Do You Have Syndrome X?
Syndrome X - This serious health disorder strikes nearly one in four and most people aren't aware they have this deadly combination of serious health disorders. Here's what you need to know to asses and lower your risk of Syndrome X.
(PRWEB) June 1, 2003
Syndrome X— the name may sound mysterious, but the problem is far more common than you would think. This prevalent health disorder affects nearly one in four adults and significantly increases one’s risk of dying from a heart attack or stroke. Some physicians even believe that Syndrome X increases risk for all age-related disorders. Here is what you need to know to assess and lower your risk of developing this serious condition.
Syndrome X is a term that actually describes a group of health disorders caused by insulin resistance that include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, abdominal obesity (or a pot belly), and blood-sugar problems.
What is insulin resistance you ask? Insulin resistance occurs when our bodyÂ’s cells lose their sensitivity to insulin, a hormone that helps glucose enter the cells where itÂ’s used for energy. Insulin resistance is usually a precursor to type 2 diabetes (also known as adult onset diabetes), but itÂ’s almost always tied to obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol levels. Researchers first noticed the connection more than a decade ago and began calling it Syndrome X.
Experts donÂ’t know what causes insulin resistance and Syndrome X. One risk factor is genetics. For instance, if type 2 diabetes (also known as adult onset diabetes) runs in your family, itÂ’s likely that you will develop diabetes at some point in your life. But researchers are also focusing on diet and activity level as risk factors.
Within the last twenty years, people are eating fewer nutritious foods such as vegetables and, instead, are consuming foods rich in refined sugars, fats (e. g., hydrogenated oils, trans fats), and carbohydrates (pastas, sweet breads, cookies, etc.). Researchers speculate that a steady diet of refined foods, paired with a sedentary lifestyle, interferes with the bodyÂ’s ability to convert glucose to energy, and could explain why so many countries have seen rates of diabetes, obesity, and other cardiovascular-related conditions spike in recent years.
What is Your Risk?
Below are some risk factors associated with Syndrome X. The more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to have Syndrome X.
• Family History/Heredity. A familial history of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease automatically puts you at greater risk for Syndrome X. Also, Syndrome X is more common among African Americans, Latinos, native Hawaiians, and some Asian Americans.
• Obesity. People with upper body obesity or excess fat around the stomach or middle are more likely to develop Syndrome X than thin people. One doesn’t necessarily have to be obese to have Syndrome X— even packing around an extra ten pounds increases a person’s risk.
• Glucose Intolerance. If you haven’t had your glucose or blood sugar levels tested, now might be the time. The U. S. Centers for Disease Control recommends men and women over the age of 25 get tested. Check with your doctor about a glucose tolerance test. A fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or higher means you have insulin resistance.
• Elevated Cholesterol. Checked your cholesterol lately? Your doctor can conduct a blood test to measure your levels. The higher your cholesterol, the greater your risk for Syndrome X and cardiovascular complications. Beware of a total cholesterol level of 240 mg/dL or more and a triglycerides level above 160 mg/dL.
• High blood pressure. Normally, a person’s blood pressure should be 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension or high blood pressure is a consistent reading of anything more than 140/90 mm Hg.
How To Prevent X
The good news is that you can lower your risk of Syndrome X. If you or a loved one has type 2 diabetes or the disorders comprising Syndrome X, there are certain diet and lifestyle changes one can follow to prevent or manage Syndrome X.
• Lose weight. Even losing five or ten pounds can improve insulin sensitivity and significantly cut one’s risk of heart attack and stroke.
• Exercise. Numerous studies show that exercise can improve insulin sensitivity. In addition, exercise lowers high blood pressure, helps you lose weight, and reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Experts recommend 30 minutes of exercise a day for five days a week, but even 15 to 20 minutes a day of walking can help.
• Check Yourself. Know your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Schedule a checkup with your doctor and request these important health tests when you schedule the appointment.
• Eat a balanced diet. If your diet mainly consists of soda, snack foods, and refined carbs (think pasta, breads, white rice), it’s time to make some changes. Eliminate soft drinks and reduce your consumption of refined carbohydrates. Add additional servings of protein (lean meats, eggs) and non-starchy vegetables to your diet like broccoli, cauliflower, lettuce and greens. These foods won’t raise glucose and insulin levels and they provide essential nutrients like minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants important for glucose metabolism and general good health.
• Consider dietary supplements. Studies show that certain minerals, vitamins and nutrients can reduce the risk of Syndrome X, and, in many instances, can help reverse Syndrome X, in addition to boosting general health. First, take a multi-mineral/vitamin supplement that provides 100 percent of the RDA for all essential minerals and vitamins. Second, consider additional supplements like magnesium (preferably ionic magnesium or magnesium chloride forms), alpha-lipoic acid (an antioxidant), vitamins C and E, chromium ( an essential trace mineral), and Coenzyme Q-10. Ideally, you want a supplement balanced with each of these minerals and vitamins rather than one or two nutrients to support glucose metabolism and cardiovascular health.
To learn more about Syndrome X including the beneficial effects of certain nutrients on glucose tolerance and Syndrome X, visit www. mineralresourcesint. com.
###
About Mineral Resources International
Family owned and operated since 1969, Mineral Resources International (MRI) is a leading manufacturer of quality liquid, tablet, and bulk nutritional dietary supplements using minerals and trace minerals harvested from UtahÂ’s Great Salt Lake. MRIÂ’s products are distributed worldwide through a variety of distribution channels including health food stores, salons and estheticians, natural health care practitioners and network marketing and mail order. For more information about Mineral Resources International, call (800) 731-7866 or visit www. mineralresourcesint. com
