Metabolic Syndrome affects many people. In fact, more than a quarter of the United States has it! Metabolic Syndrome is not a disease, but instead a cluster of disorders. These disorders on their own are not necessarily alarming but when you have more than one, the body starts to feel the repercussions.

Symptoms

Those with metabolic syndrome often suffer from frequent headaches, inflammation, nausea, fatigue, joint pain, and many more. On top of these symptoms, metabolic syndrome can put individuals at a higher risk for Type 2 Diabetes, Heart Disease, Stroke, Obesity, Sleep Apnea, and Kidney Disease.

Risk Factors

Individuals who have an “apple or pear” body shape, are at an increased risk for developing metabolic syndrome. There are no “obvious” signs of metabolic syndrome, but rather one with metabolic syndrome has 3/5 of these risk factors.

• A fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/DL
• High Blood Pressure, measuring 130/85
• High Triglycerides
• Low HDL (Good Cholesterol)  measuring <40mg/DL Men & <50mg/DL Women
• Excess Waist Fat (>40in Men & >35in Women)

What Can You Do About It?

Of course, no one wants to be left feeling sick and stranded. There are ways to help prevent metabolic syndrome at home. Below there are five tips for each risk factor and how to prevent/reduce your symptoms.

A Fasting Blood Glucose Level Of 100 mg/DL

• Ketogenic Diet
• Increase Fiber
• Control Portions
• Set “Carb Goals”
• Choose complex carbs over simple carbs

High Blood Pressure, measuring 130/85

• Reduce Sodium
• Lower caffeine
• DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension)
• Boost Potassium
• Read Food labels

High Triglycerides

• Limit sugar intake
• Increase fiber
• Establish a regular eating pattern
• Eat more “tree nuts” ( almonds, cashews, pecans)
• Switch to unsaturated fats

Low HDL ( Good Cholesterol) measuring <40mg/DL Men & <50mg/DL Women

• Reduce Alcohol
• Do not smoke
• Choose better fats
• Purple Produce (antioxidants to help inflammation)
• Increase fish consumption

Excess Waist Fat >40 in Men & >35 in Women

• Ketogenic Diet
• Exercise Daily
• Walk after dinner
• Grocery Shop without Aisles
• Increase in Water Consumption

Solutions

Aside from doing these tricks and tips at home, a doctor or health coach will be able to further assist one in healing. The main goal is to take these symptoms and disorders and correct them before they become a full-blown diagnosis.

Rather than just running a basic blood panel, they now have tests that allow us to see multiple different levels and numbers. these elaborate blood tests provide great insight to allow us to see the full picture. By completing these labs, it allows the doctor to evaluate the patients better and provide a more specific treatment plan.

In addition to detailed lab work, there are all-natural supplements that have been shown to help improve these symptoms along with proper diet and exercise. Some of these supplements include Vitamin D, Berberine, and Ashwagandha.

On top of these things, there is also an app that is available to download. This app is called, “Dr. J Today”. This app connects you directly to our clinic and allows us to monitor your diet, supplements, activity, BMI, water weight, muscle mass, and more! This app also gives you a direct portal to message Dr.Jimenez or myself.

As stated before, our main goal is to help you decrease your symptoms before they turn into a full-blown diagnosis. One thing we want to surround our patients with is knowledge and a team atmosphere. With the right team, anything is possible and better health is more attainable than you think!

Having Type 1 Diabetes, I have experienced metabolic syndrome before. It is one of my least favorite feelings that exist. I want our patients to know that they do not have to feel that way and there are treatment plans that can help! I will help to create a personalized plan that is tailed to you, so success is the only option. – Kenna Vaughn, Senior Health Coach 

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.

References:

Mayo Clinic Staff. “Metabolic Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Mar. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351916.

Sherling, Dawn Harris, et al. “Metabolic Syndrome.” Journal of Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Therapeutics, vol. 22, no. 4, 2017, pp. 365–367., doi:10.1177/1074248416686187.