Metabolic syndrome can it be reversed

However, the regimen may not have reversed damage such as plaque development in the arteries," Roberts said. Participants did lose two to three pounds per week, but they were still obese after the 3-week study. The study, "Effect of a diet and exercise intervention on oxidative stress, inflammation, MMP-9, and monocyte chemotactic activity in men with metabolic syndrome factors," is in the online edition of the Journal of Applied Physiology published by the American Physiological Society.

Researchers were Christian K. Sindhu of Charles R. Vaziri of University of California, Irvine. The study involved 31 men who ate a high-fiber, low-fat diet with no limit to the number of calories they could consume.

The participants also did minutes of aerobic exercise per day on a treadmill. Fifteen of the men had metabolic syndrome, a condition that is characterized by excessive abdominal fat, insulin resistance, and blood fat disorders such as high levels of triglycerides fat in the blood or low levels of HDL high density lipoprotein, or "good" cholesterol.

Thirteen of the participants had Type 2 diabetes. There was also some overlap between the two groups and some participants who had neither metabolic syndrome nor Type 2 diabetes, but were overweight or obese.

The participants in the current study, who ranged in age from 46 to 76 years old, took part in a day residential program at the Pritikin Longevity Center, formerly in Santa Monica, combining the Pritikin diet and exercise program. Natural foods -- whole grains five or more servings daily , vegetables four or more servings , and fruits three or more servings -- were the main source of daily carbohydrates.

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing diabetes five-fold. Patients with insulin resistance almost always have high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol levels, as well. The trio of risk factors is key. Metabolic syndrome is treated by tackling its individual risk factors. As each one normalizes, insulin resistance drops, and along with it, risk of heart attack, stroke and diabetes. Medications may be necessary. Yet the key to reversing metabolic syndrome is weight loss and exercise, which work together to lower blood pressure and cholesterol and help improve insulin resistance.

Unfortunately, metabolic syndrome can make losing weight a struggle. Although few people welcome a prescription of diet and exercise, Dr. To lose weight, avoid carbs.

Once you reach your desired weight, switching to a Mediterranean diet will help you maintain a healthy weight. Move it and lift it. The good news is that with changes to diet and exercise, you can prevent, control, or even reverse metabolic syndrome. Ask your family members about their medical histories. If one of your close relatives has diabetes or heart disease, you could be a candidate for metabolic syndrome.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a complete family health record includes information from three generations of relatives, including children, brothers and sisters, parents, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, grandparents, and cousins.

It may sound like a daunting task to collect this info, but questioning your family can evoke some heartfelt conversation. It could also protect your children and their children for generations to come. If you look more like an apple than a pear, your risk of developing metabolic syndrome is greater. In discussing your health plan, your doctor may not mention how fat that settles in your belly boosts health risks more than weight that sits in your butt.

The most current set of dietary guidelines for Americans encourages a diet that is plant-focused. The Mediterranean diet showcases fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, and seafood but has less meat, cheese, sugars, and sweets. Your doctor may have handed you an info sheet on the foods you should be avoiding, but you might make more progress by adding certain foods to your diet. Focus on incorporating foods rich in soluble fiber , like oats and beans, into your meals.

Insoluble fibers like whole grains can provide a "moving experience" by transporting foods through your gastrointestinal tract while keeping you feeling satisfied. Fill at least half your plate with veggies and fruits, and choose whole-grain carbs to make less room on your plate and in your stomach for less-beneficial choices.