Metabolic Syndrome: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Diuretics (Water Pills)
Diuretics signal the kidneys to increase the excretion of sodium (salt) and water from the body. This decreases your blood pressure by reducing the volume of blood in your arteries. Diuretics are commonly prescribed and have been in use for a long time.
Diuretics signal the kidneys to increase the excretion of sodium (salt) and water from the body. This decreases your blood pressure by reducing the volume of blood in your arteries. Diuretics are commonly prescribed and have been in use for a long time.
Abdominal and Visceral Obesity
Abdominal obesity is related to metabolic syndrome. Instead of being stored under the skin, fat is sometimes deposited deep in the abdominal tissue and around the heart, liver and kidneys. This type of fat storage contributes to metabolic syndrome and can lead to heart disease, diabetes and strokes. Exercising is often the single best way to reverse this deadly trend.
Abdominal obesity is related to metabolic syndrome. Instead of being stored under the skin, fat is sometimes deposited deep in the abdominal tissue and around the heart, liver and kidneys. This type of fat storage contributes to metabolic syndrome and can lead to heart disease, diabetes and strokes. Exercising is often the single best way to reverse this deadly trend.
Metabolic Rate
Have you wondered what makes a person have a high or low metabolism? Or have you ever felt that losing weight is impossible for you because your metabolism is so slow? Or that whether you exercise or not, you don’t lose weight? Maybe the following can help.
Have you wondered what makes a person have a high or low metabolism? Or have you ever felt that losing weight is impossible for you because your metabolism is so slow? Or that whether you exercise or not, you don’t lose weight? Maybe the following can help.
Salt and Sodium
Table salt, a type of sodium, is an important mineral, but too much of it can cause high blood pressure and has a strong relationship to metabolic syndrome. How much is too much? And too little? Does it really matter? Understand the role of salt and how to make better food choices.
Table salt, a type of sodium, is an important mineral, but too much of it can cause high blood pressure and has a strong relationship to metabolic syndrome. How much is too much? And too little? Does it really matter? Understand the role of salt and how to make better food choices.
Why Exercise?
Despite all of the miracle diets and millions of dieters, over 60 of American adults are overweight and only 15 regularly engage in even modest amounts of regular physical activity. An energy imbalance stemming from more calories taken in than used for energy is a contributor to obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome. A nutritionally dense, portion controlled diet balanced with daily exercise is the primary treatment.
Despite all of the miracle diets and millions of dieters, over 60 of American adults are overweight and only 15 regularly engage in even modest amounts of regular physical activity. An energy imbalance stemming from more calories taken in than used for energy is a contributor to obesity and the Metabolic Syndrome. A nutritionally dense, portion controlled diet balanced with daily exercise is the primary treatment.
Glycemic Load
The glycemic load (GL)is used with glycemic index(GI)for portion size to control metabolic syndrome. The glycemic index and glycemic load tools have many benefits including weight control, appetite control and a decreased risk for metabolic syndrome, heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
The glycemic load (GL)is used with glycemic index(GI)for portion size to control metabolic syndrome. The glycemic index and glycemic load tools have many benefits including weight control, appetite control and a decreased risk for metabolic syndrome, heart disease, strokes and diabetes.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis for the Metabolic Syndrome is made when you have three or more of the identified risk factors.
A diagnosis for the Metabolic Syndrome is made when you have three or more of the identified risk factors.
Glycemic Index - Glycemic Load
If you have metabolic syndrome, the glycemic index (GI) and the glycemic load (GL) are excellent tools to help you plan meals. Both affect metabolism, blood sugar, insulin and cholesterol levels.
If you have metabolic syndrome, the glycemic index (GI) and the glycemic load (GL) are excellent tools to help you plan meals. Both affect metabolism, blood sugar, insulin and cholesterol levels.
Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise
Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise is important for metabolic syndrome. For people with metabolic syndrome, exercise is so beneficial that it is actually an important part of medical treatment.
Both aerobic and anaerobic exercise is important for metabolic syndrome. For people with metabolic syndrome, exercise is so beneficial that it is actually an important part of medical treatment.
Exercise in the Elderly
Decreasing levels of exercise in the elderly mean loss of muscle mass leading to obesity; insulin resistance leading to the Metabolic syndrome; loss of agility, balance, endurance, bone mass and the list goes on. It is never too late to begin an exercise program. An elderly person can start an exercise program and realize very impressive results, even if they haven't been active in the past.
