By Richmond Natural Medicine

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April 16, 2018

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Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Why do so many Americans have this condition?

About 34% of American adults are estimated to have this condition.  It is also known as Insulin Resistance Syndrome or Syndrome X. The cause of metabolic syndrome is multifactorial, being mostly due to environmental influences, including dietary and lifestyle choices, as well as level of inactivity.  The fast paced busy life of many Americans has shuttled us into a culture where fast convenient foods are commonplace and sitting all day while working is the social norm.  This sedentary lifestyle with improper nutrition has led us to an epidemic of obesity.  The consequences of obesity are many and it is one of the main causes for chronic disease in the world, metabolic syndrome being one of them. 

The 5 risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome tend to occur together, but you must have at least 3 of the 5 risk factors to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome.  

• Abdominal obesity: Excess fat in the abdominal area is higher risk for heart disease than fat in other areas.
  • Greater than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women
• High triglycerides: A type of fat found in the blood, increased by diet high in simple carbohydrates and sugar.
  • Greater than 150 mg/dL
• Low HDL cholesterol: AKA “good” cholesterol. HDL helps remove cholesterol from your arteries, so a lower level increases risk for heart disease.
  • Less than 40mg/dL
• Hypertension: High blood pressure can lead to damage of vessel walls and plaque buildup within the vessels.
  • Greater than 130/85
• High fasting blood sugar: this can be a sign of blood sugar imbalance and diabetes.
  • Greater than 100mg/dL

Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome:

There is not a set of symptoms specific to metabolic syndrome due to the fact that many of the risk factors involved in the diagnosis are based on lab values.

Some people with blood sugar imbalance or diabetes may have signs and symptoms of increased thirst and urination, fatigue, faintness, or blurred vision. While others with hypertension may not notice any symptoms at all.  

In the case of metabolic syndrome it is diagnosed based on weight/waist circumference, blood pressure readings and having labs done.

What labs are needed to diagnose metabolic syndrome?

Your doctor should run a full lipid panel including; LDL, HDL, VLDL, Triglycerides, Total cholesterol as well as a fasting blood sugar.

It can be important to also look at other metabolic functions with a complete metabolic panel (CMP), to ensure liver and kidney functions are optimal.  As well as a hemoglobin A1c, which is long-term marker for blood sugar imbalance or diabetes.

Lastly, a couple key contributors to body wide metabolism and stress response are the thyroid and adrenal glands. Looking at a thyroid panel and daily cortisol pattern may also be indicated.

How is metabolic syndrome treated?

The best way to treat and prevent metabolic syndrome is through diet and lifestyle practices.  These will all contribute to improved health and weight loss, which leads to reduction of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol and waist size!

• Eating a healthy whole foods diet with high quality protein sources, plenty of vegetables, and healthy fats (omega-3s). This diet is high in fiber and nutrient dense! Find a great whole-food pantry essentials list here.
• Avoiding fast food, processed foods (especially carbohydrate and sugar laden ones), artificial sugars (like splenda), and diet soda.
• Getting regular body movement or exercise in some form. At least 30 minutes per day.
• Stress Management practices: Meditation, mindfulness, yoga, stretching, breathing, being in nature, taking epsom salt bathes, etc. Any way that works for you to relax and decrease the stress in your life!
• Restful sleep: Sleep contributes to our insulin and cortisol balance as well as the hunger and satiation hormones of ghrelin and leptin.  Good sleep is vital to recovery from any dis-ease and for optimizing metabolism and supporting overall wellness. Click for sleep supporting habits and herbs.
• Avoiding health harming behaviors like smoking and drinking alcohol.

There are many other natural therapies that your naturopathic doctor may recommend for aiding this process of balancing blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.  These may include herbs, homeopathics, as well as vitamin and mineral supplementation.  These recommendations are all individualized to the patient presentation and what will serve them best to heal.

If you are struggling with any metabolic condition, heart disease, or just want to work on prevention, consider making an appointment with one of our practitioners at Richmond Natural Medicine to get to the root cause of your symptoms with individualized care.