Metabolism Syndrome is a group of conditions that occur simultaneously that result from impairments of the body’s system of metabolism and possibly of glucose intolerance, which are characterized by heart disease. Metabolism is the total of all chemical processes that occur in the cells and fluids in the body, including absorption of nutrients and minerals, conversion of molecules, and the production of energy from these chemical processes. Each step of the metabolic process requires an enzyme to facilitate the actual change. Sometimes, the enzyme has an internal abnormality, which causes a defect in the metabolic process. Since metabolism is responsible for all chemical conversions, defects can present in numerous areas of the body.
Often times, Metabolic Syndrome, which was referred to as Syndrome X in the past, has been linked to glucose intolerance. As the process of glucose and insulin are also chemical processes in the body, it is clear to see how there may be a link. When a person eats food, the digestive system breaks down the food into glucose, or sugar. The pancreas produces insulin and it transfers this sugar into muscles, cells, and other tissues in the body for use as fuel. When a person is insulin resistant, they have an issue with the production or absorption of insulin, they cannot utilize the sugar that has been ingested. The sugar remains in the blood causing elevated blood sugar levels. A person with prolonged exposure to this condition can experience a myriad of ailments and usually do.
Metabolism Syndrome – Risk Factors
People who are at greatest risk of developing metabolism syndrome are people Hispanic-Americans and Asian-Americans. Researchers are uncertain how race plays a role, but statistics show these groups to have more cases than Caucasians and other groups. As people age, their risk also raises. Forty percent of all patients are in their sixties, while only ten percent are in their twenties.While children can develop this condition, it is unlikely, unless they have severe lifestyle factors that would prompt this disease. Individuals that have a family history of diabetes, are overweight or obese, or carry excess fat in their abdomen can and do run a risk for metabolic disorders. Likewise, people who have high blood pressure, heart disease, or polycystic ovarian syndrome have increased risk for this disease.
Metabolism Syndrome – Treatments
Since the risks and symptoms of metabolic syndrome are essentially the same, high blood pressure, heart disease, and obesity, it is important to use each day as an opportunity for treatment. Each meal should be considered an opportunity to treat and cure one’s self. For example, cutting back on calories, eliminating sugary and fatty foods, and adding fiber rich fruits and vegetables is a great start. Individuals should try to lose 10% of their total weight if they are obese, and should add thirty minutes of exercise to their daily routine. The diet, weight loss, and exercise will help with reverse cardiovascular disease, regulate metabolism and insulin production, and lower blood pressure.Without taking these life saving measures, a person will most likely have to take oral medication, which is costly, will not stop, or reverse the disease, and has been proven inferiorwhen compared to the results of simple lifestyle modifications.