Decreasing levels of exercise in the elderly mean loss of muscle mass leading to obesity; insulin resistance leading to the Metabolic syndrome; loss of agility, balance, endurance, bone mass and the list goes on. It is never too late to begin an exercise program. An elderly person can start an exercise program and realize very impressive results, even if they haven't been active in the past.
Food Metabolism
We obtain most of the energy required for life from the food we eat. Metabolism is how the body digests and converts the food we eat into energy. The Metabolic Syndrome as well as Diabetes occur as a result of a problem with metabolism.
We obtain most of the energy required for life from the food we eat. Metabolism is how the body digests and converts the food we eat into energy. The Metabolic Syndrome as well as Diabetes occur as a result of a problem with metabolism.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome are usually silent and go unnoticed for years until serious complications occur. Any symptoms that do surface are related to the individual risk factors. Learn more here.
The symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome are usually silent and go unnoticed for years until serious complications occur. Any symptoms that do surface are related to the individual risk factors. Learn more here.
Post-Menopause and Exercise
For women the first 3-5 years after menopause is a time of rapid muscle and bone loss due to age, hormonal changes and an ongoing decline in physical activity. Women lose muscle mass and strength at a more rapid rate than men of the same age do. Muscle is replaced by fat, especially around the middle, as the basal metabolic rate declines. These changes lead to the Metabolic Syndrome and on to heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Resistance type exercise can turn this around.
For women the first 3-5 years after menopause is a time of rapid muscle and bone loss due to age, hormonal changes and an ongoing decline in physical activity. Women lose muscle mass and strength at a more rapid rate than men of the same age do. Muscle is replaced by fat, especially around the middle, as the basal metabolic rate declines. These changes lead to the Metabolic Syndrome and on to heart disease, strokes and diabetes. Resistance type exercise can turn this around.
Cholesterol Metabolism
Cholesterol is a combination of a lipid (fat), and a sterol. Cholesterol is an important substance that is needed by every cell in the body and is used to make hormones. It is synthesized in the intestines and the liver. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) deliver cholesterol to the tissues in the body and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)collect cholesterol from the body and return it to the liver.
Cholesterol is a combination of a lipid (fat), and a sterol. Cholesterol is an important substance that is needed by every cell in the body and is used to make hormones. It is synthesized in the intestines and the liver. Low-density lipoproteins (LDL) deliver cholesterol to the tissues in the body and high-density lipoproteins (HDL)collect cholesterol from the body and return it to the liver.
C-Reactive Protein
Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker in the blood that indicates an inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can result in a build up of fatty substances in the arteries causes heart attacks and strokes.
Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker in the blood that indicates an inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation can result in a build up of fatty substances in the arteries causes heart attacks and strokes.
What is Pre-Diabetes?
Metabolic syndrome is sometimes known as pre-diabetes mellitus, a medical condition that can be treated with healthy diet and exercise. With pre-diabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not to the level for a diagnosis of diabetes. There are approximately 54 million people in the United States who have pre-diabetes.
Metabolic syndrome is sometimes known as pre-diabetes mellitus, a medical condition that can be treated with healthy diet and exercise. With pre-diabetes, blood sugar levels are higher than normal, but not to the level for a diagnosis of diabetes. There are approximately 54 million people in the United States who have pre-diabetes.
Quick Facts
Metabolic syndrome quick facts. Linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome is an increasingly common condition among North Americans. Having metabolic syndrome greatly increases a person’s chances of developing diabetes, a host of cardiovascular conditions and premature death.
Metabolic syndrome quick facts. Linked to obesity, metabolic syndrome is an increasingly common condition among North Americans. Having metabolic syndrome greatly increases a person’s chances of developing diabetes, a host of cardiovascular conditions and premature death.
Metabolic Syndrome
What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic Syndrome is a clustering of risk factors that put you at an increased risk for a number of serious illnesses which can lead to a premature death.
What is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic Syndrome is a clustering of risk factors that put you at an increased risk for a number of serious illnesses which can lead to a premature death.
Flaxseed Oil
Flaxseed oil helps to reduce blood pressure, inflammation and angina.
