Metabolic syndrome (also called Syndrome-X) is not a medical diagnosis itself but a group of five risk factors. These factors are increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. In their turn these conditions may lead to blood pressure (greater than 130/85mmHg), high blood sugar (insulin resistance), excess body fat around the waist, and imbalanced cholesterol control or triglyceride levels (HDL).
Having one of the issues doesn’t mean you have metabolic syndrome. Doctors usually diagnose that when you have 3 of them. Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common nowadays among adults. If you have metabolic syndrome or any of its components, aggressive lifestyle changes can prevent the development of serious health problems.
Symptoms
Metabolic syndrome, being defined as a collective form of health issues does not have obvious signs. The only sign you can easily notice is the One sign that is a large waist. Fat around the waist rises risks of having a heart attack. In case of high blood Sugar levels in your blood you will notice the common signs and symptoms of diabetes like increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and blurred vision.
Risk factors
The following factors increase your chances of having metabolic syndrome:
- Age. usually metabolic syndrome develops among adults
- non-Hispanic black men (55%), then non-Hispanic white women (44%), and non-Hispanic black women (41%), while the smallest increase was observed among Mexican American women (2%).
- Obesity. Imbalanced fat in your body, especially in your abdomen, increases your risk of metabolic syndrome.
- Metabolic syndrome is more likely to happen if you had diabetes during pregnancy (gestational diabetes). Diabetes type 2 is another factor if you have had it in your family history.
- Other diseases. Your risk of metabolic syndrome is higher if you’ve ever had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome or sleep apnea.
- Unhealthy lifestyle. Smoking and using unhealthy food may play crucial roles in the development of metabolic syndrome.
How to treat Metabolic Syndrome
If you are diagnosed with metabolic Syndrome, the first thing you need to do is to consult with the doctor about the treatments. The main goal of healing will be reducing the development of the risk factors that you have to avoid further health issues. Your doctor would probably advise you on lifestyle change including a healthy diet and exercising so you can lose and weight. If you smoke then quit it right away.
Healthy lifestyle tips
- Exercise at least 30 minutes
- Eat vegetables, fruits, lean protein and whole grains
- Limiting fat and salt in your meals
- Maintain your weight
- No smoking and drinking alcohol
In case of issues with blood pressure, cholesterol, and/or blood sugar your doctor may prescribe you medications.
Keep these easy steps to prevent your body from health issues. Make them a habit and enjoy your life full of energy and positiveness. Stay hydrated!
