Important Facts to Know About Metabolic Syndrome

According to healthcare professionals, metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions or disorders that can increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. A combination of several of these risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and excess waist fat, can ultimately increase the risk of a patient being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and its associated health issues.

Metabolic syndrome affects approximately 23 percent of adults and the most common underlying causes of this collection of conditions or disorders include, excess weight and obesity, sedentary lifestyle, genetic factors, and age. As previously mentioned above, having 3 or more metabolic syndrome risk factors can increase the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, among other health issues.

Metabolic syndrome is characterized by three or more of the following metabolic measurements, including:

• Excess waist fat (> 40 inches in men, and > 35 inches in women)
• High blood pressure (130/85 mm Hg)
• Hight blood sugar or glucose levels (100 mg/dL or greater)
• High triglyceride levels (150 mg/dL or greater)
• Low HDL cholesterol (< 40 mg/dL in men or < 50 mg/dL in women)

Diet and lifestyle modifications can help prevent, manage, or even reverse metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can increase the risk of developing various health issues, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease if left untreated. Below, are important facts to know about metabolic syndrome.

Genetics Cause Metabolic Syndrome

If a close family member has diabetes or heart disease, you may already be genetically predisposed to metabolic syndrome. Getting a complete family health record generally includes information from three generations of relatives. Although it may seem challenging to collect this much information from your family, knowing what genetic predisposition you may have for developing metabolic syndrome and its associated health issues is important.

Body-Shape Influences Metabolic Syndrome

People with apple body-shapes have a much higher chance of developing metabolic syndrome than people with pear body-shapes. “Reducing your waist circumference can help prevent and manage health issues more than drugs and/or medication,” stated Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, CDE, author of Belly Fat Diet for Dummies. Excess waist fat is a key risk factor for the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, stroke, and heart disease, as well as cancer.

Plant-Based Diets Control Metabolic Syndrome

The current dietary guidelines for adults in the United States encourage plant-based diets. Julie Upton, RD, of San Francisco and co-founder of Appetite for Health, encourages following a Mediterranean diet. The Mediterranean diet includes eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and seafood but involves eating less cheese, meat, and sweets. Plant-based diets and the Mediterranean diet can help lower the risks of developing metabolic syndrome.

Fiber Lowers Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

Include more foods that are rich in soluble fiber, such as beans and oats, into your diet. Insoluble fibers, such as whole grains, help transport foods through your gastrointestinal (GI) tract while keeping you feeling more satisfied. Fill at least half your plate with fruits and vegetables as well as whole-grain carbohydrates to make less room for less-beneficial food choices. Eating more fiber can ultimately help reduce the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.

Beverages & Drinks Also Affect Metabolic Syndrome

Several drinks and beverages, such as fruit juices and sodas, can increase blood sugar and triglyceride levels. Alcoholic beverages and drinks may also cause hypoglycemia and an initial drop in blood sugar. Water is recommended for healthy hydration. According to healthcare professionals, other healthy alternatives which provide water or hydration without extra calories can also include tea, coffee, skim or low-fat milk, fruits, and vegetables.

Exercise & Physical Activity Combats Metabolic Syndrome

Joey Gochnour, RDN and exercise physiologist in Austin, Texas discusses that moderate aerobic exercise can improve cholesterol levels. He recommends exercising regularly, preferably at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week to help combat metabolic syndrome. According to Gochnour, “Strength training and intense aerobic exercise may improve your blood sugar and insulin sensitivity.” Exercise boosts metabolism and burns calories for weight loss.

Sitting Increases Risk of Metabolic Syndrome

According to several research studies, sitting is associated with the increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome even when you include moderate amounts of regular exercise and physical activity into your day. One research study published in June 2015 in Diabetologia closely associated sitting time with an increased risk of developing diabetes, demonstrated that for every hour of daily TV viewing, increased a person’s risk for diabetes by 3.4 percent.

Test Fasting Insulin Levels to Evaluate Risk for Metabolic Syndrome

A test for fasting insulin levels determines the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Insulin plays a key role in metabolism. High insulin levels promote obesity, stimulate hunger, and increase fat storage. Sugary foods increase blood sugar and cause the pancreas to release insulin. But if the body is continuously exposed to high levels of insulin, the cells become resistant to the effects of insulin. Insulin resistance ultimately promotes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol which are associated with metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance syndrome.

Approximately 23 percent of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome. Although the risk factors for developing the cluster of conditions or diseases are significant, there are good news. Many of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome can be addressed through diet and lifestyle modifications, such exercise and physical activity. By making these changes, people can ultimately significantly reduce their risks of developing a variety of other health issues, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. Although metabolic syndrome can be a serious health issue, people can significantly reduce their risks by reducing their weight; increasing exercise and physical activity; eating a heart-healthy diet that’s rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fish; as well as working with a healthcare professional to regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, blood cholesterol. In the following article, we will discuss several important facts to know about metabolic syndrome. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

According to healthcare professionals, metabolic syndrome is a collection of conditions or disorders that can increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. A combination of several of these risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, and excess waist fat, can ultimately increase the risk of a patient being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome and its associated health issues.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

References:

1. Heart Staff. “About Metabolic Syndrome.” Www.heart.org, Heart Media, 31 July 2016, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/about-metabolic-syndrome.
2. Heart Staff. “Why Metabolic Syndrome Matters.” Www.heart.org, Heart Media, 31 July 2016, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/why-metabolic-syndrome-matters.
3. Heart Staff. “Your Risk for Metabolic Syndrome.” Www.heart.org, Heart Media, 31 July 2016, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/your-risk-for-metabolic-syndrome.
4. Heart Staff. “Symptoms and Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome.” Www.heart.org, Heart Media, 31 July 2016, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-and-diagnosis-of-metabolic-syndrome.
5. Heart Staff. “Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome.” Www.heart.org, Heart Media, 31 July 2016, www.heart.org/en/health-topics/metabolic-syndrome/prevention-and-treatment-of-metabolic-syndrome.
6. Taub-Dix, Bonnie. “Metabolic Syndrome: 10 Things You Need to Know About Your Risk: Everyday Health.” Everyday Health, Everyday Health Media, 31 Oct. 2017, www.everydayhealth.com/news/10-things-your-doctor-wont-tell-you-about-metabolic-syndrome/.

Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.

Dr. Alex Jimenez Podcast: Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors that can ultimately increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, among other problems. Central obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL or good cholesterol levels are the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Having at least three of the five risk factors may suggest the presence of metabolic syndrome. Dr. Alex Jimenez, Alexander Jimenez, Truide Torres, Kenna Vaughn, and Astrid Ornelas explain the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, in further detail, as they recommend diet and lifestyle modification advice and guidelines, such as the ketogenic diet or the keto diet, as well as demonstrate the biochemical and chemical pathways that the body goes through during ketosis to help people with metabolic syndrome improve their overall health and wellness. From eating good fats and staying hydrated to exercise and better sleep, Dr. Alex Jimenez, Alexander Jimenez, Truide Torres, Kenna Vaughn, and Astrid Ornelas discuss how diet and lifestyle modifications, such as the ketogenic diet or keto diet, can help improve the 5 risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome to prevent the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. – Podcast Insight

Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural Zoomer^TM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural Zoomer^TM Plus is designed to assess an individual’s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural Zoomer^TM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity Zoomer^TM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual’s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient’s specific needs.

Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut Zoomer^TM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.

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