastro intestinal health to support the vegas nerve and brain and immune function
• Support neurotransmitter function
• Supply fat soluble nutrients for brain structure and function
• Reduce toxicity and heavy metal accumulation
• Eliminate germs (bacteria, yeast, virus, parasites) to reduce immune response and nutritional deficiencies that can disrupt brain development and function
• Address nutritional deficiencies/Provide essential nutrients
• Regulate blood glucose and establish healthy eating habits

To find a Nutritional or Biomedical practitioner near you, click here

Diet and Lifestyle

Dietary and lifestyle guidelines may assist in the management of Metabolic Syndrome:

• Weight reduction where appropriate is essential. A Ketogenic Diet is a safe fat loss program that burns fat quickly, helps to lower blood triglycerides and increase beneficial HDL levels.
• Diet should be relatively low fat, especially saturated (animal) fats. Essential fatty acids from nuts, seed and fish should be emphasised.
• Refined carbohydrates including sugar, sweets, fruit juices, white breads, pasta and potatoes should be avoided. These foods have a high glycaemic index and are damaging in any amount.
• A diet high in fresh fruit (whole), vegetables (non-starchy), essential fatty acids and lean protein sources provides essential phytonutrients, antioxidants, magnesium and helps to control inflammatory processes in the blood vessels.
• Smoking cessation is the highest priority in currently smoking patients.
• Regular aerobic exercise (starting slowly and increasing as patient’s fitness improves) has been shown to stimulate non-insulin dependant glucose transport into cells.
• Red wine, dark chocolate and other sources of phytonutrients such as green tea may be useful in moderation to reduce inflammation and plaque formation, and support healthy nitric oxide production.
• Maintaining dietary fibre is an important part of dietary management. Water soluble fibres, taken with adequate water, swell in the stomach to create a sensation of fullness which helps reduce appetite. They also help prevent cholesterol absorption from the gut and promote ease of elimination.
• Stress management techniques, such as yoga, meditation and exercise are advised.

Recommended Books

• Primal Body, Primal Mindd
• Gut and Psychology Syndrome
• Breaking the Vicious Cycle
• Paleo Comfort Foods
• Healing Foods
• Supercharged Foods
• Grain-Free Gourmet