Metabolic Syndrome

Dr. Amy's Wellness Tip for March

By: Dr. Amy Whittington
Published March 4, 2010

(page 2 of 2)

Perhaps the worst part of slipping into metabolic syndrome is what it does to your metabolism. Because both insulin and glucose are not allowed into the cells, those with metabolic syndrome also have elevated blood levels of insulin. Insulin signals hunger. To a person with a normal blood sugar metabolism, extra insulin means that blood sugar is low, and the person should eat. To a person with metabolic syndrome, the high insulin levels that have resulted from the insulin resistance trigger this feedback loop of hunger. Furthermore, the high insulin signals your body to hold on to extra weight and calories because your body interprets the long-standing high insulin levels as famine. In other words, if you have metabolic syndrome or NIDDM and you think it is especially hard for you to lose weight - you are absolutely right. And what we have is a slippery slope: the more insulin resistance, the higher the blood levels rise, the more efficiently we store fat, and the more fat, the more resistance...in a vicious cycle.

This isn’t to say that diet and exercise aren’t worth the trouble, because they are absolutely necessary to reverse and treat metabolic syndrome. Exercise can stabilize blood sugar levels, make cells less insulin resistant, raise HDL, lower blood pressure, and decrease triglycerides. It is also important to greatly moderate sugar intake (the less sugar, the less insulin that is released, and the less hunger and efficient fat-storage). Remember to also keep blood sugar balanced by including a protein or fiber every time you eat or drink anything with calories. And don’t abuse sugar substitutes either. . .they too will make you more efficient at fat-storage, likely by increasing insulin levels.

So, as usual, your treatment plan must include proper nutrition and exercise. However, in addition, you should also make use of some nutrients and herbs that are known to help re-sensitize our insulin receptors. This will not only help you to decrease your blood sugar levels, but it will also help you lose weight and get off the slippery slope. Nutrients including chromium and vanadium can help make your insulin receptors more sensitive. Vanadium is generally dosed at 250mcg, and chromium at 500mcg, each one to two times per day. Herbs including Gymnema, Fenugreek, and bitter melon have been shown to stabilize blood sugar levels as well. In addition, one of the most effective herbs, that is likely already in your cabinet, is cinnamon. At 1⁄4 teaspoon one to two times per day, it can be very effective at controlling your blood sugar levels. It can be simply used in your food or taken as a supplement. Many combination products exist containing different mixtures of the above ingredients, but as with all nutrient and supplement additions that you are considering, you should be monitored by your primary care, integrative, or naturopathic physician. This is especially worth noting if you have been diagnosed with NIDDM (diabetes), as although you could still benefit greatly from seeing your naturopath, your blood sugar levels should be monitored closely during the change in your regime.

Metabolic syndrome doesn’t have to be an epidemic, and even if you already fit the diagnostic criteria, you should be able to use nature to help to effectively balance your blood sugar and lower your risks.

Take care and Be Healthy,
Amy Whittington, NMD

Article by Dr. Amy Whittington

Amy Whittington, NMD graduated magna cum laude from the University of Kansas in 1998. In 2003, she received her doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine after graduating first in her class from the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine. As part of her training, she received extensive education in the basic sciences, pathology and diagnosis, and treatment modalities including pharmaceuticals, botanical medicines, nutrition, homeopathy, and acupuncture. After completing more than 1200 clinical hours and sitting for national boards, Dr. Whittington was licensed in Arizona to diagnose and treat illness as a general practitioner. She completed a one-year residency in general practice and has been in private practice since then. Additionally, from 2004 through 2006, she served as adjunct professor at Southwest College in Tempe, Arizona teaching such classes as physical diagnosis, nutrition, and minor surgery. In 2005, Dr. Whittington initiated one of the first spa-based naturopathic practices in Arizona at The Phoenician, where she continues to practice in addition to coordinating naturopathic services for Trilogy by Shea.