Managing Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health issues occurring together and, if left untreated, could increase the risk of stroke, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. This article will discuss the top risk factors of metabolic syndrome, the benefits of a keto diet, and top all-natural supplements.

Metabolic Syndrome Risk Factors

It’s estimated that 1 in 3 American adults and 20-25% of the global adult population have metabolic syndrome. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are especially at risk, with up to 80% having metabolic syndrome markers. [1]

The probability of having metabolic syndrome increases if a person has three or more health issues:

High Blood Pressure

Over time, high blood pressure can cause plaque to build up in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. According to studies, more than 85% of those with metabolic syndrome have high blood pressure or hypertension. It is also a key risk factor for the development of kidney disease in overweight individuals. 

Risk factor: Blood pressure readings of 130/85 or higher are at risk.

Obesity

Increased abdominal fat increases the risk of heart disease, hyperglycemia, hypertension, and lipotoxicity. Excess body fat has also been linked to inflammation, potentially playing a key role in forming metabolic syndrome in the body. [3]

Risk factor: (Men: waist greater than 40 inches; Women: waist greater than 35 inches)

Low HDL Cholesterol

HDL is “good” cholesterol, which helps to remove LDL (bad) cholesterol from the body. Elevated LDL cholesterol levels can cause plaque in the blood vessels and increase cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk. [4]

Risk factor: (Men: less than 40 mg/dl; Women: less than 50 mg/dl)

High Blood Sugar Levels

Also known as hyperglycemia, elevated blood sugar levels occur when the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use it properly. Studies on hyperglycemia have found it increases the risk of blood clots and a higher prevalence of stroke compared to those with normal blood sugar levels. [5]

Risk factor: (High fasting glucose: 100—mg/dl or higher, or medication for high blood glucose)

Metabolic Syndrome and the Keto Diet

The ketogenic “keto” is a high fat, moderate program, and low carb way of eating. The keto diet may help improve the risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome, increasing HDL, lowering blood sugar levels, and decreasing blood pressure.

Studies on the keto diet note the following results:

Keto and obesity. A recent survey of metabolic syndrome compared three groups of test subjects:

• Group 1. keto diet with no exercise
• Group 2. a standard American diet with no exercise
• Group 3. a typical American diet that exercised 3-5 days per week

After 10 weeks, the keto group saw a significant reduction in weight, body fat percentage, BMI, and ketones. In addition, researchers note the variables in the keto group “out-performed those of the exercise and non-exercise groups.” [6]

• Keto and Type 2 diabetes. A reduction in carbohydrate consumption could cause high blood glucose levels to drop and improve insulin sensitivity. Studies on keto diets found them to be effective at achieving “a rapid and significant weight loss.” Obesity is a key risk factor for type 2 diabetes, and the keto diet “could be a potential game-changer in the management of type 2 diabetes too.” [7]

Top Foods in the Keto Diet

Diet is one of the key factors in developing metabolic syndrome. The following are considered essential for maintaining good health:

• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Eating healthy, nutrient-dense foods
• Limiting the consumption of sugar and salt
• Eliminating processed foods and artificially flavored foods

Here are the top foods to eat and avoid while on a keto diet:

Other tips for following a keto diet include the following:

• Drink plenty of water. Water is a natural appetite suppressant and could help promote weight loss.
• Add salt to your diet. Salt can help the body adjust to ketosis and reduce electrolyte imbalances.
• Exercise. Low- and high-intensity workouts will help the body reduce glycogen levels, thus prompting the use of stored fat for energy.
• Eliminate sugar from the diet. Both sugar and some sugar substitutes could spike blood sugar levels.

Keto Supplements

In addition to the foods listed above, the following supplements are specifically designed to be consumed while on a ketogenic diet:

Systemic Formulas: #875 - Synulin - Glycemic Balance

Synulin - Glycemic Balance supports the health of the entire body by focusing on cellular energy nutrition. It contains patented chromium chelate, which assists with glucose production of ATP, which is processed via cellular and mitochondrial uptake. (ATP is the molecule that carries energy within cells and is the main energy currency of the cell.) 

