The five risk factors associated with MetSy are:
- Waist circumference more than 94 cm in men and 80 cm in women.
- Elevated triglycerides ≥1.7 mmol/L.
- Reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) <1.0 mmol/L in men or <1.3 mmol/ Lmg/dL in women. • Elevated fasting glucose of >5.6 mmol/L.
- Blood pressure values of systolic 130 mmHg or higher and/or diastolic 85 mmHg or higher.
Metabolic Syndrome (MetSy) is increasingly common, both in Australia and overseas, with over 25% of the population thought to have it. A diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome is useful because it identifies patients with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The risk of having CVD, diabetes and CKD among people with the MetSy is 2–3 times that of people without the condition. It also increases the risk of complications in those with CVD and diabetes. Overall meta-analysis of some studies suggests that there is a 1.6–fold increase in mortality in patients with the MetSy compared to those without it.
disease, aortic stenosis, atrial fibrillation, stroke, and even thromboembolic disease. The evidence seems to indicate that the risk of an ischaemic stroke is much higher in patients with metabolic syndrome than previously thought. In addition, other problems include an increased risk for kidney, gallbladder, colon and even prostate gland cancers. Further, the metabolic syndrome may also increase the risk of eclampsia in pregnancy and affect cognitive performance. A 2015 study4 determined that snacking between main meals was significantly associated with a higher risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Participants in the study who were shown to adhere to an ‘unhealthy snacking pattern’ had an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome. Thus, participants with this eating habit had 68 % raised risk. The findings of the study suggested that when snacking is associated with higher consumption of nutrient-poor and energy-dense foods (‘unhealthy snacking pattern’) is it related to a higher risk of MetS. This association also remained statistically significant after adjusting for total energy intake.
How to avoid or repair from Metabolic Syndrome:
- Eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet with a broad array of vegetables
- Eat 3 meals per day with no snacking in between, so your body is in a Para-Sympathetic Nervous system dominant state for longer rather than the ‘Flight or Flight’ Sympathetic Nervous system dominance that so many of us seem to be constantly in.
- Drink plenty of water – 35ml per kilogram of body weight.
- Maintain a weekly exercise regime that includes weight-bearing and cardio exercises.
- Cut out (or at least down) your sugar consumption.
If you would like to know more about Metabolic Syndrome or would like to do the Metabolic Balance Eating Program then book a free 15-minute‘ Discovery Session’ to learn more https://sageandginger.com.au/book/
