METABOLIC SYNDROME X
Since the 1940’s, scientists have made the connection between certain metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease. In the 1980’s, the term metabolic syndrome was used to describe “a cluster of metabolic risk factors that come together in a single individual”. It has also come to be known as insulin resistance syndrome, metabolic syndrome X, or simple syndrome X.
There are five commonly described traits, three of which an individual must qualify under, before being diagnosed with metabolic syndrome:
1. Abdominal obesity: a waist circumference over 40″ in men, 35″ in women.
2. Serum triglycerides (fats) of 150mg or above.
3. Lower levels of HDL, or good cholesterol (under 40mg in men, 50mg in women).
4. High blood pressure, 130/85 or higher.
5. Fasting blood glucose levels of 110mg or above.
The World Health Organization has slightly different criteria.
Metabolic syndrome is also associated with fat accumulation in the liver, resulting in inflammation. Long-term testosterone replacement therapy has been seen to greatly improve the condition of the liver.
The preferred primary treatment for metabolic syndrome is diet and exercise. In other words, get moving and eat an apple a day!
A “Mediterranean-style” diet seems to have positive effects. This exact diet can vary, but generally consists of consuming high amounts of fruits, vegetables, breads and other cereals, beans, nuts, seeds, with olive oil being the key monounsaturated fat source. Dairy products, fish and poultry are consumed in low to moderate amounts, red meats are kept to a minimum, eggs are only consumed up to 4x/week and wine is allowed in low to moderate amounts.
Prescribed exercise consists of 30-minute sessions, five times a week. Your doctor will be able to advise you how to begin, based on your current fitness level. Exercise brings down your blood pressure, stress levels, insulin sensitivity and cholesterol levels, even if no weight loss is achieved.
Q: What do you think of the criteria for diagnosing syndrome X? Have you tried the Mediterranean Diet?