What is metabolic syndrome?
“Syndrome” is a medical term that basically says there are a whole lot of problems; in the case of metabolic syndrome, problems that could lead you straight to a heart attack. Unchecked, the complications from metabolic syndrome may even lead to an early grave, which is why it’s essential to get metabolic syndrome risk under control.
Metabolic syndrome is a metabolic disease which refers to a number of indicators of poor health, including:
- High blood pressure
- Low HDL (good) cholesterol
- Disproportionately large waistline (apple or pear shape)
- High triglycerides
- High blood sugar
In the United States, metabolic syndrome could be considered “epidemic.
6 Natural Ways to Lower Metabolic Syndrome Risk
- Understand your disease and the science behind it. It can be tough to understand what’s going on inside your body if you don’t understand the underlying cause. The Internet provides plenty of information, but it’s wise to check several reliable sources. Or you can buy a book (electronic versions can be very inexpensive). Diet books to counter metabolic syndrome may not offer a plan you want to follow, but most will provide simplified background information to convey a better understanding of the symptoms.
- Start moving. If you have metabolic syndrome, you most likely are overweight. It can feel hopeless when you reach a certain point of obesity and feel unwell. But, just 30 minutes of walking a day will get your triglycerides headed downward again. Once you start walking and feel those little improvements, you’ll be walking even more.
- Stop smoking. Smoking sends inflammation in the body through the roof, which is the last thing a person with metabolic disease needs. It’s like smoking a cigarette next to a gas pump.
- Quit drinking, or at least cut back. Alcohol may be touted as “heart healthy” due to its HDL (good cholesterol) raising properties, but it also increases blood pressure. If you have to watch calories, cutting out cocktails (often made with sugary mixers) can be a good start.
- Take essential amino acids. There are plenty of supplements that claim to help people with metabolic disease. Stick with ones that are backed by research. Balanced mixtures of essential amino acids (EAAs) are reliably shown to decrease triglycerides, as well as the amount of fat stored in the liver. EAAs also appear to help manage blood pressure and act as anti-inflammatories.
- Eat healthier. A well-balanced diet focused on nutrient-dense foods is a must. Try fruits such as pomegranates. These amazing and tasty treats have been shown to lower cholesterol. Get some fish onto your plate. Eating cold-water fish caught in the wild helps lower your blood pressure and fight inflammation in the body. Antioxidants help your body fight disease and inflammation. The DASH diet provides a great model of an eating pattern to combat metabolic syndrome.
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