Patient Guide To Metabolic Syndrome

Patient Guide To Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is a collection of factors that contribute to cardiovascular diseases. These factors include high cholesterol, blood pressure, insulin resistance, and abdominal obesity. Some common cancers are also more likely to happen due to metabolic syndrome. But it's unclear if all people with metabolic syndrome are insulin-resistant, so the idea of what causes it has been expanded to include obesity, problems with adipose tissue, and other factors. Metabolic syndrome is common in adults, but obese children can also have it. Metabolic syndrome can also happen to people who are not overweight, suggesting that being overweight is a sign of metabolic syndrome, not a cause.

How Common Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is the most frequently occurring condition. Approximately 26% of individuals in one study conducted between 2015 and 2020 were categorized as having metabolic syndrome. This figure is much higher than similar research conducted in 2010 when twenty-two per cent of persons had metabolic syndrome. The following factors have been linked to an increased risk of having a "metabolic syndrome":
  • Obesity with a "body mass index of 25 kg/m2" or more
  • Older age
  • Smoking
  • Menopause
  • Diet rich in carbohydrates
  • Decreased physical activity
  • Having a family history of metabolic syndrome or diabetes.

Health Problems Related To Metabolic Syndrome?

High levels of insulin and glucose are connected to a variety of negative effects in the body, including:
  • Damage to the heart's major arteries, such as coronary arteries, can lead to stroke and heart disease.
  • Changes in kidney function that lead to an inability to eliminate salt can cause stroke, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
  • Elevated levels of triglycerides increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • The development of blood clots, which can block arteries and cause heart attacks or strokes, is also a risk.
  • A drop in insulin production can be a sign of type 2 diabetes, which is linked to a higher risk of stroke or heart disease and can lead to problems with the kidneys, nerves, and eyes if it is not controlled.
  • Fatty liver, which is sometimes accompanied by liver inflammation known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (nash), can progress to cirrhosis and liver failure if left untreated. Nash is a form of the liver disease not caused by excessive alcohol consumption.

Treatment Guidelines For Metabolic Syndrome

Currently, no published randomized controlled trials specifically focus on treating metabolic syndrome. However, based on clinical trials, it is thought that aggressively managing the individual factors of the syndrome can help prevent or delay the onset of heart disease and diabetes. This can be achieved through lifestyle changes such as exercise and diet. Weight loss can improve all factors of metabolic syndrome and reduce "all-cause" and "cardiovascular mortality".

1. Lifestyle Changes

The most important aspect of treating metabolic syndrome is to change your lifestyle, which means you need to lose weight, change your diet with the help of a dietitian, and exercise. When you lose weight, your "good" HDL cholesterol increases, and your "bad" LDL cholesterol and triglycerides go down. Losing weight can also make you less likely to get "type 2 diabetes". Additionally, even a small drop in weight loss can lower blood pressure and make the body more sensitive to insulin. Also, it can help you lose fat around your middle. Diet alone doesn't cut risk factors as much as diet, counselling, and exercise do. Changes like cutting back on how much alcohol you drink and quitting smoking are other lifestyle changes that you must do to fight off metabolic syndrome.

2. Exercise

People who are obese or overweight can benefit from exercise because it promotes healthy muscle tissues and keeps and gains "lean body mass" while losing fat. Additionally, it helps you lose weight more quickly than just eating healthy because muscle tissue consumes calories at a higher rate. Moreover, walking is an excellent way for almost anyone to stay in shape. Start slowly by walking for thirty min five times a week. Slowly add more time so that you walk for longer periods most days of the week. Exercise can help decrease the risk of developing "type 2 diabetes" and lower your blood pressure. Exercise also makes you feel better emotionally, reduces your appetite, helps you sleep better, and lowers your LDL cholesterol. Talk to your doctor before you start any exercise program.

3. Diet

Losing weight and becoming more active are key components of managing metabolic syndrome. Following a diet low in cholesterol and fat is generally recommended to further support weight loss. Two dietary approaches that may be particularly beneficial for individuals with metabolic syndrome are the "Mediterranean diet' and the "DASH diet".
  • Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet is rich in olive oil, fruits, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables and has been shown to help decrease bad lips levels, blood pressure, and weight and also improve "insulin resistance".
  • The DASH Diet
The DASH diet, which stands for "Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, " has decreased fasting blood glucose levels, lipids, weight, and blood pressure. It involves "consuming no more than 2400 mg of sodium per day, four to five servings of fruit, four to five servings of vegetables, and two to three servings of low-fat dairy products. All foods must contain less than 25 per cent total fat per serving". This diet may also help to lower blood pressure and is based on a low-sodium diet, which is generally recommended to help reduce the risk of hypertension.

Conclusion

Being overweight, obese and inactive is often associated with metabolic syndrome. In addition, it is linked to a condition called insulin resistance. The foods you eat are normally broken down into sugar by your digestive system. Your pancreas makes insulin, which helps sugar enter your cells for use as fuel. Insulin-resistant people have cells that don't normally respond to insulin, and glucose can't enter their cells as easily. As a result, your blood sugar levels rise despite your body producing more and more insulin. Although metabolic syndrome is a serious condition, losing weight, increasing physical activity, and eating a healthy diet can significantly reduce your risks. You should eat a heart-healthy diet rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and fish; and monitor and manage your blood glucose, cholesterol, and blood pressure. You can also try incorporating supplements like Nootropa's BERBERINE HCI 1200. Many plants contain Berberine HCl, including Goldenseal, barberry, and tree turmeric. Multiple body systems benefit from its powerful antioxidant properties. Studies have shown that it is highly effective in treating diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Additionally, Berberine inhibits the growth of certain cancerous cells. Berberine has also been shown to be as effective as metformin at treating hormone disorders such as PCOS. As insulin balances in the body, it can also regulate other hormone systems. Additionally, it is effective in helping those with metabolic disorders to lose significant amounts of weight. You can read more about Berberine here.

References

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