Flaxseed oil helps to reduce blood pressure, inflammation and angina.
Blueberry Leaves
Blueberry leaves help reduce blood sugar and protect the pancreas, liver and kidneys.
Blueberry leaves help reduce blood sugar and protect the pancreas, liver and kidneys.
Healthy Lifestyle
Diet management, exercise, weight loss and smoking cessation is the primary treatments for metabolic Syndrome. The Metabolic Syndrome is the result of learned unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. It is not too late at any age to learn healthy new behaviors.
Diet management, exercise, weight loss and smoking cessation is the primary treatments for metabolic Syndrome. The Metabolic Syndrome is the result of learned unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. It is not too late at any age to learn healthy new behaviors.
Super Size Food Portions
The typical serving size of meals has increased since the 1970s, meaning many of us are eating more calories than we are burning. This can put you at risk for developing metabolic syndrome.
The typical serving size of meals has increased since the 1970s, meaning many of us are eating more calories than we are burning. This can put you at risk for developing metabolic syndrome.
Role of Insulin and Insulin Re
The common link to all other risk factors in the Metabolic Syndrome is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the the body cells are unable to use the insulin properly causing insulin and glucose to build up in the bloodstream.
The common link to all other risk factors in the Metabolic Syndrome is insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the the body cells are unable to use the insulin properly causing insulin and glucose to build up in the bloodstream.
Obesity in Children
Obesity in children and adolescents is on the increase. An epidemic of metabolic syndrome is anticipated as these kids grow up to be adults. Metabolic syndrome leads to cardiovascular and kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and strokes.
Obesity in children and adolescents is on the increase. An epidemic of metabolic syndrome is anticipated as these kids grow up to be adults. Metabolic syndrome leads to cardiovascular and kidney disease, Type 2 diabetes and strokes.
Statin (Cholesterol) Drugs
Statin (cholesterol lowering) drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme that is necessary in the formation of the cholesterol molecules.
Statin (cholesterol lowering) drugs work by inhibiting an enzyme that is necessary in the formation of the cholesterol molecules.
Making the "DASH"
DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and is a type of diet created by several important health organizations. A DASH eating plan, along with regular exercise, is an effective way to lower blood pressure, obesity and improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension and is a type of diet created by several important health organizations. A DASH eating plan, along with regular exercise, is an effective way to lower blood pressure, obesity and improve cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
Childhood Obesity Causes
Obesity in childhood and adolescence is associated with metabolic syndrome. Obesity usually is the result when more calories are consumed and not burned off with activity.
Obesity in childhood and adolescence is associated with metabolic syndrome. Obesity usually is the result when more calories are consumed and not burned off with activity.
Adipose Cells/Tissue
Definition of Adipose Cells/Tissue
Definition of Adipose Cells/Tissue
Medications
Lifestyle modification is the number one treatment for the Metabolic Syndrome. For many, this proves to be a great difficulty and medical management becomes necessary. There are no medications available to specifically treat the Metabolic Syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe a medication that will treat the individual risk factors. Medication is only secondary to ongoing efforts to a healthy diet, weight loss and exercise, otherwise your heart health and diabetes risks will continue to increase.
Lifestyle modification is the number one treatment for the Metabolic Syndrome. For many, this proves to be a great difficulty and medical management becomes necessary. There are no medications available to specifically treat the Metabolic Syndrome. Your doctor may prescribe a medication that will treat the individual risk factors. Medication is only secondary to ongoing efforts to a healthy diet, weight loss and exercise, otherwise your heart health and diabetes risks will continue to increase.
Biguanides
Biguanides do not cause the pancreas to excrete more insulin or increase the production of insulin. Biguanides improve the action of the insulin that is already available. This helps your body burn the sugar that is present. Biguanides also decrease sugar production in the liver. Biguanides are taken with or just before meals.
Biguanides do not cause the pancreas to excrete more insulin or increase the production of insulin. Biguanides improve the action of the insulin that is already available. This helps your body burn the sugar that is present. Biguanides also decrease sugar production in the liver. Biguanides are taken with or just before meals.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps reduce insulin resistance and high blood pressure.
Vitamin D helps reduce insulin resistance and high blood pressure.
