Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is defined as a cluster of any 3 condition which includes the increase of blood pressure, a high blood glucose level, excess of body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol level. The combination of all these conditions will lead to the higher risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.


Symptoms

• Triglycerides                  >= 1.7 mmol/l
• HDL-C  

          Men                                 < 1.0 mmol / l

          Women                            < 1.3 mmol / l

• Blood pressure(mm Hg) >= 130 / >=85
• Fasting glucose               >= 6.1 mmol / l
• Waist Circumference

          Men                                  >90cm

          Women                             >80cm

Causes

• Lack of  physical activity (sedentary lifestyle)
• Excessive intake of carbohydrate
• Smoking
• Ageing
• Insulin resistance
• Excess blood clotting
• Hormone changes
• Increase level of blood substances that are sign of body inflammation
• Excess weight around middle and upper parts of body

Action plan

• Increase fibre intake for lowering the insulin and blood sugar level.
• Take garlic for protecting the cardio-vascular system.
• Consume more deep sea fish which contain omega-3 essential fat to protect heart and improve cell response to insulin.
• Avoid high sugary and refined carbohydrate food which will increase the insulin level such as soft drinks, biscuit, cake, pastries, chocolate, sweets, white rice, white bread, crisps and potatoes.
• Lower the salt intake to control the blood pressure level.
• Restrict the intake of tea, coffee and caffeinated soft drinks as caffeine will indirectly raises blood sugar levels and therefore insulin.