Metabolic syndrome is a name for a group of risk factors that occur together and increase the risk for coronary artery disease, type 2 diabetes and stroke. Metabolic syndrome is also known as metabolic X, cardiometabolic syndrome, and insulin resistance syndrome.
Metabolic syndrome and obesity is common and significantly on the rise in the United States. Of all the risk factors obesity is the most influential to the rise in the numbers of persons affected by the syndrome.
The two most important risk factors for metabolic syndrome are:
- Extra weight around the middle (central obesity), and upper parts of the body.
- Insulin resistance where the body uses insulin less effectively than normal. Insulin is needed to control the amounts of sugar in our bodies.
Other risk factors include:
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Lack of exercise
- Stress eating
Persons who have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome may also have other conditions that can potentiate the syndrome:
- Excess blood clotting
- Increased signs and symptoms of inflammation and pain in the body
Diagnosis Of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome may be present if you have three or more of the following symptoms:
- Blood pressure equal or higher than 130/85mmHg
- Fasting blood glucose level equal to or higher than 100mg/dl
- Waist circumference (length around the waist): Men-40 inches or more – Women-35 inches or more
- Low HDL cholesterol: Men-under 40mg/dl – Women-under
- 50mg/dl – Triglycerides equal to or higher than 150mg/dl
Etiology Of Metabolic Syndrome
The etiology of metabolic syndrome is not yet completely known. Most persons presenting with signs and symptoms of metabolic syndrome are obese, older, and live sedentary lifestyles with limited daily physical activity. Most patients also have insulin resistance. Stress and stress related eating can also be a contributing factor. The scientific community debates whether obesity or insulin resistance is the cause of the metabolic syndrome.
Treatment Of Metabolic Syndrome
The goal of treatment will be to reduce risk factors contributing to heart disease and diabetes. Weight loss with healthy life style changes, a dietary program and regular exercise will help to reduce blood pressure, LDL cholesterol and keep blood sugars levels within the normal range.
UltraMeal® from Metagenics has been clinically tested to nutritionally support the management of conditions associated with metabolic syndrome, including central obesity and insulin resistant.
Metagenics offers more than 15 medical food formulas that are formulated with macro-and micronutrients that are recognized by scientific principles that support dietary management of a disease or condition. Metagenics medical foods have been developed to support management of many chronic conditions including those associated with cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, leaky gut and many more. The company continually evaluates medical foods in clinical research settings. The results have been published in well-known journals.
UltraMeal® medical food has been developed and clinically tested for the nutritional support and management of conditions associated with central obesity, insulin resistance. UltraMeal has been demonstrated to have a low glycemic index and works to keep blood sugars within the normal range. Along with healthy life style changes such as regular daily exercise, appropriate food choices it can also support a healthy body composition.
UltraMeal helps to promote the loss of fat while increasing lean muscle mass. It provides the consumer with a low-glycemic index meal too maintain healthy blood sugar levels. It also provides a folate that is readily absorbed by the body to promote healthy homocysetine levels for cardiovascular well being. UltraMeal also provides fiber to support gastrointestinal health and provides calcium for bone health.
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