{"id":2769,"date":"2018-09-27T22:07:25","date_gmt":"2018-09-27T22:07:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=2769"},"modified":"2021-10-13T03:25:17","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T03:25:17","slug":"10-risk-factors-triggering-metabolic-syndrome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/10-risk-factors-triggering-metabolic-syndrome\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Risk Factors Triggering Metabolic Syndrome"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Metabolic Syndrome is often referred to as Syndrome X. While this syndrome may sound a bit mysterious, it is really very common. The term metabolic syndrome actually refers to a group of risk factors that may raise a person\u2019s chances of developing certain health issues such as diabetes or heart disease. Generally speaking, lack of activity and excessive weight can trigger the metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are several risk factors that can trigger the metabolic syndrome. In order to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, a person must have three of the five factors present. The five factors that determine metabolic syndrome are waistline of over 35 cm for women or 40 cm for men, low HDL cholesterol levels, high blood sugar levels, high triglyceride levels, and high blood pressure. Here are ten risk factors that you should know as they can contribute to developing metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Genetics<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In order to determine your risk for developing metabolic syndrome, you should take a close look at your family history. It has been found that metabolic syndrome is linked to family history or genetics<\/a>. If any of your close relatives have heart disease or diabetes, you may be a candidate for metabolic syndrome. A complete family health history will include information about three generations of your relatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This includes your siblings, parents, children, aunts, uncles, grandmas, grandpas, cousins, and your nieces and nephews. Collecting this information may seem daunting, but asking your family for this information can create heartfelt conversations between you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, knowing your family’s health history can help to protect your children and the future generations of your family for years to come. The information provided by your family members is extremely important when trying to determine your chances of developing many diseases including metabolic syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Fat Location<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to risk factors for metabolic syndrome it may seem weird to think about, but where your fat is stored matters when it comes to your risk of developing this syndrome. A person who has more of an apple shape as opposed to a pear shape has a higher chance of developing metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When discussing your health plan with your doctor, they may not mention anything about how when fat settles around your belly it increases your health risks more than when fat settles in your butt. When it comes to preventing or managing the disease, reducing the circumference of your waist will often have more of an impact than medications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weight that is carried around the middle is a sign of having excessive visceral fat. This is a top risk factor when it comes to developing metabolic syndrome, heart disease, type 2 diabetes,<\/a> and some cancers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Plant-Based Diets are Best<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to avoiding metabolic syndrome, eating a plant-based diet can go a long way to help lower the risk. However, most western diets consist of lots of red meat and foods that are fatty and sugary. A poor diet is one of the biggest risks when it comes to developing metabolic syndrome. In order to reduce the risk of developing this syndrome, it is recommended to turn to a more<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mediterranean dietary style. This type of diet is heavy on fruits and veggies, legumes<\/a>, whole grains, and seafood. There is less cheese, meat, sweets, and sugars. This diet plan is very heart-healthy and it also is good for keeping blood sugar levels in check. Following a diet that is more plant-based is recommended if you are at risk for developing metabolic syndrome because of your family history or current weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Fiber<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the reasons that a person may develop metabolic syndrome is because they simply do not have enough fiber <\/a>in their diet. If you are told by your doctor that you are at risk for metabolic syndrome or that you have metabolic syndrome, there is a chance that your doctor provided you with a list of foods that you should avoid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, adding specific foods to your diet can actually help to reduce your risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Foods that are high in soluble fiber such as beans and oats should be incorporated into your meals. Insoluble fibers are found in whole grains and these are good for helping to transport food through the gastrointestinal tract and also will keep you feeling full. A diet that does not have enough fiber in it on a regular basis is a risk factor that can trigger the metabolic syndrome. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. What are you Drinking?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to risk factors for metabolic syndrome, most doctors are going to ask you all about what you are eating. In addition, they will provide you with guidance about what you should be eating and likely refer you to a nutritionist or a dietician who will help create a food plan that meets your particular needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, one thing that you may not be asked about or even think about is what you are drinking. There are certain sugary drinks such as juice and soda can raise your triglyceride and blood sugar levels rise extremely high. Alcoholic beverages may cause the blood sugar to drop at first but then go up. All of these things can increase your chances of developing metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The best thing that you can drink is water as this is what will provide you with the best hydration and there are no added calories<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Weight<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you can see from this list, your current weight plays a big role when it comes to your risk of developing metabolic syndrome. A person who is overweight and has a large waistline already has one of the five factors that defines metabolic syndrome. For this reason, even losing just a little bit of weight can go a long way when it comes to lowering your risk of metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While everyone knows that exercising and losing weight is something that they should at least try to do, what many people do not know that simply losing a little bit of weight at a time can significantly impact many important health numbers. This includes lowering blood pressure, cholesterol <\/a>levels, and blood sugar levels. Losing just a bit of weight can greatly reduce your lab test results and may even result in you no longer needing medication. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Everyone knows that they need to be moving. Even being active for as little as thirty minutes a day can reduce your risk of developing metabolic disease. One of the biggest factors that contribute to metabolic syndrome is being inactive. Keeping your heart healthy is necessary when trying to avoid metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since this syndrome involves many things that affect the heart such as high sugar and cholesterol levels, it is important to do what you can to lower these numbers. One of the best ways to do this is through exercise. A sedentary lifestyle is one of the reasons that many people become overweight. Being overweight <\/a>is one of the causes of metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Getting up and moving regularly can help reduce weight and will help to keep the heart healthy, thus lowering your risk of metabolic syndrome. Lowering your risk for developing this syndrome is important for your overall health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Sitting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have a job that requires you to sit for long periods at a time, you are at an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome. If you commute to work, sitting in your car for long periods of time also increases your risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Even if you are exercising for moderate amounts of time each day, sitting for the majority of your day puts you more at risk to develop the syndrome than if you had a job that kept you more active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The amount of time that you sit each day is related to a positive risk for diabetes<\/a>. One study showed that for every hour of daily television watching that a person does, their risk to develop diabetes increased by over three percent. Try standing up at your desk at work for part of the time that you are there. You should also limit the amount of time that you spend in front of the computer or television if at all possible. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Fasting Insulin Tests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to determining your risk for developing metabolic syndrome, it is important to understand all of the laboratory values that may be leading to your risk of developing the syndrome. Some of the more common lab tests that are conducted to determine metabolic syndrome are A1C levels and blood glucose <\/a>levels. Most doctors do not test fasting insulin levels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, this is a test that can help to predict the risk of developing metabolic syndrome and prediabetes. Insulin plays an important role in metabolism and a high insulin level can increase fat storage, stimulate hunger, and promote obesity. Eating sugary foods causes blood sugar levels to go up. The pancreas then releases insulin in order to move sugar from the blood into the cells. If the body is exposed to high levels of insulin frequently, blood sugar levels remain elevated as the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Lab Values<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to determining the risk for developing metabolic syndrome it is a good idea to keep a copy of your lab values that are up to date. Whenever you go through any type of testing, make sure that you ask for a copy for your records. It is important to know your baseline numbers. You should track them over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high triglyceride <\/a>levels, low HDL, and excessive fat around the waist are all signs of metabolic syndrome. Knowing what your numbers are and what they should be is important when it comes to treatment. Having just one of the risk factors does not mean that you have it. However, if you have one now, it does increase your chances of developing metabolic syndrome. Having several of these factors can greatly increase your chances of developing metabolic syndrome and also increases your risk of several health complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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