One In Four Canadians Suffer From Metabolic Syndrome

01 Jan One In Four Canadians Suffer From Metabolic Syndrome

By Dr. Michael Yarish, Naturopathic Doctor, Barrie, Innisfil

The Lakeside Clinic Center for Integrated Medicine

www.thelakesideclinic.com

Metabolic syndrome seems to be a condition that many people have, but no one knows very much about.

Metabolic syndrome, also known as Syndrome X, is not a disease in itself.   It is a collection of heart disease risk factors, including hypertension, obesity, high triglycerides and low HDL that increase your chance of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.   Having any one of these risk factors isn’t good.  But when they’re combined, they set the stage for huge problems. These risk factors double your risk of blood vessel and heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes. They increase your risk of diabetes fivefold.  According to a national health survey, one in four Canadians between the age of 35 and 75 has metabolic syndrome and 50% of these are older than 60 years (Anand et al., 2003).

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when having at least three of the following symptoms:   1) Insulin resistance.  2) Large waist circumference (a 40-inch waist or larger in men; 35 inches or larger in women).  3) High blood sugar levels.  4)  High triglyceride levels.  5) Low HDL (good cholesterol).  5) Blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher.

How do I prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome?

If you are experiencing any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, there is a good chance you are in a metabolic syndrome state.   Since physical inactivity and excess weight are the main underlying contributors to the development of metabolic syndrome, getting more exercise and losing weight can help reduce or prevent the complications associated with this condition.   At The Lakeside Clinic we offer the FirstLine Therapy Program.  This program is currently being used by many medical and naturopathic doctors across the United States and Canada.  The goal of treatment is to reduce your risk of heart disease and diabetes and reverse metabolic syndrome. The program incorporates lifestyle changes and natural medicines to help reduce your blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, blood sugar levels and inches around your waist.  Please visit our website at www.thelakesideclinic.com and watch the brief video on the home page explaining more about FirstLine Thearpy.

Please join me at the Innisfil Public Library on Saturday February 11, 2012 from 1-4pm for an informative Health and Wellness seminar.  The seminar is free of charge and will include refreshments and prizes.  Please RSVP to (705) 436-3346 as space is limited.

Anand SS,Yi Q, Gerstein H, et al. Relationship of metabolic syndrome and fibrinolytic dysfunction to cardiovascular disease.  Circulation. 2003;108:420-425.