Metabolic Syndrome is a disease that is growing in prevalence across the United States. Abdominal obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are just some of the individual conditions that contribute to diagnosis of this disease. While there are several conditions that make up this disease, several treatments can cure this disease. Overall, positive changes to lifestyle can have a tremendously positive effect on the disease.
Exercise
Exercise has long been an effective treatment for Metabolic Syndrome. In the textbook "NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training," the authors explain that exercise is the most effective form of treatment for the cluster of conditions related to Metabolic Syndrome. Additionally, in the October 2003 journal of "Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, researchers revealed that aerobic training can be quite effective for treating people with Metabolic Syndrome. The study had 105 participants who all had Metabolic Syndrome. After the implementation of aerobic training, 30.5 percent of participants no longer had Metabolic Syndrome.
Diet
Recent research has shown that diet is an integral part of treating Metabolic Syndrome. In the 2007 Journal of "Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism," researchers pinpoint a combination of dietary recommendations for the effective treatment of Metabolic Syndrome. The researchers suggest that a diet that encompasses low saturated and trans fat, balanced carbohydrate consumption and plenty of fruits and vegetables is most effective in treating Metabolic Syndrome.
Drug Therapy
While diet and exercise should always be the first line of treatment, drugs can also be an effective method for reduction of risks factors for Metabolic Syndrome. In a 2005 issue of "Circulation," researchers concluded in an executive summary that drug therapy is an appropriate course of treatment for people with over 10 years of risk factors related to the condition. Specifically, drugs that lower cholesterol levels and high blood pressure can be effective in terms of managing and eradicating Metabolic Syndrome.
References
- "The NSCA's Essentials of Personal Training: Human Kinetics," 1st Ed.; R. Earle and T. Baechle; 2003.
- Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise: "Targeting the Metabolic Syndrome with Exercise: Evidence from the Heritage Family Study"; P. Katzmarzyk, et. al. October 2003.
- Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism: "Nutritional Strategies in the Prevention and Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome"; S. Feldeisen and K. Tucker. 2007.
- Circulation: "Diagnosis and Management of Metabolic Syndrome: An American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Scientific Statement: Executive Summary"; S. Grundy, et. al. 2005.
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