Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. AN UPDATE ON VITAMIN C & THE IMMUNE SYSTEM, INVITEⓇ HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 606 Hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where …
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. IS IT A COLD? INVITEⓇ HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 605 Hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast where our degreed health care professionals …
Written by: Claire Arcidiacono, ND
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]†
Last week I wrote about the individual parts of metabolic syndrome. But today we are going to take a step back and look at metabolic syndrome as a whole. As I previously said metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when 3 of the following chronic health concerns are present: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low HDL. (1) In the prior blog I listed all the risk factors for each individual component of metabolic syndrome. Since these risk factors were discussed in the last blog I won’t list them again however I did want to say that they do increase the likelihood of ending up developing metabolic syndrome. The general risk factors for metabolic syndrome include dietary factors, most importantly a high sugar diet including sugar-laden beverages. A western style diet that contains highly processed foods as well as foods high in trans fats is also a risk factor.
LIFESTYLE IMPACTS METABOLIC SYNDROME
Lifestyle concerns that increase the risk of metabolic syndrome include being sedentary/ having low physical activity, excessive alcohol intake, as well as poor sleep/ and high stress levels. Increased age has also been found to be a risk factor for metabolic syndrome.
INFLAMMATION
There is also evidence that the presence of inflammation which is indicated by the presence of inflammation markers such as C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, interleukin 6, TNF alpha are signs that the individual has a higher risk of metabolic syndrome.
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASES
Certain autoimmune disease’s such as psoriasis and psoriasis arthritis are associated with metabolic syndrome. In those with chronic pulmonary disease (COPD) metabolic syndrome is found in up to 50% of patients. More research is needed to determine if the metabolic syndrome caused the COPD or if the COPD lead to the metabolic syndrome. Genetics also appear to be a risk factor. (2)
COMPLICATIONS
Metabolic syndrome potentially has all the complications of its individual components. Specifically it also has its own severe complications. These complications can include type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, strokes, kidney disease, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Other potential complications can include hyperuricemia or increased uric acid, PCOS, erectile dysfunction and acanthosis. (3)
As I have previous stated the diagnosis criteria for metabolic syndrome is the presence of any 3 of the 5 preexisting conditions. For the diagnosis criteria for each of the 5 medical conditions please see my prior blog.
MANAGEMENT
Management of metabolic syndrome requires a multi fascinated approach. Some of the preexisting conditions require treatment that works rapidly. For example in the case of high blood pressure side effects of extremely high blood pressure can include stroke. In this case while supplements can be helpful to work with medications they do not replace needed proscription medications. Diet, lifestyle and even certain medications a long with the following medications can all help manage metabolic syndrome.
ICYMI: METABOLIC SYNDROME>>READ NOW!
SOLUTIONS & SUPPORT
A Mediterranean diet has been found in studies to help with the different aspects of metabolic syndrome including high blood pressure, high triglycerides, obesity and high blood sugar. (4)
Lifestyle changes that can help with metabolic syndrome include reducing alcohol intake, reducing sugar intake, increasing activity. (5)
Reducing stress is also helpful! L-theanine (6) and Hemp (7) have both been found to help reduce stress levels as well as help with sleep! Phosphatidylserine has been found to reduce cortisol levels which as we all know is the stress hormone. (8). for these products please see Invite’s L theanine, Phosphatidylserine and our varied Hemp/CBD products!
Reducing high blood pressure is very important.
Studies show that Hawthorne is effective at lowering blood pressure after 12 weeks. (9) In addition to helping with blood sugar (see my prior article on diabetes type 2) Magnesium is proving its worth as it also helps with blood pressure! Studies find it to be very helpful in lowering blood pressure. (10) Very similar to magnesium in that according to studies is found to help both blood sugar and high blood pressure is grape seed! (11) In studies both cocoa (12) and beets (13) have been found to help lower blood pressure! For these products please look at Invite’s Cardio Hx, Normo-Tensive, Grape Seed Extract, and Daily Multivitamin with Grape Seed, Cocoa Hx, Beets Hx and our extensive line of magnesium products!
Abdominal obesity is mostly addressed with diet however there are things that can be helpful! Studies have found green tea to be helpful with combating abdominal obesity. (14) Additionally since Phosphatidylserine helps lower cortisol hypothetically it can help abdominal obesity. (8) See Invite’s Green Tea TX, Green Tea Hx and Green Tea Fat Burner!
Triglycerides can be lowered by both omega 3s (15) and reducing sugar in the diet. (16) See Invite’s fish oil and Krill oil!
