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The following, except for the introductory paragraph, is mostly from "Prescription for Natural Cures" By James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D. -- John Wiley and Sons, 2004 ISBN 0-471-49088-1 724 pgs.
Syndrome X. (Metabolic Syndrome)
"Syndrome X" is so named because at one time the cause of the symptoms was unknown to medical science. Today we know the cause of the varied symptoms that gives most people their first hint that they have cardio-vascular disease. High blood pressure, overweight condition, tendency to add weight around the waist, abnormal blood fats, cholesterol and triglycerides, and insulin resistance are all features of metabolic disorder or Syndrome X. Symptoms may include a steady appetite for sugar and fats, and a tendency to experience malaise within a short time after eating. The causes are manifold and have a vicious-cycle aspect, in that as the syndrome gets worse it contributes more and more to itself. Bad fat and protein metabolism due to faulty diet leads to a build up of fats in the liver which transfer directly to storage instead of to energy. The diet usually lacks several important essential elements such as bio-flavonoids which de-oxidize many harmful toxins and radicals, essential fatty acids for prostglandin synthesis, vitamins and minerals for fat and protein metabolism.and fibre which promotes cholesterol reduction and intestinal health. Syndrome X is very common in North America and is widely manifest amongst people with heart disease and weight problems. It is also referred to as a pre-diabetic condition.
People with untreated metabolic disorder are prone to inflammatory illnesses, such as CVD, cancer, and diabetes, arthritis and other chronic illnesses.
The modern North American diet of refined carbohydrates and low fibre and a deficiency of fatty acids, combined with nutritional deficiencies and a lack of exercise sets the stage for insulin resistance. Once insulin resistance has occurred, the cluster of symptoms known to occur with Syndrome X, such as weight problem or obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high triglycerides becomes evident. If you have two or more of these symptoms, many experts feel that you have Syndrome X. People with Syndrome X have an apple-shaped body, as insulin promotes fat storage around the belly.
Syndrome X is best prevented and treated through nutrition, nutritional supplements, exercise, and other natural methods. As a matter of fact, we find that once a patient has been identified was having Syndrome X and follow a specific natural protocol, there is often a dramatic reduction in weight, blood lipids, and blood pressure, as well as an improved energy level.
Signs and Symptoms.
Insulin resistance and glucose intolerance (as diagnosed by blood testing)
High Blood Pressure
Abnormal blood lipids (high total cholesterol, triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol)
Excess fat around the belly and waist.
Testing Techniques.
The following tests help assess possible reasons for Syndrome X and insulin resistance:
Hormone testing (thyroid, DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, IGF-I, estrogens, progesterone, - saliva, blood and urine.
Vitamin and mineral analysis, especially magnesium, chromium, vanadium, zinc, B vitamins – blood
Digestive function and microbe/parasite/candida testing – stool analysis
Food and environmental allergies/sensitivities-blood, electrodermal
Root Causes
Heredity
Unhealthy diet
Chronic stress and resulting stress hormone imbalance
Nutritional deficiencies, especially of chromium, B vitamins, zinc, vanadium
Obesity
Lack of Exercise
Treatment
The most important treatment for Syndrome X and insulin resistance is a healthful diet. These dietary suggestions will help regulate your levels of sugar and also reduce your risk of complications, such as cardiovascular disease.
Recommended Food
Follow a diet that is high in Fibre. (Vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains,) Water soluble fibre, as found in oat bran, beans, nuts, seeds and apples, for example helps balance blood sugar. Ground flaxseeds should be consumed daily. Consume 1 teaspoon with each meal or 1/4 cup daily. Make sure to drink plenty of water when you start taking flaxseed. (10 ounces per tablespoon). A daily total of 35 to 50 mg of fibre daily is a good goal.
Consume vegetable protein, (legumes, nuts, seeds and peas) or lean animal protein (turkey, chicken and fish) with each meal and most snacks. Protein drinks that have low sugar levels can be consumed.. Protein help smooth out blood sugar levels. Many people with diabetes find benefit by increasing the relative amount of protein in the diet.
Focus on quality fats. Fish such as salmon are excellent as are nuts and seeds,. Use Olive and flaxseed oil with your salads.
Instead of eating three large meals, have several smaller meals throughout the day. To keep your insulin and blood sugar levels steady. Or have three main meals, with healthful snacks in between. Do not go longer than three hours without eating.
A chromium deficiency contributes to blood sugar problems so eat plenty of brewers years, wheat germ, whole grains, cheese, soy products, onions and garlic. Onions and garlic will also help lower blood sugar levels and protect against heart disease.
Enjoy plenty of berries, plums, and grapes, which contain phytochemicals that protect your vision.
Focus on foods with a low glycemic index and load value. These foods are tabulated in many places. "White foods" are a guide to high glycemic index. Generally fruit is not a bad food, and has no insulin reaction to its sugar content, fructose.
Foods to Avoid.
Stay away from simple sugars. Obvious ones to avoid are candy, cookies, sodas, and other sweets.
White refined bread also spikes blood sugar levels. Whole grain breads, cereals, and pastas are better choices, although you need to read the labels because they may contain an overabundance of carbohydrates. Brown rice, barley, oats spelt, and kamut are complex carbohydrates and good choices.
Eliminate alcohol and caffeine from your diet, as they can spike blood sugar levels and thus insulin for some people.
Cut back on your consumption of saturated fat. Found in red meat and dairy products, it has been shown to increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Avoid artificial sweeteners. Instead use diabetic safe and more healthful natural sweeteners such as Stevia or xylitol.
