Formerly known as Syndrome X, metabolic syndrome has made headway in recent years as something to look out for. Your doctor typically doesn’t look for it though, but does that mean you shouldn’t care about it?
Absolutely not! [bctt tweet=”Metabolic syndrome is recognized as a precursor to many diseased states”], including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and even cancer.
In holistic health, we’re warriors of preventative medicine. We actually look for conditions your doctor doesn’t, which will prevent you from seeing the inside of a doctor’s office much if at all, one of those conditions being metabolic syndrome.
According to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), with modifications by the American Heart Association, metabolic syndrome applies to you if you have 3 or more of the following traits:
- Elevated waist circumference, greater than 35” for women and 40” for men.
- Elevated triglycerides of 150 mg/dL or higher, or you’re receiving treatments for high triglycerides.
- Reduced HDL (less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women, or receiving treatment for low HDL.
- Elevated blood pressure of 130 or higher systolic (the top number) or 85 or higher diastolic (the bottom number), or you’re receiving treatment for high blood pressure.
- Elevated fasting blood sugar of 100 mg/dL or higher, or you’re receiving treatment for diabetes.
As is true with many conditions, genetics and the environment can both play a role in the development of metabolic syndrome and your body’s ability to cope with chronic stress. However, even more so, diet and lifestyle play an even bigger role, both influencing each individual component of the syndrome.
For example, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and low activity levels (even without weight gain) contribute significantly to the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Dietary choices, especially high sugar and fat consumption, are considered major causes of chronic stress and weight gain, which lead to metabolic syndrome as well.
Additionally, adults who gain 5 or more pounds per year increase their risk of developing metabolic syndrome by up to 45%. Obesity itself is likely the greatest risk factor.
Post-menopausal women and anyone with a family history of type 2 diabetes, early heart disease, and hypertension run an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome too.
Five sometimes unconventional yet effective tips to preventing it include:
- Working with a natural health practitioner to help bring your body back into balance.
- Committing to a healthy diet consisting of plenty of fruits, vegetables, and fish, and avoid red meat, fried foods, and refined salt.
- Exercising 20-30 minutes a day, 4-5 days/week. Walking is an excellent choice.
- Getting your triglycerides, cholesterol and blood sugar levels checked regularly.
- Using pharmaceutical-grade enzymes to specifically nourish metabolic pathways.
Metabolic syndrome, like all health conditions, develops over time, not overnight, and is actually linked to an inability to digest fats. Specific nutrients can sort out the mixed up cell signaling that occurs with metabolic syndrome and help you overcome it. With proper nutrition and the right supplements, you can prevent and reverse metabolic syndrome so that you don't have to rely on medication or induce any unwanted side effects either.
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Love,
Angela
Angela Minelli is an author, speaker and founder of Angela Minelli International, a heart-based global business serving purpose-driven everyday women and entrepreneurs whose self-image and weight issues are inhibiting their confidence and blocking them from pursuing their life’s passion.
Angela's joy is in taking a stand for women who are living less than ideal lives, stopped by fear and doubt, which prevents them from stepping into their innate power and delivering their God-given genius to the world. Her coaching programs and products are designed for women with busy lifestyles yet allow for powerful transformation to take place within a small segment of time.
As a natural health practitioner and digestive health specialist, Angela specializes in helping people overcome weight and energy issues through holistic, non-invasive protocols that address the root cause of their conditions, including adrenal fatigue, candida, thyroid disorders, and more.
Explore the ideals that are the cornerstone of her work at angelaminelli.com.