Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is the name given to a group of risk factors that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.  It is sometimes called Syndrome X and it has reached epidemic proportions in this country.  It is estimated that one in five Americans has metabolic syndrome with an estimated 40% of people in their 60s and 70s being affected. 

There are five risk factors that contribute to Metabolic Syndrome.  You must have at least three of the five risk factors to be diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome.  The five conditions are excess belly fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and abnormal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

A person with Metabolic Syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times as likely to develop diabetes as someone who does not have metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome is the result of poor blood sugar metabolism and insulin resistance which in large part is due to eating the “Standard American Diet”.  The standard American diet is high in simple carbs and starches and low in healthy fats and proteins.  If you want to correct metabolic syndrome you have to correct blood sugar metabolism and the place to start is with diet.  I recommend the Phase II Diet plan that I have given to many of my patients.  It is a simple way of eating that will work for the long haul.   The main components of the Phase II Diet are:

·         Eat protein three times per day.

·         Eliminate white potatoes, pasta, rice and bread.

·         Dilute fruit juices with 50% water.

·         Eat limited amounts of fruit.

·         Eat lots of vegetables and greens.

·         Eat healthy fats like coconut oil, olive oil and butter.

You can download and print a copy of the plan here.  If you have any questions, call the office.

Exercise is important to prevent and/or treat metabolic syndrome.  Walk, bike, swim, lift weights, hike.  Just do SOMETHING every week.  It doesn’t take much.  Try to work up to 2-3 hours of physical activity each week. That could be as little as 15 minutes/day. 

Finally, take charge of your health!  No one has to be a victim of Metabolic Syndrome.  Start today by calling the office and making an appointment for a complete Nutrition Response Testing® analysis.  We can get to the cause of your problem and support the body with a “Clinically Designed Nutrition Plan” specific for you.  It is safe and it is effective and we consistently get good results with patients.  To learn more, call us at 501-842-1004 and discover how good you can feel!