What is metabolic syndrome?

Have you ever felt that, as time goes by, health problems begin to accumulate, one after the other, without you being able to stop them?

Increased blood pressure.
High blood sugar levels.
Excess body fat around the waist.
Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels

This feeling may be an indication that you are dealing with metabolic syndrome.

Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance syndrome or syndrome X, is increasingly common in our society. According to a 2018 study, approximately one-third of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome, and the risk is equal in women and men.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome refers to a set of interrelated medical conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke.

The five metabolic risk factors comprise:

Excessive fat accumulation around the waist (visceral obesity).
Arterial hypertension.
Elevated blood glucose levels (insulin resistance).
Elevated triglyceride levels.
Low levels of good cholesterol or HDL.

The presence of three or more of these factors results in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, which increases the risk of health complications.

Symptoms of metabolic syndrome

The danger of metabolic syndrome lies in its stealth nature. It often has no obvious symptoms, making it a silent killer that may be operating inside you without you even realizing it.

Metabolic syndrome can manifest itself in different ways and symptoms can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms include:

Weight gain, especially around the abdominal area.
Chronic fatigue and feeling of constant tiredness.
Excessive thirst and frequent urination.
Increased appetite.
High blood pressure.
Elevated blood sugar levels.
High levels of triglycerides in the blood.
Low levels of HDL cholesterol (“good cholesterol”).
Insulin resistance.
Swelling and fluid retention.

It is important to note that not all people with metabolic syndrome will have all of these symptoms, and some may have no symptoms at all.

What are the causes of metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome does not have a single cause, but is the result of a combination of metabolic, genetic and lifestyle factors. Some of the most common causes and risk factors include:

Abdominal obesity.
Insulin resistance. This condition occurs when the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, which can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels.
Lack of regular exercise and physical activity may contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome.
Unhealthy diet. Eating a diet high in calories, saturated fats, refined sugars and processed foods can increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome.
Genetics. People with a family history of type 2 diabetes or heart disease are at increased risk.
Age. The risk of metabolic syndrome increases as we age.
Other risk factors include chronic stress, lack of sleep and excessive alcohol consumption, among others.

How is metabolic syndrome diagnosed?

Detecting metabolic syndrome early is crucial to successfully combating it. Physicians use a combination of laboratory tests and clinical assessments to evaluate an individual’s risk. A person is considered to have metabolic syndrome if he or she meets three of the following five criteria:

Waist size: 35 inches or more for women and 40 inches or more for men.
Fasting glucose levels greater than 100 mg/dL.
Blood pressure levels greater than 130/85 mmHg.
Triglyceride levels greater than 150 mg/dL.
HDL cholesterol levels less than 50 mg/dL in women and less than 40 mg/dL in men.

Can metabolic syndrome be reversed?

The good news is that metabolic syndrome is not a life sentence. With lifestyle changes and a holistic approach to wellness, its progression can be reversed.

The goal to stop or reverse metabolic syndrome focuses on addressing the risk factors that contribute to its development. Here are some common strategies that can help you reverse metabolic syndrome:

Weight loss: Weight loss can significantly reduce metabolic syndrome. Even modest weight loss, about 5 to 10% of body weight, can make a big difference in your metabolic health.
Healthy diet: Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can help you control weight and improve blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Regular exercise: Regular exercise is essential to improve insulin sensitivity, burn fat and strengthen the heart. Studies recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, along with weight training twice a week.
Stress management: Chronic stress can contribute to the development and worsening of metabolic syndrome. Practicing stress management techniques, such as meditation, yoga or deep breathing, can be beneficial in reducing stress levels and improving overall health.
Addressing other risk factors: Quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption and controlling other cardiovascular risk factors are also important for reversing metabolic syndrome and reducing the risk of related complications, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to control blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol levels and other risk factors.
Nutritional supplements: In addition to a balanced diet, certain nutritional supplements may offer additional benefits for metabolic health. One such supplement is Irvingia Gabonensis, which contains the patented seed extract called IGOB131® ..

This extract has been studied for its potential to reduce metabolic risk factors and support weight loss. IGOB131® has been shown to be effective in reducing body fat, improving blood glucose and blood lipid levels, and promoting insulin sensitivity. Go to click here for details.

Take control of your health

In summary, metabolic syndrome is a serious health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. However, it does not have to define your life. With the right knowledge, proper medical care and lifestyle changes, it is possible to take control of your health and work toward a healthier, more vibrant future.

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REFERENCES
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871402115000272
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4499524
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5866840/