Metabolic Syndrome

Insulin Resistance

Do you have a 300% increased risk of heart attack ? Its the new epidemic....

A relatively new concept for the medical profession though it has been a very topical and relevant issue for 20 years since Prof. Gerald Reaven of Stanford University then coined the term 'Syndrome X' to describe individuals who had abnormal cholesterol, blood pressure and increased heart risk.

Later, more evidence of other biochemical abnormalities emerged and the collection of health issues has come to be called 'Metabolic Syndrome'. It is characterised by 'insulin resistance'. In simple terms; your body cells no longer respond to normal levels of insulin stimulation and more and more insulin is secreted to get an effect. These high levels of insulin are now associated with increased blood pressure, heart risk and many other conditions.

Obesity is now the number one epidemic.

The current definition of Metabolic Syndrome includes:

• Central Obesity : 100 cm or more for men and 88 cm for women
• Fasting triglycerides elevated
• HDL low
• Blood Pressure at or above 130/85 consistently
• Fasting Glucose elevated
• Raised fasting insulin

Now some have just a large 'gut' but normal lipids - it may mean they are on their way to M Synd. So early warning 'big-gut-syndrome' may need taking seriously. Or wait until its full blown and then swallow prescription drugs, become diabetic and have heart surgery. Choose.

There is a 200 - 300% increased risk of dying from heart disease compared with people who don't have M Synd.

Why do certain people succumb to this biochemical problem? It appears once again it is in your genes. Several factors influence the outcome - so even if you have the gene tendency, and over 11 separate mutated genes have been found to be associated with abnormal glucose levels. Fortunately by correcting other factors the development of M Syn can be avoided or treated if it has become manifest.

Factors are:

• Diet - high carbohydrate especially sugars, processed starches/carbs
• Environment - pollutants, chemicals, personal care products
• Medicines
• Supplements using natural biochemistry as medicine
• Stress - affects gene expression as well as disturb hormone function

What to do

Are you a high risk individual. Refer to Heart Risk Factors and Lipid Testing Refererererd

Correct weight, shape and biochemistry. The concept is 'nutritional phenotype' in other words, individualising diet according to gene type.

• Adapt an enjoyable new diet pattern, low GLYCAEMIC INDEX foods. Low in rapidly digested carbohydrates and sugars. Refer to 'Mediterranean' Heart Diet.
• Weight loss using a proven low carb method. See Ultra Lite Weight Management system in the Weight Loss page.
• Specific nutrients to counter abnormal gene expression effects.
• DHA and EPA fatty acids protect against insulin resistance and are down-regulate genes involved in inflammation (CRP reduces too)
• Lipoic acid - improves glucose handling, as well as improves the artery lining cells (endothelium)
• Bioflavanoids like Quercetin (in vegetables), resveratrol (red fruit skins like grapes) reuce inflammation
• Polyphenols (olive oil) dramatically reduce cell stickiness of the artery lining cells (endothelium), reduce inflammation and make LDL fat more resistant to going rancid (oxidation) - which is bad for atheroma plaque formation.
• Vitamin E has many protective roles in modifying gene expression.
• Vitamin A is very important in preventing Metabolic Syndrome via gene regulation and insulin resistance.
• Vitamin C is lower in M Synd.
• Cinnamon has significant effects on glucose regulation, reduces triglycerides, LDL and total Cholesterol. It is an anti-oxidant too.
• Barley extracts can reduce glucose production in the liver just like the diabetic drug metformin.
• Coffee consumption reduces the risk of developing Diabetes Type II as well as remove free radicals and protect against damage to fat and protein in the body. Chlorogenic acid in coffee delays sugar absorption from the gut which can even out the excessive blood sugar level swings which reduces the stress on the pancreatic insulin production.

Hormone supplementation where appropriate.

• DHEA - is lower in M Synd. persons. Correcting it improves many of the resulting problems .
• Testosterone
• Progesterone
• Thyroid

Management :

1. Must reduce visceral fat mass (the inside abdomenal fat bulk). As even small losses of outerbody fat are accomplished, the critical inside fat also reduces. Liposuction DOES NOT correct Metabolic Syndrome.
2. Low carb, low fat, ketogenic diet for effective weight loss - Ultra Lite Weight Management System is best.
3. Exercise program.
4. Supplements to accelerated fat burning - have some benefits but the KEY is the low-carb ketogenic diet.
5. Specific supplements to optimise glucose-insulin metabolism

The clinic will design a protocol based on individual assessment >>>