Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome, previously called  Insulin Resistance Syndrome, is a condition characterized by a person having five conditions or complications which are (in no particular order):

1. High Triglycerides (150+ mg/dL)
2. High Blood Glucose (fasting of 100 + mg/dL)
3. Waist Circumference women greater than 35″
4. High Blood Pressure (<= 130/85)
5. Low HDL (cholesterol) (<50 mg/dL)

Having metabolic syndrome indicates that the body is not  metabolically flexible. This means that the body does NOT use fat  for energy and is always using glucose, even when conditions, like fasting, would normally call for the body to burn fat. Only 12% of the adult population is metabolically healthy and flexible.

People with metabolic syndrome or insulin resistance syndrome are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke, fatty liver disease (which was historically seen only in alcoholics), and PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome).

Here are a few things you can do to help yourself:

1. Strength train and build muscle. Muscle is your biggest glucose sink giving blood glucose  a place to go after you’ve eaten a meal.

2. Stop grazing. Eat your meals and leave 4-6 hours between most meals.

3. Eat whole food carbohydrates like squash, green beans, or even potatoes instead of chips, bread, cereal or bagels.

Side note, do not drink your calories/carbs like in juice, “healthy” juice based smoothies, fancy coffee drinks (that you typically take an hour to drink) or alcohol.

4. Exercise/walk after for 15 minutes after you eat. This clears blood glucose – you are using it for energy so insulin does not spike.

“Exercise  is the best intervention. You have a chance of aging better and longer.” Louisa Nicola, Neurophysiologist (specifically talking about Alzheimer’s dementia)

p.s. Did you know that Alzheimer’s dementia is called Type III diabetes?