In addition to chromium, this product contains Isoleucine, which may help support insulin-mediated glucose uptake by the cells.

Synulin - Glycemic Balance is an all-natural product. It does not contain artificial ingredients. GMO’s or preservatives. Additional key ingredients include the following: cinnamon (herb and extract), ginger root, pomegranate extract, biotin, zinc (lipoate), mulberry extract, apple skin, glycemic balance blend, and other natural ingredients.

Great Lakes Keto Collagen + MCT - Vanilla  

Vanilla KETO Collagen + MCT   is an excellent addition to the keto diet. It contains medium-chain triglycerides, a fat that can be converted into ketones and used for energy. Vanilla KETO Collagen + MCT is lightly sweetened with natural ingredients and can be used as a coffee creamer or added to your smoothie to give it an extra boost.

In addition to supporting a ketogenic diet, other benefits of this supplement include the following:

• Supports the body’s metabolism
• Fuel for the body and brain
• Helps strengthen hair and nails
• Supports joint health 

Systemic Formulas #619 - Ketabo-Shake 720g

Ketabo-Shake is the perfect supplement for those looking to diversify their keto diet without going off the plan. This vanilla-flavored shake contains the rich micronutrients that support ketogenesis: the process that supplies energy to the brain, heart, skeletal muscles, and other key organs during fasting, sleep, and caloric restriction. This keto-friendly product is also non-GMO, paleo-friendly, and gluten-free. 

Summary

Metabolic syndrome is a group of health issues that combine to increase the risk of several major health issues. The keto diet may decrease the risks of these health issues and improve overall health. Have you tried the keto diet? Let us know your results by leaving a comment below.

References:

[1] Rebuma Belete, Zerihun Ataro, Ahmedmenewer Abdu, (et al). Global Prevalence Of Metabolic Syndrome Among Patients With Type I Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis | Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome.   Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome volume 13, Article number: 25 (2021). https://dmsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13098-021-00641-8 

[2] Stanley S Franklin. Hypertension In The Metabolic Syndrome.   Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2006 Winter;4(4):287-98. doi: 10.1089/met.2006.4.287. [PMID: 18370747]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18370747/

[3] G L Vega. Obesity And The Metabolic Syndrome.  Minerva Endocrinol. 2004 Jun;29(2):47-54.[ PMID: 15257255]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15257255/

[4] Maria Luz Fernandez, Jennifer J Jones, Daniela Ackerman, (et al). Low HDL Cholesterol Is Associated With Increased Atherogenic Lipoproteins And Insulin Resistance In Women Classified With Metabolic Syndrome.  Nutr Res Pract. 2010 Dec; 4(6): 492–498. Published online 2010 Dec 28. doi: 10.4162/nrp.2010.4.6.492 [PMID: 21286407]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3029790/

[5] Yan-Yan Chen 1, Guang-Wei Li, Chong-Hua Yao, (et al). [Impact Of Metabolic Syndrome With Hyperglycemia On Prevalence Of Stroke In Chinese].   Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 2009 Feb 17;89(6):385-8.  [PMID: 19567115]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19567115/

[6] Madeline K Gibas, Kelly J Gibas. Induced And Controlled Dietary Ketosis As A Regulator Of Obesity And Metabolic Syndrome Pathologies. Diabetes Metab Syndr. 2017 Nov;11 Suppl 1:S385-S390. doi: 10.1016/j.dsx.2017.03.022. Epub 2017 Mar 28. [PMID: 28433617]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28433617/

[7] Felipe F Casanueva 1 2, Marco Castellana 3, Diego Bellido, (et al). Ketogenic Diets As Treatment Of Obesity And Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.   Rev Endocr Metab Disord. 2020 Sep;21(3):381-397. doi: 10.1007/s11154-020-09580-7. [PMID: 32803691]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32803691/