Definition
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)…
Causes / 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