Gestational Diabetes
Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy should be assessed for the metabolic syndrome. Early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle interventions can prove to be a lifesaver to these women.
Women who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy should be assessed for the metabolic syndrome. Early diagnosis and healthy lifestyle interventions can prove to be a lifesaver to these women.
Aspirin
Aspirin helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes because it stops some prostagladins from causing platelets to stick together. Platelets and fibrin cause blood clots that can block the coronary arteries of your heart and cause a heart attack, or block arteries that go to your brain causing a stroke.
Aspirin helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes because it stops some prostagladins from causing platelets to stick together. Platelets and fibrin cause blood clots that can block the coronary arteries of your heart and cause a heart attack, or block arteries that go to your brain causing a stroke.
Thiazolidinediones
The class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) can help lower blood pressure, triglyceride, cholesterol, insulin and blood sugar levels. For that reason, TZDs are being studied as a possible drug class of choice to help those with metabolic syndrome.
The class of drugs known as thiazolidinediones (TZDs) can help lower blood pressure, triglyceride, cholesterol, insulin and blood sugar levels. For that reason, TZDs are being studied as a possible drug class of choice to help those with metabolic syndrome.
Microalbuminuria
Microalbuminura is one sign of metabolic syndrome. Albumin, or protein, in the urine can be a sign of kidney disease or other problems. For people who are overweight, it also can indicate metabolic syndrome.
Microalbuminura is one sign of metabolic syndrome. Albumin, or protein, in the urine can be a sign of kidney disease or other problems. For people who are overweight, it also can indicate metabolic syndrome.
Triglycerides
Definition of Triglycerides
Definition of Triglycerides
History
The story behind Syndrome X and the Metabolic Syndrome =
The story behind Syndrome X and the Metabolic Syndrome =
Bilberry
Bilberry helps to reduce blood sugars, cholesterol, triglycerides. It also protects the tiny blood vessels in the eyes that become damaged with diabetes.
Bilberry helps to reduce blood sugars, cholesterol, triglycerides. It also protects the tiny blood vessels in the eyes that become damaged with diabetes.
Angiotensin-Receptor Blockers
ARBs dilate and relax the arteries like the ACE inhibitors. This decreases resistance and allows blood to move more freely. In addition to lowering blood pressure, they also help to improve congestive heart failure symptoms and decrease the risk for heart attacks.
ARBs dilate and relax the arteries like the ACE inhibitors. This decreases resistance and allows blood to move more freely. In addition to lowering blood pressure, they also help to improve congestive heart failure symptoms and decrease the risk for heart attacks.
High Risk Groups
Are you one of the groups of people who are highly at risk for the Metabolic Syndrome?
Are you one of the groups of people who are highly at risk for the Metabolic Syndrome?
Magnesium
Magnesium is a heart protective mineral a promising therapy for the Metabolic Syndrome.
Magnesium is a heart protective mineral a promising therapy for the Metabolic Syndrome.
ACE Inhibitors
ACE inhibitors widen or dilate the arteries. The blood pressure is lowered because there is less resistance from the arteries when blood is pumped into them with every contraction of the heart.
ACE inhibitors widen or dilate the arteries. The blood pressure is lowered because there is less resistance from the arteries when blood is pumped into them with every contraction of the heart.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Calcium channel blockers act by preventing calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. They relax small muscles around the arteries allowing the blood vessels to widen and the resistance of the narrowed vessels is reduced. This allows more blood to flow freely and lower your blood pressure.
Calcium channel blockers act by preventing calcium from entering the muscle cells of the heart and blood vessels. They relax small muscles around the arteries allowing the blood vessels to widen and the resistance of the narrowed vessels is reduced. This allows more blood to flow freely and lower your blood pressure.
Natural Treatments 101
The primary therapy for the Metabolic Syndrome or pre-diabetes is a program of healthy lifestyle changes. Many natural therapies are available that give a powerful boost to a healthy diet. Even natural therapies can be harmful when taken improperly. There are a number of things to keep in mind before taking any supplement.
The primary therapy for the Metabolic Syndrome or pre-diabetes is a program of healthy lifestyle changes. Many natural therapies are available that give a powerful boost to a healthy diet. Even natural therapies can be harmful when taken improperly. There are a number of things to keep in mind before taking any supplement.
