What is Metabolic Syndrome?
According to the American Heart Association over 47 million Americans (1 in 6 people) are afflicted with this health condition. Not actually a disease itself, Metabolic Syndrome is a group of risk factors that include high blood pressure, high blood sugar, unhealthy cholesterol and stored abdominal fat. Each of these risk factors alone is not the problem. The combination of these risk factors doubles the risks for developing cardiovascular disease which can lead to strokes and heart attacks. The risks for having diabetes is 5 times the risk experienced by those individuals who do not have the above mentioned health concerns.
Risk Factors for Metabolic Syndrome
According to the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, there are five risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome.
Large Waist Size |
For men: 40 inches or larger For women: 35 inches or larger |
Cholesterol: High Triglycerides |
Either
150 mg/dL or higher or Using a cholesterol medicine |
Cholesterol: Low Good Cholesterol (HDL) |
Either
For men: Less than 40 mg/dL or Using a cholesterol medicine |
| High Blood Pressure | Either
Having blood pressure of 135/85 mm Hg or greater or Using a high blood pressure medicine |
Blood Sugar: High Fasting Glucose Level |
100 mg/dL or higher |
To be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, you would have at least three of these risk factors.
How can you lower your risks for Metabolic Syndrome Naturally?
High Blood Pressure:
-Magnesium is critical for the relaxation of the smooth muscle that makes up the structure of blood vessels. It is also important for maintaining a healthy balance of sodium and potassium. Both of these functions help support normal, healthy blood pressure.
-Clinical studies show that hawthorn has a powerful affect on the maintenance of normal, healthy blood pressure, by helping to relax blood vessels.
-The active ingredient in Coleus forskohlii, forskolin, increases cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) which is important for supporting healthy blood pressure and the overall efficiency of heart function.
-Studies show taurine is important for normal, healthy blood pressure, heart muscle contraction and helping to maintain overall heart function.
. Hops has a calming affect on the central nervous system which helps support normal, healthy blood pressure, particularly during times of physical and mental stress.
Blood Glucose Support:
– GlucoHelp™ a branded form of the herb Lagerstroemia speciosa, standardized to 1% corosolic acid has been show to support normal, healthy blood glucose levels.
– Gymnema sylvestre, an Indian herb, has been shown to support normal, healthy blood sugar, as well as insulin production.
-ChromeMate®, a branded form of chromium picolinate, has numerous scientific studies demonstrating its safety and efficacy in supporting healthy blood glucose metabolism, particularly helping to support normal, healthy insulin function.
– Vanadyl sulfate, a trace mineral, seems to have a similar effect to chromium, helping support normal, healthy insulin function.
-Jerusalem artichoke and fenugreek, both herbs, provide a synergistic support for healthy blood sugar levels. They work to slow down the absorption of glucose in the intestinal tract.
– Ginkgo biloba, bilberry, alpha lipoic and citrus bioflavonoids all help provide support for the neurological and vascular systems which might be affected by high blood glucose levels.
– Milk thistle, an herb, helps support and protect the liver from the effects associated with abnormal glucose metabolism.
Healthy Cholesterol Levels:
Many individuals with elevated cholesterol have been able to improve their cardiovascular health through diet, exercise and nutraceutical supplements. One of the nutraceuticals that has been shown in research studies to support normal LDL and total cholesterol levels is red yeast rice. Red yeast rice is the product of yeast (Monascus purpureus) grown on rice, and is served as a dietary staple in some Asian countries. It contains several compounds that are collectively
known as monacolins which support the mechanisms that can lead to improved cardiovascular health.
-Red yeast rice has been shown in numerous studies to help support cardiovascular health.
-Red yeast rice supports normal triglyceride, LDL and total cholesterol levels.
-Red yeast rice offers a safe option for supporting healthy cholesterol levels. Red yeast rice should be used with Coenzyme Q10 for maximum benefit.
-Red yeast rice must be carefully manufactured to avoid the presence of citrinin, a toxic by-product of the fermentation process.
Of course making these healthy dietary changes and beginning an exercise regime will insure that the results you see are more long lasting. Consult your physician before making any changes to your medication regime.
Here are some products that contain the nutrients discussed above:
https://naturesvitaminsonline.com/product/blood-pressure-support/
https://naturesvitaminsonline.com/product/glucose-support/
https://naturesvitaminsonline.com/product/red-yeast-rice-plus-600-mg-with-coenzyme-q10/
