Metabolic Syndrome

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome consists of various medical disorders which increase your chances of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The growing number of patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome has increased drastically in both the United States and Japan in recent years.

Some symptoms of metabolic syndrome include: central obesity (fat deposits are concentrated around the waist area), high blood pressure, fasting hyperglycemia, decreased HDL cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides. Diseases and signs which are linked to metabolic syndrome are: fatty liver, uric acid levels, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hemochromatosis, and acanthosis nigricans.

Causes and prevention of metabolic syndrome

The three major factors contributing to metabolic syndrome are aging, genetics, and your lifestyle. While you may not have any control over the aging process or genetics, you are able to alter your lifestyle to lower your risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Such things as regular exercise, maintaining a proper diet, and keeping your calorie count at a safe level will help prevent metabolic syndrome.

In today's world where everyone is supersizing their meals and spending long hours in front of the TV or computer, finding the time to exercise or keeping track of your calories might seem like a difficult task indeed. However, if you get into the habit of preparing your meals at home and taking a refreshing walk as often as possible, you will reduce your chances for many diseases such as metabolic syndrome. By eating out less, you will have more control over the content and calories of your meals, and exercising burns calories so you'll feel a lot better in the long run