METABOLIC SYNDROME

The main risk factors associated with Metabolic Syndrome are:

• Abdominal obesity, also known as an “apple shaped body” as excess fat in the stomach area is a greater risk factor for heart disease than when it is deposited in other areas of the body
• Elevated triglyceride levels on your cholesterol tests
• Low HDL cholesterol levels (low “good cholesterol” levels)
• Elevated fasting blood sugar levels
• Elevated blood pressure

Metabolic Syndrome can be caused by a number of influences, mostly dietary and sedentary lifestyle associations however we now know that there are numerous chemicals in the environment (known as “obesogens”) which hasten the process. Additionally, hormonal abnormalities (low thyroid function, excess cortisol, low testosterone in men, etc), reduced physical activity coupled with dietary intake at levels higher than your body needs, insomnia and a multitude of other influences can contribute to these risk factors and the development of Metabolic Syndrome.

Treatment

Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome is relatively straightforward, yet requires personalization and individualized treatment as no two individuals are the same and therefore, the treatment also varies. Main areas of assessment and support include C-reactive protein (CRP), fasting glucose and insulin levels, hemoglobin A1c levels, advanced cholesterol testing, body impedance analysis (BIA), dietary assessments and interventions, exercise considerations, specific nutrient support for enhanced glucose and triglyceride metabolism, reduced inflammation and inflammatory contributors -all of which typically have a positive influence on blood pressure, abdominal obesity, increased blood flow to the brain, etc.  One of our favorite approaches to the dietary management of Metabolic Syndrome is the HCG diet which has shown time and time again to reduce A1c, CRP, cholesterol, glucose and insulin levels as well as abdominal obesity and high blood pressure.