Problem: Metabolic Syndrome
I recently read an article about metabolic syndrome. If you have never heard of metabolic syndrome it is a newer term that is used frequently in the medical community. Metabolic syndrome is defined as a group of metabolic risk factors appearing together including:
abdominal obesity
high cholesterol and triglycerides
high blood pressure
insulin resistance
tendency to form blood clots
inflammation
According to the medical community, these factors raise a person’s risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke.
In the article I read, the author states that metabolic syndrome is caused by chronic hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Chronic hyperglycemia is caused by eating too many carbohydrates. Therefore, metabolic syndrome could more simply be called “excess carbohydrate disease”. In fact, some researchers have gone as far as defining metabolic syndrome as “those physiologic markers that respond to reduction in dietary carbohydrate.”
The problem is, when we eat too many carbs, the pancreas secretes insulin to move excess glucose from the blood into the cells where glucose is used to produce energy; however, over time the cells lose the ability to respond to insulin. Insulin is unable to get into the cells so the pancreas responds by pumping out even more insulin in an effort to get glucose into the cells. When this happens it causes insulin resistance. Because insulin is considered a hormone, this then can throw off the rest of the hormones and cause imbalance, leading to more symptoms and ultimately and overworked and exhausted pancreas.
Solution: Reduce Carbohydrate Consumption
For those that like to be empowered, this is great news because now, with a few simple changes to your diet you can improve your health!
Reducing carbohydrates is one of the most common things I work on with my clients. By reducing the amount of carbohydrates they are eating, particularly in the form of sugar and processed food, they begin to lose weight and get their health back on track. It really is that simple.
If you would like more information about how to change your diet, lose weight and improve your health, please call me today. I work with patients over the phone as well as in person.
For more information click the “contact me” tab on the “work with me” page to take the first step toward greater health!
Yours in health,
Jennifer