Do you have characteristics associated with metabolic syndrome? If your answer is yes, you are at increased risk for several chronic and potentially life-threatening conditions, including heart disease.
Statistics on the prevalence of heart disease in the United States are grim. Every 20 seconds, a person suffers a heart attack. Every 34 seconds, a person dies from heart disease. And although women are aware of the risk of breast cancer, they tend to underestimate their risk of heart disease despite the fact that heart disease is the number-one killer of women. Contrary to the notion that only men are at risk, heart disease accounts for one out of every three deaths of American women.
In the ongoing quest to improve heart health, researchers are focusing on risk factors collectively referred to as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome, as defined by the American Heart Association, includes excess belly fat, high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), low levels of good cholesterol (HDL), high blood pressure and diabetes or prediabetes.
While some members of the medical community debate the usefulness of the descriptive label, the concept has taken hold, and individuals who are susceptible to diabetes and heart disease can benefit from understanding how to minimize the associated medical risks.
Researchers assert that while some risk factors for heart disease are out of our control (genetics, family history, age, race and ethnicity), other risk factors can be controlled and managed.
Joseph Piscatella, a cardiac health expert, cautions that one of the most dangerous risk factors in cardiac health is excess weight—especially when stored in the belly. In his recent book, Prevent, Halt & Reverse Heart Disease: 109 Things You Can Do, Piscatella breaks down the syndrome and offers practical prevention strategies. The book is packed with tips on how to lose weight, exercise and reduce stress.
The author has taken his own advice. At age 32, Piscatella underwent bypass surgery because he suffered from an aggressive form of coronary disease. Doctors told Piscatella to get his affairs in order—he wouldn’t see his forties. Thirty years later, Piscatella is healthier than ever and he is passionately committed to helping others adopt life-affirming habits.
Piscatella’s views are also consistent with research findings:
Eating High-Fructose Corn Syrup Increases Risk for Metabolic Syndrome: Rats fed a portion of high-fructose corn syrup along with their regular food gained significantly more weight than rats fed regular sugar. The study, reported in the Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior journal, found that rats fed a diet consisting of high-fructose corn syrup for six months showed significant signs of metabolic syndrome. At the practical level, the research suggests that individuals seeking to reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome should consumer less soda, especially when you consider that humans drink soda that contains twice as much high-fructose corn syrup as the syrup fed to the rats in this experiment.
Mediterranean Diet Reduces Risk of Metabolic Syndrome: A meta-analysis of 500,000 participants suggests that the Mediterranean diet, long known to improve heart health, also reduces the risk for developing metabolic syndrome. The study, conducted by researchers in Greece and Italy, found that a Mediterranean diet reduces blood pressure, blood sugar and triglyceride levels. In addition, the diet triggers an increase in good cholesterol levels.
Pine Bark Extract Reduces Metabolic Syndrome Symptoms: Pine bark extract appears to lower the risk factors of metabolic syndrome. The conclusion is based on a study conducted in Italy involving 58 patients who met the criteria for metabolic syndrome and were receiving treatment for high blood pressure. The patients were divided into two groups, and one group received pine bark extract (Pycnogenol) in tablet form in addition to the blood pressure medication all subjects were given.
The researchers may have selected pine bark for experimentation because the tree has been used medicinally for centuries. Because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the extract has variously been used to treat scurvy, heal wounds, improve male fertility and reduce hemorrhoids.
After six months, researchers found that the group taking pine bark tablets experienced a drop in blood pressure, as well as an improved fasting blood glucose level. The results are promising, and more studies are planned.
Nearly 70 percent of Americans are overweight or obese; consequently, the quest to find ways to prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome is urgent. The cost in personal lives and medical expenses will become prohibitively high if remedies, treatments and regimens are not developed.
But we needn’t wait for a medical solution. Even before researchers give us the answers, we can take practical steps to avoid metabolic syndrome. We can eat more healthfully (and drink less soda), exercise more faithfully, get adequate rest and manage our day-to-day stresses. All of these actions are within our control. And we need to begin while we still have the opportunity to do so.
Photo courtesy of Hobbes Yeo