Metabolic Syndrome: Could You Have It?
What is Metabolic Syndrome and could you have it?
More and more people are developing a health condition called Metabolic Syndrome which increases as you age – this is a cluster of conditions that could lead to more serious medical problems. It is also referred to as the very mysterious sounding Syndrome X. Sounds scary, hey?
It’s important to understand that Metabolic syndrome is not a disease. Metabolic Syndrome is a collection of health problems called “risk factors”. In order to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, you must have at least three or more of the following risk factors, so ask yourself the following questions:
• Do you have excess body fat around the waist? A waist measurement of more than 89cm for women and more than 101cm in men.
• Do have high blood pressure? Is your blood pressure at or above 130 mm Hg systolic (the top number) or 85 mm Hg diastolic (the bottom number).
• Do you have high blood sugar levels? A fasting blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL or higher; or you're already taking medication because you have high blood glucose levels.
• Do you have high cholesterol? An HDL cholesterol level (the "good" cholesterol) below 50 mg/dL in women and below 40 mg/dL in men
As you can see from these risk factors, you might not even be aware that you have Metabolic Syndrome! Most of the health conditions associated with metabolic syndrome have NO SYMPTOMS – the most noticeable sign of Metabolic Syndrome is a large, expanding waistline. For instance, people with symptoms of diabetes may experience, fatigue, increased thirst and urination. Metabolic syndrome definitely increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, high cholesterol, PCOS, fatty liver disease, asthma and even certain types of cancer. If you have more than one of these conditions in combination, you are even at greater risk.
Consult your doctor if you feel that you are at risk for Metabolic Syndrome - as an early diagnosis can help to prevent serious health problems.
What you can do to manage Metabolic Syndrome?
Introducing immediate lifestyle changes can make a significant difference if you have metabolic syndrome or any of the risk factor combinations.
1. Drop the weight
People who are overweight are more likely to have metabolic syndrome – however, not everyone who is overweight has it. Abdominal obesity is a definite indication of Metabolic Syndrome, and therefore could be putting your health at risk. Start by exercising to reverse this condition. If you haven’t exercised in a long time, and you are heavily overweight, you need to speak your doctor about what you can or can’t do. Gentle exercise such as walking every day for at least 45 minutes, followed by light running will help you to regain your strength and fitness levels. Joining a gym, swimming, dancing or doing an aerobic class can improve your blood pressure levels, how insulin works in your body and keep your blood lipid levels stable. Kick start your weight loss journey with two natural remedies from the Feelgood Health range that can assist with Metabolic Syndrome – EcoSlim and Detox Drops. EcoSlim boosts a sluggish metabolism, improves liver and digestive functioning, while helping you to maintain your ideal weight. Detox Drops is a herbal detox treatment which eliminates toxins, increases your energy levels and strengthens the immune system. Both of these herbal medicines can help you to lose weight and increase metabolic functioning – thereby decreasing your risk of Metabolic Syndrome.
2. Change your diet
Many health conditions, including Metabolic Syndrome, will improve by making certain dietary changes. If you are diabetic, replace processed, sugar-laden foods with whole grains, vegetables, and fruit. Add our Raw Moringa Juice For Diabetes which is a herbal juice to promote healthy blood sugar and insulin levels. This juice also reduces cravings for sweet foods and promotes the health and functioning of the liver, heart and pancreas. Keep your cholesterol levels down by choosing healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats such as olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado pear and fish. Cut out bad fats such as processed meats, full fat dairy products, fatty takeaway foods, pastries, biscuits and cakes. Sometimes not even changing your diet can completely help manage stubborn cholesterol levels. Turkey Tail helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, especially when you need that extra support.
3. Manage your conditions
If you’ve developed any of the components of Metabolic Syndrome, it is important to manage and control those health problems. People with high blood pressure are often prescribed blood pressure medications to keep levels stable. A gentle, more natural approach to control blood pressure is a healthy diet, cutting out smoking, adopting a regular exercise regime and incorporating a natural remedy for heart and blood pressure stability such as Feelgood Health’s HighRite. Used regularly, HighRite helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and keep arteries clear and functioning normally.
Although not exclusively linked to the menopause, metabolic changes occur during menopause – as well as those associated with conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – can often result in the development of the cluster of symptoms and conditions described above and therefore be at risk for Metabolic Syndrome. Menopausal women or those with PCOS and irregular periods are usually prescribed hormonal therapy which often comes with a set of unwanted side effects. In the Feelgood Health range, we have a powerful tonic called Don Quai for the female reproductive system which balances hormones and treats conditions such as PCOS. Another herbal remedy, MellowPause, is specifically formulated to address the hormonal imbalances of menopause and reduce symptoms like hot flushes, irritability and depression.
The thyroid is an organ that has a significant influence on metabolism and it therefore stands to reason that promoting thyroid health is an important factor in the control and prevention of Metabolic Syndrome. An underactive or sluggish thyroid can cause stubborn weight gain which does not respond easily to exercise or diet and can also cause depression and demotivation where nothing you do seems to help. Natural remedies for thyroid health can be very effective in addressing an underactive thyroid – see Thyroid Assist by Feelgood Health!
4. Be good to your mind and body
Stress has negative impact on your mind and body. Continued high stress levels can underlie the development of high blood pressure, weight gain, adrenal fatigue and other conditions that may put you at risk for Metabolic Syndrome. Does your blood pressure increase when you are feeling stressed, anxious or angry? Some of us resort to other bad habits to ease stress and make ourselves feel better – comfort eating, smoking, drinking alcohol or watching TV. Reduce stress by practicing deep breathing exercises, listening to calming music, going for a long, leisurely stroll or a heavenly spa treatment. On those days when you’re feeling overwhelmed, tense or stressed, keep our PureCalm on hand – this remedy will keep you calm and relaxed, and bring instant relief!
In summary, Metabolic Syndrome, like many other health conditions, can be treated by lifestyle changes which will have a positive impact on your health in general. While there is no ‘quick fix’, regular exercise, healthy eating habits, stress management and the use of natural medicines can greatly reduce the risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome as well as increase your general well being. Look after yourself – you deserve it!
If you have any health-related questions, please contact us or leave a comment below for FREE advice. We always love hearing from you!
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