Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Jennifer O’Neill
Metabolic Syndrome, often referred to as Syndrome X, is the leading cause of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses in the United States. At the heart of the syndrome is obesity, mainly concentrated around the stomach area. The obesity stems from insulin resistance, a condition in which the body produces too much insulin, causing a blood sugar roller coaster in the body. Since the body doesn’t recognize the production of excess insulin and the cells are not able to metabolize it, the body keeps producing more, resulting in an increase in glucose levels. Other symptoms associated with Metabolic Syndrome include high cholesterol and high blood pressure. In order to test for Metabolic Syndrome, doctors may do a fasting blood sugar test, measure blood pressure, waist circumference, cholesterol levels, and triglycerides.
Since insulin resistance is at the root of Metabolic Syndrome, it is crucial to get blood sugar levels under control. Conventional medicine treatment for insulin resistance may include Metformin, which can help the body normalize blood sugar levels. However, controlling insulin levels through food may be even more powerful to allow the body to heal itself. Eating frequent small meals can help with blood sugar regulation. Increasing consumptions of anti-inflammatory foods such as organic fruits, vegetables, whole grains (brown rice & quinoa), beans, legumes, nuts, and organic, free range meats also helps with minimizing insulin resistance.
Treatment options for the other symptoms
Often prescription medications are administered to help lower blood pressure and cholesterol. More natural treatment options, in addition to diet, include natural supplementation, exercise, hormone compounding, and supporting the mind-body connection through activities such as meditation.
Hormone compounding involves supplementing with hormones that are natural to the body. They are not synthetic, but rather have been created bio-identically to help support the body in its natural healing process. Supplements that will help with managing Metabolic Syndrome can include fish oil, alpha-lipoic acid, and magnesium.
As always, consult with your doctor to find the best treatment option for you! With the right care and treatment, any disease can be reversed.
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