Metabolic syndrome is used to describe a set of risk factors that can increase your chance for serious health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is sometimes called Syndrome X or insulin resistance syndrome.
One in three Americans have metabolic syndrome, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.
A person is considered to have metabolic syndrome if they have at least three of the following:
- High blood pressure. Over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to your blood vessels and lead to heart problems.
- A large waistline, which you may hear described as an apple-shaped body. For men, a waistline larger than 40 inches (measured around the belly) or 35 inches for women triggers a higher risk.
- A low level of HDL cholesterol, also known as “good” cholesterol. A level under 40 mg/dl for men and 50 mg/dl for women is considered low.
- A high triglyceride level of 150 mg/dl or above. Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. Your triglyceride level is typically measured when you have your cholesterol checked.
- A blood sugar level of 100 mg/dl or above, which indicates high blood sugar.
The more of these factors that you have, the more your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke increases.
Some factors that can increase your risk for metabolic syndrome include:
- An older age, as your risk for metabolic syndrome factors increases with age
- Being overweight or obese
- Not being active enough
- Genetics and ethnicity. For instance, Mexican Americans and whites are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome.
- Having insulin resistance, which is when your body does not use the hormone insulin the way it should. Insulin helps the body process blood sugar.
Treating Metabolic Syndrome Naturally
Medications are available for many of the health problems caused by metabolic syndrome. However, if you’d rather take a more natural approach to improving your health if you have metabolic syndrome, there are a few options:
- Focus on losing weight. Weight loss can help all of the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome. Reveal Vitality can help devise a personalized weight plan and serve as a support toward your weight loss goals.
- Learn about better, healthier food choices for you. A healthier diet is another lifestyle change that will address all of metabolic syndrome’s risk factors. Choosing a healthier diet can be a struggle, but Reveal Vitality is here to help with nutritional counseling personalized for your needs and goals.
- Use healthy supplements. Both fish oil and vitamin D are shown to help those with metabolic syndrome lower their risks. These supplements also can help prevent the development of metabolic syndrome.
- Aim for more physical activity. It all starts with one step. Current federal guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. That can be broken down to 30 minutes, five times a week. If you’re new to regular exercise, then starting with a short walk can help. If you are strapped for time, then aim for 10-minute brisk walks after meals. You can increase your physical activity from there. Focus on finding movement that you enjoy.
Treating Metabolic Syndrome: How Reveal Vitality Can Help
If you’re looking to improve your health and treat metabolic syndrome naturally, Reveal Vitality can help.
At Reveal Vitality, we take a functional medicine approach to prevent chronic disease and pain. Here are just some of the services we offer than can help you focus on wellness instead of sickness:
- Natural weight loss
- Integrative cardiovascular care
- Vitamin therapy and nutrition counseling to get you on a better nutritional path
Contact Reveal Vitality today at 941-217-2777 to discover how we can guide you toward better health and a future with less chronic disease and aging.