for developing metabolic syndrome and the diseases that naturally follow.
How do we push back against metabolic syndrome, diabetes, hypertension, and the rest? Here are some recommendations:
- Switch to an eating plan that favors heart health, which means limiting the amount of saturated and trans fats in your diet, and instead choosing nutritious foods like fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and sources of lean protein
- Maintain a healthy weight, which includes getting regular cardiovascular exercise
- Decrease stress
- Quit smoking
- Decrease alcohol intake
- Use medications when prescribed to control blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol
While we can’t fight our genetic heritage, we can choose to change our lifestyle so that the metabolic syndrome “cluster of four” doesn’t come home to roost. Remember what constitutes the cluster of four: high blood pressure; elevated blood sugar; high LDL cholesterol, low HDL cholesterol, and elevated triglycerides; and excess abdominal body fat. And then remember that you have the power to push back, improve your health, and keep metabolic syndrome out of the story of your life, overall health, and potential for longevity and healthy aging.