What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndromeIt is not actually a single, specific disease. Rather, it is a group or group of risk factors that, if combined, can lead to serious health complications. The components or conditions of metabolic syndrome are:
- Abdominal obesity (waist circumference greater than 40 inches for men and greater than 35 inches for women)
- Elevated blood pressure (130/85 mmHg or higher or taking blood pressure-lowering medication)
- Elevated fasting blood glucose level (100 mg/dL or higher)
- High triglyceride levels (150 mg/dL or higher or taking cholesterol medications)
- Low good cholesterol/HDL (less than 40 mg/dL for men, less than 50 for women)
To diagnose metabolic syndrome, at least 3 risk factors must be present. (However, if you know you have one risk factor, talk to your doctor about other risk factors.)
How does sugar cause metabolic syndrome?
When it comes to metabolic syndrome, sugar consumptionis often a major contributing factor. When you break down the individual components, it's easy to see the role sugar can play:
- Excess belly fat: Sugar drives fat storage, making the brain crave extra sugar "hits," promoting weight gain and abdominal obesity
- High blood pressure: Unhealthy diet (such as high-sugar diet) is usually the main factor causing high blood pressure, and sugar can directly increase blood pressure
- High blood sugar: Consumption of refined sugar will directly increase blood sugar levels. Over time, high sugar intake can lead to insulin resistance and long-term elevated blood sugar levels
- Unhealthy cholesterol levels: Excessive sugar intake can cause sugar to be stored as fat and has been found Can cause elevated cholesterol levels
How sugar affects patients with metabolic syndrome
Added sugar increases the energy content of a meal or snack while reducing its nutrient density. People who eat a lot of added sugar get significantly more calories but fewer nutrients that are important for good health.
Metabolic syndrome can cause or worsen insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes. In fact, people with metabolic syndrome are five times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. It can also lead to heart disease; high blood pressure and cholesterol levels can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke.
Other influencing factors and social trends
Eating sugar also promotes inflammation throughout the body, which can exacerbate many components of metabolic syndrome.
Here’s the thing: Many health problems are related. Obesity, sugar consumption, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and heart disease are all so intertwined that they are often not It is possible to separate the end of one from the beginning of another. They're all on the rise, and they all reinforce each other, worsening overall health and well-being. Rather than trying to separate them and treat them individually, it's better to understand how they overlap and how lifestyle improvements can reduce them.
Reverse metabolic syndrome
Fortunately, metabolic syndrome canbe controlled and even controlled through healthy lifestyle changes >Reversal:
- Aim for a healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, lean protein, fiber-rich whole grains and fruits
- Cut out refined sugar
- Getenough exercise
- Prioritize stress management
- Maintain or achieve a healthy weight
- Avoid smoking, excess salt, saturated fat, alcohol, etc.
- Drugs are also an option to use in conjunction with lifestyle changes, as directed by your doctor
Due to the dire health effects associated with metabolic syndrome, the role of sugar in your diet should be taken seriously. Free yourself from the negative health cycle of sugar consumption and illness and instead live your best life as your healthiest, happiest self.