Smoking & Metabolic Syndrome
Adolescents who smoke or who are exposed to second hand smoke are 5 to 6 times more likely to develop Metabolic Syndrome than their peers according to a recent study. Those with abdominal or upper body obesity are particulary vulnerable. Repeated warnings have alerted us to the risks of lung cancer and heart disease associated smoking and exposure to second hand tobacco smoke. Now we have even more reason to act.
Adolescents who smoke or who are exposed to second hand smoke are 5 to 6 times more likely to develop Metabolic Syndrome than their peers according to a recent study. Those with abdominal or upper body obesity are particulary vulnerable. Repeated warnings have alerted us to the risks of lung cancer and heart disease associated smoking and exposure to second hand tobacco smoke. Now we have even more reason to act.
Fighting Metabolic Syndrome
Big changes in life are difficult for all of us. Experience shows that if you take on too much at once, you are more likely to become overwhelmed and give up. But if you have metabolic syndrome, changing your lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do to save your health.
Big changes in life are difficult for all of us. Experience shows that if you take on too much at once, you are more likely to become overwhelmed and give up. But if you have metabolic syndrome, changing your lifestyle is one of the most important things you can do to save your health.
Cardiometabolic Risks
"Cardiometabolic Risk” is a term used by the American Diabetes Association (ADA)describing a pathway from obesity to insulin resistance to type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease and stroke. Those who have one or more of the associated risk factors, have a real risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and all of the health problems that go along with these.
"Cardiometabolic Risk” is a term used by the American Diabetes Association (ADA)describing a pathway from obesity to insulin resistance to type 2 diabetes and/or heart disease and stroke. Those who have one or more of the associated risk factors, have a real risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes and all of the health problems that go along with these.
Aortic Stenosis
Metabolic syndrome is a strong factor in the development of aortic stenosis. The progress of the disease of aortic stenosis progresses at twice the rate in those with metabolic syndrome and they have worse outcomes. Aggressive lifestyle management is the most effective treatment.
Metabolic syndrome is a strong factor in the development of aortic stenosis. The progress of the disease of aortic stenosis progresses at twice the rate in those with metabolic syndrome and they have worse outcomes. Aggressive lifestyle management is the most effective treatment.
Blood Pressure Complications
High blood pressure is a serious risk factor associated with the Metabolic Syndrome. Even if blood pressure is the only risk factor identified, it must be addressed.
High blood pressure is a serious risk factor associated with the Metabolic Syndrome. Even if blood pressure is the only risk factor identified, it must be addressed.
Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs)
Definition of Essential Fatty Acids
Definition of Essential Fatty Acids
Beta-Blockers
Beta-blockers slow down the heart rate and decrease the force of your heart's contraction. This in turn decreases the amount of force of blood on your arteries, reducing your blood pressure. They, in effect, give your heart and arteries a break and are important for people who have had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease.
Beta-blockers slow down the heart rate and decrease the force of your heart's contraction. This in turn decreases the amount of force of blood on your arteries, reducing your blood pressure. They, in effect, give your heart and arteries a break and are important for people who have had a heart attack or have been diagnosed with congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease.
Metabolic Syndrome - Articles
An index of Articles for the Metabolic Syndrome guide site.
An index of Articles for the Metabolic Syndrome guide site.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract
Definition of Gastrointestinal Tract
Definition of Gastrointestinal Tract
Hormones
Definition of Hormones
Definition of Hormones
Syndrome X
Metabolic syndrome X and the concept of insulin resistance was first introduced in 1988 by Dr. Gerald Reaven in his Banting Lecture to the American Diabetes Association. A clustering of risk factors that put a person at inceased risk for heart disease, disabetes and strokes is now more commonly known as metabolic syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome X and the concept of insulin resistance was first introduced in 1988 by Dr. Gerald Reaven in his Banting Lecture to the American Diabetes Association. A clustering of risk factors that put a person at inceased risk for heart disease, disabetes and strokes is now more commonly known as metabolic syndrome.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Definition of Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Definition of Impaired Glucose Tolerance
Type 2 Diabetes
Definition of type 2 Diabetes
Definition of type 2 Diabetes
Metabolic Syndrome - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Metabolic Syndrome guide site.
An index of Profiles for the Metabolic Syndrome guide site.