Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome
In the October 2004 issue of Diabetes Care, it was reported that the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome is increasing among U.S. adults, and will likely lead to increases in diabetes and heart disease.
We have talked about “metabolic syndrome” in past articles. It is also known as Syndrome X and Hyperinsulinemia. As discussed in our other articles, Metabolic Syndrome is a group of medical conditions that seem to occur as a result of increased levels of insulin production. This is primarily due to excessive carbohydrate intake. Some of the conditions associated with Metabolic Syndrome include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and increased abdominal fatness. When associated together, these may greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.
The interesting thing about Metabolic Syndrome is that it all started developing the more we changed our food. What we mean by this is that more and more food companies were making “low fat” food items. What were they making instead? High sugar food items. People were/are eating these low fat foods like crazy – and the result? They are even fatter and in worse health! Unfortunately, we are seeing the same thing with “low-carb” products. Have you ever taken a look at some of these so-called “low-carb” products? They are loaded with chemicals and artificial sweeteners that have not been tested long term. What will be the long term effect from these products?
Dr. Earl S. Ford and colleagues from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, studied 6436 men and women at least 20 years of age who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (1988-1994) and 1677 subjects from NHANES 1999 to 2000.
The study reports that subjects who met at least three of the following criteria were defined as having metabolic syndrome: abdominal obesity, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol (“good" cholesterol), high blood pressure, and high fasting blood sugar levels.
After adjusting the data for age, the team observed an increase in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome of 23.5 percent in women and 2.2 percent in men. The increase in the prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome, especially among women, was mainly accounted for by increases in high blood pressure, waist circumference, and high triglyceride levels.
"To stem the rising tides of obesity and the metabolic syndrome, comprehensive approaches for improving nutrition and physical activity habits that target both individuals and the population are required," the researchers write.
They then go on to say, "Health care professionals have a critical role in preventing the development of the metabolic syndrome in their patients through weight management and the achievement of proper physical activity levels."
What our doctors find here at Caring Medical is that our patients require individualized dietary and hormone testing in order to figure if they are on the way towards developing Metabolic Syndrome. We determine whether the patient requires a Hauser Diet number 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 which each have differing percentages of carbohydrates, protein, and fats as described in last week's e-newsletters. We also check fasting and postprandial insulin levels to determine if the body is producing too much insulin in response to glucose loads. In addition to this, we will also look at hormone levels, including thyroid, sex hormones, and cortisol. Put together, a comprehensive natural medicine program can be developed, along with including regular exercise to help halt the progress toward the deadly Metabolic Syndrome. Researchers are showing that it is a big problem. We have seen in at Caring Medical for years. If you feel that you might be in this group, give us a call. Your life depends on it.
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