belly fat metabolismThe term “metabolic syndrome” or insulin resistance simply describes a group of symptoms that put you at risk for heart disease, diabetes and other health problems. Metabolic syndrome is a result of a high calorie, high simple sugar and starch diet. Researchers have discovered that once a patient tests positive for one of the risk factors listed below it is only a matter of time before other conditions on the list become positive.

  1. A large waistline. Excess fat in the stomach area is a greater risk factor for heart disease than excess fat in other parts of the body, such as on the hips.
  2. High triglyceride level (a type of fat found in the blood).
  3. A low HDL (good) cholesterol level 
  4. High blood pressure
  5. High fasting blood sugar

Because the symptoms of metabolic syndrome encompass several factors related to diet and exercise, the team at Active Health work together to custom fit a combination of:

  • Diet: Metabolic syndrome is the end result of years of improper diet. The first step to managing your diet is an anti-inflammatory diet. The hallmarks of an anti-inflammatory diet is based on eating adequate amounts of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. To achieve proper blood sugar management and weight loss all simple sugars and starches need to be reduced. Our doctors can recommend a diet program to accommodate your lifestyle and goals.
  • Exercise: Exercise is a key component to improved health. People suffering from metabolic syndrome have a limited ability to exercise comfortably. Our doctors and therapists will work the patient to customize an appropriate activity level and monitor the patient’s goals. 
  • Mind/Body: It is important to attend to stress in positive ways. Acupuncture and therapeutic massage can lower the patient’s stress levels
  • Supplements: Nutritional imbalances are common in patients suffering from metabolic syndrome. Our chiropractic physicians can recommend whole food supplements to help support the body and help optimize function.
  • Acupuncture: works to balance blood sugar and promote weight loss by directly stimulating the pancreas, decreasing systemic inflammation, and regulating the digestive system. Research has shown that acupuncture effectively lowers blood sugar and C-peptide levels in diabetic patients.

Please contact us at Active Health to find out how we can apply a multi-disciplined approach to help eliminate metabolic syndrome symptoms at (847) 739-3120.

Sources

http://www.alternativemedicine.com/food-recipes/healing-food%E2%80%94metabolic-syndrome
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART03193/Metabolic-Syndrome.html
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ms/
http://www.acuwellsolutions.com/acupuncture/conditions/diabetes-metabolic-syndrome/index.php

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