by Wendy Midgley, MEd, RD, LDN, April 2006
Metabolic Syndrome is a phrase used to describe a constellation of medical findings such as high blood sugar and obesity. The hallmark of the syndrome is: insensitivity, or resistance, to the effects of insulin. Metabolic Syndrome is also referred to as Syndrome X or Insulin Resistance Syndrome.
As many as 25-30% of adult Americans have aspects of Metabolic Syndrome. Alarmingly, the American child/teen-age population is now exhibiting an increased incidence of health issues associated with Metabolic Syndrome. (In the past, this was typically “an adult problem.”) .
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There is a genetic predisposition, or inherited tendency, towards Metabolic Syndrome. i.e., “It runs in families.” Some of the characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome do not express themselves until “middle age” or after menopause in women. Frequently, they don’t express themselves until a certain amount of excess weight is gained over the years. Sadly, increased childhood obesity is promoting earlier onset of Metabolic Syndrome issues.
HOWEVER, these characteristics do not necessarily express themselves in individuals who EAT WELL, EXERCISE REGULARLY, MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT, and who PRACTICE STRESS REDUCTION.
THIS IS WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT to TEACH and ROLE-MODEL, TO CHILDREN, GOOD EATING HABITS, REGULAR EXERCISE ROUTINES, and POSITIVE SELF-CARE HABITS.
If we practice healthy habits all our lives, starting from childhood, we are less likely to experience, too soon, the symptoms of these chronic “age-related health issues.”
Metabolic Syndrome is not a disease, per se, but is associated with:
Many individuals can make a good guess if they have Metabolic Syndrome by: noting consistent lab results and blood pressure readings, examining family history, acknowledging pounds packed on over the years (especially in the “belly” area), admitting a distinct penchant for white flour, high fat products, sugar, and “goodies’, noting a low exercise level, and observing they eat majority of calories in the evening!
For a self-administered questionnaire, see Dr. Reza Yavari’s book: IT MUST BE MY METABOLISM, to determine if you have Metabolic Syndrome.
Better still, discuss this question with your physician. Besides blood pressure readings and a physical exam, the following LABORATORY TESTS can be indicative:
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The GOOD NEWS about Metabolic Syndrome is that it is very treatable if one wants ”to do the work.” General weight loss plus regular exercise, healthy diet, and regular relaxation/stress reduction can create significant changes in some blood tests (blood sugars, cholesterol, for example) and blood pressure readings. (Not in all people; but a high percentage and to varying degrees).
In those who “do all the work” but still have ‘high numbers’ or ‘low HDLs” for example, there are a number of supplements and prescription medicines (like Lipitor and statin drugs) that can help.
| Recommended Books and Web Sites |
It Must be My Metabolism
by Reza Yavari, MD Note:with recipes by Jaques Pepin. |
Inflammation and Anti-Inflammation Diets
by Wendy Midgley WeLL Nutrition Archives |
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Stop Inflammation Now!
by Richard M. Fleming, MD |
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Ulta-Prevention: The 6-week Plan That Will Make You Healthy for Life
by Hyman, Mark, MD and Liponis, Mark, MD. www.ultraprevention.com |
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The Slow Down Diet: Eating for Pleasure, Energy, and Weight Loss
by Marc David |
The South Beach Diet
by Arthur Agatston, MD |
Nutrition Coaching and the WeLL Program