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Syndrome X
Syndrome X
refers to a group of health problems that may include high blood pressure,
overweight, and abnormal blood fats (cholesterol or triglycerides) and always
includes a metabolic disorder known as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is
the resistance of one's cells to the blood sugar-transporting hormone insulin,
which results in poor glucose metabolism. Excessive production of insulin leads
to obesity, increased blood pressure, and high blood fats (triglycerides). Other
terms that are sometimes used by doctors to describe Syndrome X include
metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, insulin resistance, and prediabetes.
The letter "X" in syndrome X, was so named because researchers in the past did
not fully understand this syndrome, and X represents the unknown. Today syndrome
X is a recognized condition and is well understood as a metabolic disorder.
People who have untreated syndrome X are more prone to inflammatory disorders,
such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
The modern American diet of refined carbohydrates and low fiber and a deficiency
of essential fatty acids, combined with nutritional deficiencies and a lack of
exercise, sets the stage for insulin resistance. Once insulin resistance has
occured, the cluster of symptoms known to accompany syndrome X, such as a 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 often 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 as having Syndrome X and follows our
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 and triglycerides, and low HDL
cholesterol)
- Excess fat around the belly or chest
Root Causes
- Heredity
- Unhealthful diet
- Chronic stress and the resulting stress hormone imbalance
- Nutritional deficiencies, especially of chromium, B vitamins, zinc, vanadium
- Obesity
- Lack of exercise
Treatment
Diet
The most important therapy 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's high in fiber (vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains).
Water-soluble fiber, as found in oat bran, beans, nuts, seeds, and apples, for
example, helps to 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 flaxseeds (10 ounces per tablespoon). A
daily total of 35 to 50mg of fiber daily is a great goal.
Consume vegetable protein (legumes, nuts, seeds, peas) or lean animal protein
(turkey, chicken, fish) with each meal and most snacks. Protein drinks that have
low sugar levels can be consumed. Protein helps 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 is 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
brewer's yeast, wheat germ, whole grains, 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.
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 that are 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 a mixture of super green foods. These foods also stabilize
blood-sugar levels.
Super Seven Prescriptions - Syndrome X
Super Prescription #1 - Chromium
Take a daily total of up to 1,000mcg. Chromium improves glucose tolerance and
balances blood-sugar levels.
Super Prescription #2 - Gymnema Sylvestre
Take 400mg of a 25% gymneic acid extract daily. Gymnema lowers blood-sugar levels.
Super Prescription #3 - Alpha Lipoic Acid
Take 300 to 1,200mg daily. Alpha lipoic acid improves insulin sensitivity.
Super Prescription #4 - Vanadyl Sulfate
Take 100 to 300mg daily. It improves glucose tolerance in people with insulin
resistance. Higher dosages should be used under the supervision of a doctor.
Super Prescription #5 - Biotin
Take 9 to 16mg daily. Biotin is involved with proper glucose metabolism.
Super Prescription #6 - High-Potency Multivitamin
It supplies many of the nutrients involved with blood sugar metabolism. Take as
directed on the container.
Super Prescription #7 - Essential Fatty Acids
Take a formulation that contains a mixture of omega-3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.
Flaxseed or fish oil, combined with evening primrose oil, is common. Take as
directed on the container. This supplement provides essential fatty acids that
are needed for proper insulin function.
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