Metabolic syndrome is becoming one of the most major medical problems in the United States, according to the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Metabolic syndrome is a compilation of numerous conditions, that when combined, are a precursor to heart disease and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome deals with your body's metabolic processes and is proving to be a multidisciplinary challenge with a strong nutritional link.
Definition of Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is known by several names, including syndrome X, insulin resistance syndrome and metabolic syndrome X. To diagnose this condition, several risk factors must be present. Diagnostic criteria must consist of at least three of the following: high triglycerides above 150 mg/dL; blood pressure greater than 130/ 85 mmHg; abdominal obesity with a waist circumference for women greater than 35 inches, and for men 40 inches; and insulin resistance/glucose intolerance with a fasting blood sugar of more than 100 mg/dL.
Fruits and Vegetables
Your mother was right: Eat your vegetables and fruits. Plants contain sterols, a type of plant cholesterol called sitosterol. When ingested, sterols interfere with the absorption of cholesterol and may decrease your LDL -- bad cholesterol -- levels. Plants also contain antioxidants, another prize-fighter against the war on heart disease. In metabolic syndrome, chronic inflammation affects the cells and tissues of your body. Antioxidants are found in abundance in fruits and vegetables and help to reduce the inflammation.
Carbohydrates and Proteins
A diet high in carbohydrates may tend to exacerbate the symptomatology of metabolic syndrome. Meals that contain high amounts of carbohydrates increase your blood glucose levels, which raise your insulin levels, and may mimic some of the symptoms seen in metabolic syndrome, and increase the abnormal lipid, or fat, and glucose balance. A diet low in carbohydrates and higher in proteins may not produce that effect. A 2004 review in the "Journal of the American College of Cardiology" states that a low-carb and high-protein diet may have beneficial results for those with metabolic syndrome.
Types of Fats
Fats high in saturated fats, or animal fats, tend to promote obesity and raise LDL cholesterol, or bad cholesterol. This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reduce or avoid fats. Eating lean meats, more fish and using vegetable-based oils, such as canola, olive, sunflower and peanut oil, may help reduce the saturated fats in your diet.
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