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Cares for You
What is metabolic syndrome?
By Gretel Morales - 2023-01-17T16:57:36Z
In recent years, the population seems to have turned 180° to focus on healthy eating, superfoods, green juices, low-fat and gluten-free foods, as well as all kinds of healthy and light recipes.
All these trends could reflect the increase in the number of people suffering from obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty liver, and more. We cannot overlook the dreaded metabolic syndrome, which was discovered in 1988 by Dr. Gerald Reaven, who called it "Syndrome X" back then. Now we tell you everything you need to know about this condition!
What is metabolic syndrome?
The metabolic syndrome is not a single condition but rather a group of diseases that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The National Library of Medicine states that when a person has at least three risk factors, they are considered to have metabolic syndrome.
You can also read: Benefits of a sugar-free diet
Metabolic syndrome: risk factors
The risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome include:
*Abdominal obesity: The National Library of Medicine indicates that this type of obesity is characterized by an apple-shaped body, as patients have more fat around the waist. This condition increases the chances of developing heart disease.
*Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the heart and cause serious health problems, so it is essential to treat this condition properly.
*High triglycerides: This type of fat is found in the blood and comes from junk food, butter, and oils.
*Low levels of HDL cholesterol: This type of cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol, as it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries, so it is concerning when there are higher levels of “bad” cholesterol.
*High levels of sugar: If you have elevated blood sugar levels even when fasting, this may be a sign of diabetes, so you should consult your doctor.
Remember that the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to later develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cardiovascular accidents.
You can also read: Diet for fatty liver: everything you need to know
What causes metabolic syndrome?
There are several causes behind this condition, Medline Plus mentions the following:
Due to the many health problems that metabolic syndrome brings, the Health Department recommends taking the following measures to prevent it:
All these trends could reflect the increase in the number of people suffering from obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, triglycerides, fatty liver, and more. We cannot overlook the dreaded metabolic syndrome, which was discovered in 1988 by Dr. Gerald Reaven, who called it "Syndrome X" back then. Now we tell you everything you need to know about this condition!
What is metabolic syndrome?
The metabolic syndrome is not a single condition but rather a group of diseases that increase the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The National Library of Medicine states that when a person has at least three risk factors, they are considered to have metabolic syndrome.
You can also read: Benefits of a sugar-free diet
Metabolic syndrome: risk factors
The risk factors that make up metabolic syndrome include:
*Abdominal obesity: The National Library of Medicine indicates that this type of obesity is characterized by an apple-shaped body, as patients have more fat around the waist. This condition increases the chances of developing heart disease.
*Hypertension: High blood pressure can damage the heart and cause serious health problems, so it is essential to treat this condition properly.
*High triglycerides: This type of fat is found in the blood and comes from junk food, butter, and oils.
*Low levels of HDL cholesterol: This type of cholesterol is known as “good” cholesterol, as it helps remove cholesterol from the arteries, so it is concerning when there are higher levels of “bad” cholesterol.
*High levels of sugar: If you have elevated blood sugar levels even when fasting, this may be a sign of diabetes, so you should consult your doctor.
Remember that the more risk factors you have, the more likely you are to later develop type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cardiovascular accidents.
You can also read: Diet for fatty liver: everything you need to know
What causes metabolic syndrome?
There are several causes behind this condition, Medline Plus mentions the following:
- Age: Risks increase as we age.
- Genetics
- Insulin resistance
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight and obesity
Due to the many health problems that metabolic syndrome brings, the Health Department recommends taking the following measures to prevent it:
- Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Turning your lifestyle around 180° is the best way to avoid various conditions, not just metabolic syndrome. So get motivated to change your life, you will feel much better about yourself.
- Restrict calorie intake: Avoiding or reducing the consumption of junk food, sweets, cakes, sugary drinks, and more is important, as they harm your health. Remember that maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet has many health benefits.
- Engage in physical activity: We know that practicing a sport can be difficult, but its benefits are countless.
