What Is Metabolic Syndrome?
The term “metabolic syndrome” was first coined in 1977 by Herman Haller who was studying risk factors associated with heart disease.
Metabolic syndrome is not just one health condition but rather a cluster of conditions that occur together. These include:
- High blood pressure
- High blood sugar
- Excess body fat around the waist area (visceral fat)
- Abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels
Those who have a combination of any 3 of the above conditions to any degree would be now classified as having metabolic syndrome. Although it is hard to find accurate global data on how many people have metabolic syndrome, health experts estimate that it affects around a quarter of the world’s population—in other words, over a billion people are now affected by metabolic syndrome.
Why Is Metabolic Syndrome Dangerous?
The reason why metabolic syndrome is particularly dangerous is because it greatly increases your risk of developing one or more of the potentially fatal non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which include cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease and diabetes. In fact, medical professionals say that metabolic syndrome can double your risk of heart disease and increase your risk of diabetes by up to 5 times!
There is no way to medically treat or reverse metabolic syndrome. The only way to tackle the condition is through our daily diet and lifestyle choices.
Causes of Metabolic Syndrome
Insulin Resistance
This is usually caused by living a sedentary lifestyle, eating too much refined carbohydrates/sugar, and having excess weight in the belly.
Unhealthy Lifestyle
High stress, lack of exercise, and a diet of unhealthy processed foods is now the norm and is one of the main causes of metabolic syndrome.
Obesity
Abdominal obesity and having high visceral fat is particular dangerous for causing metabolic syndrome.
Smoking & Alcohol
Obviously.
What to Do if You Have Metabolic Syndrome
Change Diet
Keep a food log. Be conscious of what you are eating.
Don’t drink your calories. Avoid all sweet or alcoholic drinks, including packet juices, and making sure that no sugar is added to your drinks.
The quickest way to reverse metabolic syndrome is to lose weight or reduce visceral fat by a daily small calorie reduction. Aim to create a caloric deficit of 200-300 calories per day.
Add Exercise
A combination of 30-45 minutes of cardiovascular exercise such as running, walking, cycling, swimming, or rebounding daily, and 3 sessions of resistance training exercise weekly.
The above will help to reduce your body and visceral fat while increasing your lean body mass. Your bones and joints will also become stronger and your insulin resistance will improve as glucose stored in the muscles are used as fuel for exercise.
Nutritional Supplements
Chromium Picolinate —directly improves the body’s insulin resistance and may be effective for lowering blood sugar levels for those with diabetes or pre-diabetes.
As insulin resistance is one of the key causes of metabolic syndrome, Chromium Picolinate is an essential daily supplement for those with the condition.
Niacin—also known as Vitamin B3, Niacin is one of the most powerful weapons for combating metabolic syndrome as it can effectively treat the atherogenic dyslipidaemia (high LDL, low HDL) associated with the condition.
It is the most effective agent for raising HDL levels and reducing triglycerides.
It can also have significant effects on improving insulin resistance and reducing inflammation throughout the body.
Herbal Klenz Powder
helps to combat high cholesterol and improve blood sugar balance in the body.
Omega Gold Flaxseed Oil
Provides omega-3 to the body, which helps to lower inflammation and improve blood triglyceride levels.
K-Salt
Potassium supplement helps to combat high blood pressure.
Garlic & Parsley
Important for blood pressure and cardiovascular health.
