by Lawrence Wilson, MD

SYNDROME X OR METABOLIC SYNDROME

Metabolic syndrome, also called Syndrome X affects over 50 million Americans, or one out of six. It is even occurring in some children today. It is a set of risk factors and symptoms that, taken together, predispose one to the development of hypoglycemia and diabetes. The Syndrome is also associated with coronary artery disease and other diseases related to plaque buildups in the artery walls such as strokes and peripheral vascular disease.

RISK FACTORS FOR SYNDROME X

These are:

· Abdominal obesity (excessive fat tissue in and around the abdomen). It is currently defined as a man’s waist of 40+ inches (102 cm), and a woman’s waist of 35+ inches (88 cm).

· Increasing age.

· Serum triglycerides above 150 mg/dl.

· HDL cholesterol below 40 mg/dl in men and below 50 mg/dl in women.

· Elevated blood pressure above 130/85.

· Insulin resistance or glucose intolerance with a fasting glucose above 100 mg.

· Increased blood clotting tendency with elevated fibrinogen or other clotting abnormalities.

· An inflammatory state, often with a high C-reactive protein level.

· Others may include: Physical inactivity, hormonal imbalances and perhaps even genetic predisposition.

Causes for Metabolic Syndrome. These include a diet too high in sugars and starches, overeating and perhaps other lifestyle factors such as not enough water, stress and not enough rest.

According to our research, other factors are nutrient deficiencies such as zinc, iodine and selenium, and the buildup of toxic metals in the body such as lead, cadmium, arsenic and others. Imbalances affecting the thyroid gland, in particular, seem to play an important role. However, serum thyroid hormone levels are usually within normal limits. The most important single factor appears to be an improper diet and perhaps overeating.

Hair analysis patterns seen with metabolic syndrome. Among the most common patterns is a fast oxidation rate with a low sodium/potassium ratio. However, the syndrome can occur with other patterns such a slow oxidation rate with a normal or even high sodium/potassium ratio. Another pattern seen occasionally with Syndrome X is a four lows pattern.

CORRECTION OF METABOLIC SYNDROME

The medical approach. Allopathic physicians usually medicate these individuals with cholesterol-lowering drugs, high blood pressure drugs, anti-diabetic drugs, and perhaps others. This is shameful when the real cause is dietary in nature. The approach should begin with dietary correction whenever possible.

When those with Syndrome X begin a nutritional balancing program, the risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar and inflammation markers usually disappear by themselves, often within a few months, without the need for any drugs. Some aspects of the syndrome will take longer to resolve, such as losing often 50 to over 100 pounds of excess weight. However, on a diet low in carbohydrates, very low in simple carbohydrates including fruit and juices, and very high in cooked vegetables with some animal protein daily, one can lose up to 100 pounds or more in a year or less without even trying. We do not recommend vigorous exercise programs, which can be very dangerous for those in poor health. Such exercise is simply not needed if one follows the diet and takes the supplements indicated on a hair mineral analysis.

Detoxification using a near infrared sauna and coffee enemas are not usually essential, but will enhance progress and are sometimes very helpful as well.

Prevention of metabolic syndrome. Prevention appears to be simple if a person will follow a diet very high in cooked vegetables, with some animal protein daily, preferably raw dairy products, and avoid all wheat and all sugars. Some complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, millet, oats, quinoa and other whole grains can usually be eaten safely.

Given the extremely high cost of treating diabetes, heart disease and other aspects of metabolic syndrome, one would think the government and other health authorities would talk more about diet to prevent and treat this common condition. Instead, our government, in their wisdom, still recommends a diet high in whole grains, and sugars as found in fruits, for example, and raw honey, pure maple syrup and other sweet foods. Meanwhile, the government tells people to avoid saturated fats which are generally helpful for these individuals to provide calories.

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