In addition to lowering triglycerides omega 3s can also increase HDL! (17)
Please see my diabetes type 2 blog for helpful hints on managing type 2 diabetes!
DIABETES TYPE 2>>READ NOW!
Next week we will delve into other forms of high blood sugar such as gestational diabetes, stress induced high blood sugar, “type 3 diabetes” and lastly drug induced high blood sugar.
REFERENCES
1.”Metabolic syndrome”. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 10 Sep 2020.
2.Chan SM, Selemidis S, Bozinovski S, Vlahos R (June 2019). “Pathobiological mechanisms underlying metabolic syndrome (MetS) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): clinical significance and therapeutic strategies”. Pharmacol Ther. 198: 160–188. doi:10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.02.013. PMC 7112632. PMID 30822464.
3.”Metabolic Syndrome: Risk Factors, Diagnosis, and More”. Healthline. 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
4.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5352455/
5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5377429/
6.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6836118/
7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/
8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503954/
9.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2212958817301106
10.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22051430/
11.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5370781/
12.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28439881/
13.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6316347/
14.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8910422/
15.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33720044/
16.https://www.wellrx.com/news/reducing-sugar-to-control-triglycerides-and-cholesterol-levels/
17.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5827911/#:~:text=Omega%2D3%20PUFAs%2C%20especially%20DHA,and%20VLDL%2C%20and%20increases%20HDL.
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. Hosted by Jerry Hickey, Ph. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care professionals are excited to offer you the most important …
Subscribe Today! Please see below for a complete transcript of this episode. ESTROGEN DOMINANCE, INVITE HEALTH PODCAST, EPISODE 603 Hosted by Dr. Kayanne McDermott, ND. *Intro Music* InViteⓇ Health Podcast Intro: [00:00:04] Welcome to the InViteⓇ Health Podcast, where our degreed health care professionals …
Written by Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
For further questions or concerns email me at [email protected]
So far in this series we have talked about quite a few different variations of high blood sugar. Metabolic syndrome is a huge risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. However it is a very complex concern that I felt it needed its very own blog. What exactly is metabolic syndrome? Metabolic syndrome occurs when an individual has at least 3 of the following: abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, high triglycerides and low HDL. In the United States 25% of adults have metabolic syndrome.† (1)
One of the most visible signs of metabolic syndrome is what is known as central obesity. Central obesity is what is colloquially referred to as being “apple shaped”. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) central obesity is defined in men where there is a waist: hip ratio >.90 and in women .85. The WHO also classifies a BMI >30 as central obesity. (2) If you are curious as to what that means in inches the American heart association (AHA) says a waist circumference of > or equal to 40 inches in men or 35 inches in a female is classified as central obesity.† (3)
COMMON RISK FACTORS
The risk factors for obesity include a dietary intake of calories that is greater than what is used. (4) In addition to this, there is evidence that a high intake of Trans fats and sugar can increase risk of central obesity. (5) Other risk factors include a high meat diet as well as a diet high in processed foods. (6) In men (but not women) Alcohol consumption is also a risk factor. (7) Stress is another known risk factor. (8) Central obesity is a complex issue with many risk factors. In this article I just covered the most common risk factors.†
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
High blood pressure is basically where the pressure in the arteries is higher than normal. High blood pressure is considered to be present when there is a consistent blood pressure reading of 130/80 – 140/90. One of the most common causes of high blood pressure is where plaque builds up in the arteries causing both a blockage in the artery as well as the artery wall to become “hard” so that it can’t expand to allow a greater amount of blood to flow. One way to think of this is to think of blood pressure as being similar to water pressure in a hose. The water in the hose is under a certain amount of pressure so it can move through the hose. If you constrict the hose then more pressure is needed for the water to go through it, the water pressure is higher. The same is true for blood in our arteries. There are different causes for blood pressure to be elevated and narrowing of our arteries is just one. High blood pressure is classified as either primary or secondary hypertension. Approximately 90-95% of high blood pressure is primary hypertension. Primary hypertension is defined as high blood pressure that is due to nonspecific lifestyle and genetic factors. These factors can include excess salt, smoking, alcohol intake and obesity. Secondary hypertension which makes up the remaining 5-10% of all cases of high blood pressure has an identifiable cause. These include kidney disease, having an endocrine disorder, or using birth control pills. While hypertension rarely has symptoms there can be headaches, feeling lightheaded, vertigo, tinnitus and even fainting spells! (9)High blood sugar has been covered in depth in the previous 2 blogs. For the high blood sugar risk factors as well as symptoms that is associated with metabolic syndrome I would refer to the prediabetes blogs as well as the type 2 diabetes blog.†