Stay away from oils and foods that contain trans fatty acids. Margarine, deep fried foods and most packaged foods, such as cookies, crackers, and pastries contain hydrogenated oils. These land mines of trans fatty acids promote insulin resistance.
Avoid high glycemic-load foods.
Detoxification
Consume detoxifying super green foods, such as chlorella, spirulina, wheatgrass, barley grass, or mixtures of super green foods. These foods stabilize blood sugar levels.
Simple Prescription for Syndrome X.
Chromium – 1000 MCG per day. Improves glucose tolerance and balances blood sugar levels.
Gymnema Sylvestre – Take 400 mg of 25 percent gymneic acid extract daily. Gymnema lowers blood sugar levels.
Alpha Lipoic Acids – Take 300 to 1200 mg daily. Alpha Lipoic acid improves insulin sensitivity.
Vanadyl Sulfate -- Take 100 to 300 mg daily. It improves glucose tolerance in people with insulin resistance. Higher dosages should be used under supervision of a doctor.
Biotin – Take 9 to 16 mg daily. Biotin is involved with proper glucose metabolism.
High Potency Multivitamin – Supplies many of the nutrients involved with blood sugar metabolism. Take as directed.
Essential Fatty Acids – Take a mixture of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids. Flaxseed or fish oil, combined with evening primrose oil, is common. Take as directed. Fatty Acids are needed for proper insulin function. Increase the Omega 3 ratio to 6 and 9.
General Recommendations
( these supplements can be obtained from herbalists, health foods stores, and drug stores in the Toronto area easily. Other documentation that has been attested to by statistically based medical tests, and recent biochemical tests for active ingredients, confirm the activity claimed by these authors. Naturopathic Doctors, and biochemists whose study is of the science of alternative treatments to conventional synthetic drugs and the activity of nutrient and other substances in the biochemistry of the human body, have amassed proof of chemical processes and therapeutic results that indicate the effectiveness of these substances. )
An antioxidant formula supplies additional antioxidants which are generally required in higher amounts in people with insulin resistance., Take as directed on the container.
B Complex Vitamins are involved in blood sugar metabolism. Take a 100 mg B-complex three times daily.
Zinc is required for proper insulin production and function. Take a total of 50 mg daily.
Vitamin C helps prevent oxidative damage, which is more common with this condition. Take 1000 mg three to four times daily.
Magnesium is involved with insulin production and utilization. Take a daily total of 500 to 750 mg. Reduce dosage if loose stools occur.
Vitamin E complex improves glucose regulation and prevents cholesterol oxidation. Take 800 to 1000 IU daily of formula containing tocotriel and tocophenols.
Milk Thistle has been shown to improve blood sugar levels. Take 600 mgs of silymarin extract daily.
Banaba Leaf has been shown in both animal and human studies to lower blood sugar levels. Take 15 mg. three times daily.
Adrenal Extracts supports adrenal gland function, which is also important for blood sugar regulation. Take 500 mg twice daily on an empty stomach or as directed on the container.
DHEA is often low in people who have insulin resistance. If tests show that you have low levels, take 5 to 25 mg daily under doctor supervision.
Psyllium will reduce blood sugar levels. It is a good source of fibre. Take up to 5 grams daily.
Asian Ginseng has been shown in a study to help improve blood sugar levels. Take 200 mg daily.
Bitter Melon can help balance blood sugar levels. Take 5 ml twice daily of the tincture or 200 mg three times daily of standard extract.
Garlic is an important herb for stabilizing blood sugar and helps reduce risk of heart disease and other circulatory disorders by improving blood flow, lowering blood pressure, and reducing levels of bad cholesterol. Take 400 to 450 mgs twice daily.
Fenugreek is another hebr that stabilizes blood sugar. Take a product with an equivalent dosage of 15 to 50 grams daily.
Policosanol is a good supplement to use for elevated cholesterol levels. Take 20 mgs with the evening meal.
Strategy for Weight Reduction
Exercise twice a day for at least 35 minutes each session. Walking 2 miles per session is all that is required. Slower walking is as calory reducing as relatively fast walking, surprisingly.
Reduce calories mandated for your body weight by about 500 per day.
Eat 5 smallish meals per day.
Eat whole grain foods and organic foods. Do not eat white flour, sugar, or bakery products.
Reduce fat intake. Meats to eat include fish, skinless chicken and turkey. Limit servings to 6 ounces per meal.
Eat more foliage. Green vegetables and complex carbohydrates should take the place of white bread/potatos
Eat fruit at least 3 times per day. Bananas, apples, oranges, berries. The original health food.
Supplement with conjugated linolenic acid, green tea extract, chromium, and alpha lipoic acid. Increase B vitamins by taking them individually rather than in a multi-vitamin. Include lipotropic factors, such as choline, inositol, betaine and lecithin. Consume zinc, as it is B vitamin food. B's are B1, B2, B3,(niacinamide B5, B6, Folic acid, B12
Cut out ALL trans fat. A simple way to do this is to avoid all foods in brighly coloured packages in convenience stores.
For God's sake don't eat at fast food franchises! They are deadly. Each Big Mac is a coffin nail.
Avoid all foods made with hydrogenated vegetable oils. Candy bars, etc. Consume olive oil instead.
Avoid all foods that have insecticides, hereicides, antibiotics, and hormones. Why? These kill the vitamins that contribute to metabolic stability.
Balance your blood sugar. See monogram above.
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