A Quarter of US Citizens Are Inflicted With This.

It is estimated that at least 25% of us have, "Metabolic Syndrome," and it really is a killer.  If you develop it, you're much more likely to  move into heart disease and diabetes.  It is particularly troubling that there is an increased risk of dementia with aging.

That's the bad news.

The good news is there is something you can do about it.

Go to your doctor and get a blood test.  He can measure your triglycerides, HDL "Good" cholesterol, LDL "Bad" cholesterol, blood pressure and plasma glucose.  And if you are overweight, well, you know you have to take care of that anyway.

What to do:

• Work out:  You've got to get in 30 to 60 minutes a day.

• Lose the gut: As little as 5 to 10 percent of your body weight can reduce insulin levels, blood pressure and risk of diabetes.

• Eat Healthy: You know about this - move to the Mediterranean Diet: vegetables, fish, healthy oils, and whole grains, beans and lean meats.  It goes without saying that you need fiber rich foods.

• Stop Smoking:  I know, easier said that done, but you know it's killing you.

• Quit Drinking Diet Soda:  New studies show artificial sweeteners cause insulin release and insulin resistance.

•  Green Drink:  You can buy a number of "greens drinks" that are sold at health food stores.  One of my favorites is Greens Plus.  They don't taste good, but they don't taste bad either.

• Add psyllium husks:  Buy some chia  and add it to your greens drinks or foods.  This is a big one because studies show these awesome fibers reduce mortality rates by a whopping 61%.

• Reduce red meat.  Yeah, I didn't want to hear it either, but new studies show it increases your risk of Type II diabetes.

• Take Supplements:  You should try: (1) Antioxidants, (2) Grape Seed Extract, (3) cinnamon, (4) bitter melon. (5) Fenugreek, (6) Vandium as well as my normally recommended supplement routine.

• Cholesterol Control. You should consider Niacin and soluble fiber, red yeast rice, and Coenzyme Q10.

Stress seems to also increase the symptoms of  metabolic syndrome and so getting plenty or rest, meditation and  a heavy dose of living your life on purpose can go a long way toward recovery.

I'd work toward trying to tackle most of the metabolic syndrome issues by changing your lifestyle.  If that doesn't work there are a number of prescription medications for high blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes.

References:

How Do You Treat Metabolic Syndrome? www.WebMD.com, Here. 

Staying on Program: Top News and More, www.DoctgorOz.com, by Mike Roizen, MD, Feb 28, 2011.  Here.

Natural Remedies for Metabolic Syndrome.  By Cathy Wong.  www.About.com.  Here.

Cholesterol Control: The Alternatives, By John Casey, www.Webmd.com.  Here.

The Best Supplements for Insulin Resistance, www.LiveStrong.com, By Tracey Roizman, D.C. Here.