High triglycerides is exactly what it sounds like. On a blood test, triglycerides are high. Most people with high triglycerides have no signs or symptoms which is why routine blood work is so important. High triglycerides are diagnosed when triglycerides are over 150 mg/Dl. Risk factors for high triglycerides include obesity, high blood sugar excess alcohol intake, kidney failure, genetic predisposition, lipoprotein lipase deficiency, cholesterol storage disease. Even certain medications can increase triglycerides. Certain chronic diseases such as hypothyroidism, lupus, and glycogen store disease are also risk factors.† (10)
HDL is what is usually referred to as “good cholesterol”. The higher the HDL level the more cardio-protective it is considered to be. Conversely the lower the HDL the higher the risk of cardiovascular disease. Blood tests for HDL that are under 40 for men and under 50 for women are considered to be low. If the blood test is between 40-59 for both men and women it is considered to be at a medium level. If the blood test shows that HDL is above 59 it is considered an optimal level. Diet and lifestyle are risk factors for low HDL. If the diet has low unsaturated fats and high trans fats, as well low omega 3s, this is a risk factor for low HDL.†
LIFESTYLE RISK FACTORS
Other lifestyle risk factors include obesity, high alcohol intake, smoking and a lack of activity. Stress is also a risk factor for low HDL.†(11)
SUMMARY
As I said in the beginning metabolic syndrome is a complex topic. In this blog I have broken down the syndrome by each individual component. Next week we will be continuing on with metabolic syndrome, however I will be putting together all the pieces. What are the general risk factors for metabolic syndrome? What are the possible complications of metabolic syndrome? Lastly what can be done to help combat metabolic syndrome?†
For further questions or concerns, email me at [email protected]†
REFERENCES
Falkner B, Crossbow ND (July 2014). “Prevalence of metabolic syndrome and obesity-associated hypertension in the racial ethnic minorities of the United States”. Current Hypertension Reports. 16 (7): 449. Doi: 10.1007/s11906-014-0449-5. PMC 4083846. PMID 24819559.
Alberta KG, et al. (1999). “Definition, Diagnosis, and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus and its Complications” (PDF). World Health Organization. pp. 32–33. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 August 2014. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
Grundy SM, Brewer HB, Coleman JI, Smith SC, L’Enfant C (January 2004). “Definition of metabolic syndrome: Report of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute/American Heart Association conference on scientific issues related to definition”. Circulation. 109 (3): 433–38. Doi: 10.1161/01.CIR.0000111245.75752.C6. PMC 1880831. PMID 14744958.
Stanhope KL, Havel PJ (March 2010). “Fructose consumption: recent results and their potential implications”. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 1190 (1): 15–24. Bibcode: 2010NYASA1190…15S. Doi: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.05266.x. PMC 3075927. PMID 20388133.
Kho-Banerjee P, Chu NF, Spiegelman D, Rodner B, Cowlitz G, Willett W, Rim E (October 2003). “Prospective study of the association of changes in dietary intake, physical activity, alcohol consumption, and smoking with 9-y gain in waist circumference among 16 587 US men”. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 78 (4): 719–27. Doi: 10.1093/acne/78.4.719. PMID 14522729.
Monteiro, Carlos Augusto; Cannon, Geoffrey; Mubarak, Jean-Claude; Levy, Renata Bortuzzo; Loused, Maria Laura C.; Jaime, Patricia Constanta (January 2018). “The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processing”. Public Health Nutrition. 21 (1): 5–17. Doi: 10.1017/S1368980017000234. ISSN 1368-9800. PMID 28322183.
Schroder H, Morales-Molina JA, Bermejo S, Barrel D, Mandolin ES, Gray M, et al. (October 2007). “Relationship of abdominal obesity with alcohol consumption at population scale” (PDF). European Journal of Nutrition. 46 (7): 369–76. Doi: 10.1007/s00394-007-0674-7. PMID 17885722. S2CID 7185367.
Carey D.G.P. (1998). Abdominal Obesity. Current Opinion in Lipid ology. (pp. 35-40). Vol. 9, No 1. Retrieved on April 9, 2012.
Pouter NR, Prabhakaran D, Caulfield M (August 2015). “Hypertension”. Lancet. 386 (9995): 801–812. doi:10.1016/s0140-6736(14)61468-9. PMID 25832858. S2CID 208792897.
Pejic RN, Lee DT (May–Jun 2006). “Hypertriglyceridemia”. Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. 19 (3): 310–316. doi:10.3122/jabfm.19.3.310. PMID 16672684.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-density_lipoprotein