Metabolic Syndrome

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

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Metabolic Syndrome is an increasing health crisis around the globe. Approximately one-third of the US population has this condition.

Metabolic Syndrome refers to a collection of symptoms and characteristics.

If you only have one or two of the following, it does not mean you have the condition but have an increased risk of developing it or other health issues in the future. 

What are the symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome?

The following are characteristics of Metabolic Syndrome:

• High triglycerides 
• Abdominal fat
• Insulin resistance
• High blood sugars
• Obesity
• Large weight circumference 

What are the Causes of Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic Syndrome

Can be induced by poor lifestyle habits such as consuming excessive amounts of energy-dense foods such as high fat and sugars and lack of physical activity.

Other lifestyle habits that can contribute to metabolic syndrome include smoking, high amounts of stress, poor sleep, and alcohol consumption.

There are also genetic risks for developing metabolic syndrome. The combination of lifestyle and genetic factors can predispose people to be more at risk of developing future health problems. 

Syndrome X

Is similar to Metabolic Syndrome but the difference is that there are more cardiovascular symptoms seen with it compared to Metabolic Syndrome. People who are diagnosed with Syndrome X experience angina.

Angina is a condition where the tiny vessels of the heart are dysfunctional and are constricted and can cause chest pain and tightness. 

What are the Symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome?

There are no symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome, usually, there are clinical signs such as obesity, abdominal/belly fat, increased thirst and urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. It can easily be diagnosed at your doctor's office with standard blood tests and physical examinations. 

How do you Test for Metabolic Syndrome?

Blood tests that will show Metabolic Syndrome include:

• Lipid panel
  • Standard lipid testing
    • Tests for Good cholesterol HDL
      • HDL < 50 mg/dL in women
      • HDL < 40 mg/dL in men
    • Tests for Triglycerides (TG)
      • Excess calories which are converted into fat 
      • TG need to be <150 mg/dL
  • Detailed lipid testing
    • Cardio IQ - looks for Lipoproteins sizes such as:
      • Low dense Lipoproteins LDL-P
      • LDL-C
      • Small dense LDL 
    • Lp(a) - looks for genetic factors that influence lipid levels
• Glucose Tests
  • HA1c
    • Elevated HA1c > 5.6% in men and women
  • Fasting glucose
    • Fasting glucose > 100 mg/dL in men and women
• Insulin levels
  • Insulin levels > 25 mIU/L in men and women 

Physical Examinations that show Metabolic Syndrome:

• Waist Circumference Measurement
  • High waist circumference for women is > 35 inches around the waist
  • High waist circumference for men is >40 inches around the waist
• Blood pressure
  • BP exceeding 130/85

What are the Treatments for Metabolic Syndrome?

Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome can vary anywhere from an allopathic medical approach to a naturopathic medical approach.

In allopathic/traditional Western Medicine, the emphasis is to use medications to manage symptoms. A naturopathic approach employs what is also known as an Integrative medicine or Functional medicine approach which places a heavy emphasis on lifestyle factors.

This approach believes that Metabolic Syndrome is reversible without medication, however, this requires complete patient compliance with the dedication to health so that the risks are managed through healthy eating, good sleep hygiene, regular physical exercise, and stress management.

Here are some basic naturopathic lifestyle recommendations that can help you with Metabolic Syndrome:

• Exercise
  • Aim to get at least 30 mins of moderate physical activity at least 3-4 times per week.
• Sleep
  • Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
• Stress
  • Aim to write in a journal or do some mediation activity for at least 5 minutes every day. 
• Sunlight Exposure
  • Aim to get at least 30 minutes of sunlight exposure daily as this can help boost your energy and mood .
• Nutrition
  • Aim to consume at least 5-10 servings of fruits and vegetables daily as this fiber intake can help you stabilize your fuel levels throughout the day  and help your bowel movements to be more regular. 

Can you reverse your Metabolic Syndrome?

1. Schedule your New Patient Appointment with Natural Endocrinology Specialists™ to get started.
2. We will help you understand your baseline levels and help design a specific treatment plan that is specific to helping you achieve optimal wellness. This plan usually takes a comprehensive lifestyle approach by focusing on nutrition/diet, exercise, sleep and stress management recommendations. In addition, supplements and medications can also be a part of your treatment plan.
3. Help prepare for your visits by listing all your medications and supplements and bring them with you to your first appointment.
4. At your follow up appointments, your progress will be monitored and the treatment plan will be adjusted accordingly based on your results. 

Case Study: Hyperprolactinemia 🔍

A 41 year old female presented to clinic with a history of hair loss, migraines, elevated prolactin, irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. She was on medication (Cabergoline) to lower her prolactin levels. We had her do labs and follow-up 3 weeks later. At that visit, I had her stop her Cabergoline and started her on a multivitamin, DHEA, and magnesium gel. Two months later, she reported that she got her period and was having a regular period. She also reported less hair shedding and no migraines. At that visit, we supplemented her with calcium and magnesium and said