According to The American Heart Association, syndrome X, now called the metabolic syndrome is characterized by a group of metabolic risk factors including excess fat around the abdomen; lipid disorders, consisting of high triglycerides, low HDL, or "good" cholesterol and high LDL, or "bad" cholesterol; high blood pressure; resistance to insulin's ability to regulate blood sugar; and the presence of prothrombotic and proinflammatory mediators in the blood, namely high fibrinogen or plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and elevated C-reactive protein, respectively.
High Fat Diets
According to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, metabolic syndrome has a strong nutritional component. The optimal ratio of carbohydrate to fat in the diet is unknown. Traditionally, a high fat diet is believed to cause several chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Unquestionably, the type of fat consumed is important. A diet high in saturated fat will make LDL cholesterol rise, which predisposes a person to coronary heart disease. However, a diet high in unsaturated fat will not increase the risk for coronary heart disease. In the Mediterranean, where olive oil use is high, rates of coronary heart disease and cancer are low. Olive oil is high in unsaturated fat.
High Carbohydrate Diets
With regard to the metabolic syndrome, there are also disadvantages to low-fat, high-carbohydrate diets because they can raise triglycerides, and lower HDL, or good cholesterol, which protects against the risk for coronary heart disease. A high level of triglycerides can contribute to hardening and narrowing of arteries, which can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Diabetes, obesity, kidney failure or alcoholism can also raise triglycerides.
High Fiber Diets
According to a study published in May 2000 in "The New England Journal of Medicine," a high intake of dietary fiber, improves glycemic control, decreases high levels of insulin and lowers plasma lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Nutritional Compounds
According to a 2005 article in "Current Nutrition & Food Science," nutritional compounds, such as policosanol, soy, plant stanols and esters, omega-3 fatty acids and chromium, decrease metabolic syndrome risk factors.
References
- American Heart Association: Metabolic Syndrome
- University of Texas Southwestern: Metabolic Syndrome
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; Beneficial Effects of High Dietary Fiber intake in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus; Manisha Chandalia; May 11, 2000
- "Current Nutrition & Food Science"; Nutritional Supplements Modulating Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors and the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease; Vijaya Juturu1; 2005.
