Metabolic Dysfunction: Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Metabolism is the body’s process of getting energy from the food you eat. The chemicals in your digestive system break food down into fuel. Your body then uses this fuel or stores it in the body tissues. Metabolic dysfunction occurs when this process is impaired.

Making some definitive lifestyle changes can delay or prevent you from developing serious health problems.

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What is metabolic syndrome, and what causes it?

Metabolic syndrome consists of several coexisting conditions that increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or a stroke.

For the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome, you may have:

  • Excess body fat around the waist (a waistline of more than 40 inches for men and 35 inches or more for women)
  • High blood pressure (130/80mm Hg or higher)
  • High blood sugar (fasting blood glucose level greater than 100 mg/dl).
  • High triglyceride levels (above 150 mg/dl)
  • Low HDL cholesterol levels (less than 40 mg/dl in men or under 50 mg/dl in women)

The exact cause of the metabolic syndrome isn’t known, but many of its features are associated with ‘insulin resistance,’ which means the body doesn’t process insulin efficiently. This can result in a high level of sugar in your bloodstream. Your blood sugar levels rise as your body churns out more insulin to reduce the sugar level in your bloodstream. Insulin resistance can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.

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If you have high blood pressure and high cholesterol, plaque can build up in your arteries. When your arteries narrow and harden, this can lead to a heart attack or stroke.

Symptoms of metabolic syndrome

There are no immediate symptoms of metabolic syndrome, and the medical problems associated with it usually develop over time. A healthcare provider will diagnose it by doing various tests, such as testing blood pressure, lipid profile, and blood sugar.

Prevent or reverse metabolic syndrome

Excess weight and physical inactivity are the main underlying contributors to developing metabolic syndrome. Heart-healthy lifestyle changes can help or prevent it through dietary changes and regular exercise.

NAD therapy

NAD is present within the cells in your body. When NAD levels fall, it can affect your metabolic function and the ability of your body to create and use energy. NAD levels decline as you age, but can decrease faster due to stress, an unhealthy diet, and poor sleeping habits. NAD therapy in Wyoming can help restore your NAD levels and enhance your metabolic function.

Healthy diet

  1. Eat a healthy diet of lean protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, and keep your carbs to no more than 50% of your total calories.
  2. Eat whole grains (complex carbohydrates) like brown rice and brown bread, and limit how much junk food you consume.
  3. Eat healthy fats such as those found in avocados and olive oil.

Weight loss

Moderate weight loss, in the range of five to ten percent of your body weight, can help restore your ability to recognize insulin. Losing that excess body fat can significantly reduce your chances of developing more serious illnesses.

Physical activity

Health experts recommend getting 150 minutes of aerobic exercise every week, such as brisk walking or swimming. Choose an exercise you enjoy to keep your interest for the long haul.

When it comes to losing weight, a mix of cardio for 30 minutes a day for five days a week and two or three days of strength-training exercises is vital. Cardio helps to burn calories, and strength training can boost your metabolism.

Last words

If you have metabolic syndrome, it’s imperative to take action as soon as possible. Because excess weight and a lack of exercise are underlying contributors to this condition, eating healthily, losing weight, and exercising can help to prevent or reverse it.

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