Solving Metabolic Syndrome

When searching for information around what can be done to improve metabolic function, the solutions are elusive at best and impossible at worst.  The information shared on the internet is either too generic to be helpful - e.g. "Eat Less, Move More" , too specific - "Eat almonds to reduce belly fat" or contradicting or even damaging. Even books authored by doctors and scientists offer conflicting advice on what actions to take.   It is encouraging that there is a substantial level of attention on this topic. Scientific and medical research is obviously progressing. However, there does not yet seem to be a clear cut answer as to why millions of US adults and children are dealing with Metabolic Syndrome . Hopefully at some point the solution will be much more clear.  In the meantime, there are many common themes in published scientific and medical research that may offer insights.  For instance,  below are 4 factors that have commonly been associated to...

It has been well known for a long time that that there can be a link between cortisol (the stress hormone) and abdominal obesity. Abdominal obesity is one of the 5 factors of Metabolic Syndrome . When we think 'stress', it is easy to think of our psychological stressors. These are the ones we tend to be most aware of such as work stress, caregiver stress or financial stress. However, there can be a lot of stress to a body that is caused by things that are not as readily visible. For example, sleep stress, chronic dehydration [2,3] or even obesity itself.   There may be some individuals that are more susceptible to stress than others.  This research  goes in depth about susceptible individuals in stress and obesity .[1]       Fortunately there are a lot of advancements that can tell us more about the current state of our  health. In particular, tests and technologies are continually emerging where we can get some good clues regarding our current stress ...

One bright spot in the quest to solve Metabolic Syndrome is technology. Fortunately, we can get more data on what is really going on with our personal physiology than ever before through various devices and testing.   My friend asked me over the summer if I had tried the Lumen yet. She had one and was liking it.  It didn't take me long to grab one - I am a data geek so I get excited for any technology that provides  new, useful data on how to improve my metabolism. The concept behind the Lumen is intriguing. The Lumen website 'benefits' section claims that the Lumen device will help you to become more metabolically flexible .   An overly simplified description of  metabolic flexibility is to your body's ability to change from carb burning to fat burning (and vice versa) easily in the right scenarios. Metabolic inflexibility is the opposite and is the not desired state. If you are metabolically inflexible your body probabl...

Do you have Metabolic Syndrome ?  Even if you have never heard of the concept, it's possible that you are dealing with it.  In fact there is a very significant chance.  Per the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH), "metabolic syndrome is common in the United States.  About 1 in 3 adults have metabolic syndrome."[1]  " Metabolic syndrome is common in the United States. About 1 in 3 adults have metabolic syndrome. " Unfortunately, in addition to one in three adults, a growing number of children are suffering with this health impacting syndrome.      Metabolic Syndrome has been a concept for a long time with evolving and differing definitions.  In 2009, many organizations including the American Heart association came together and formed a joint  definition of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). This is the definition that is used currently.    Metabolic Syndrome can be diagnosed if you have 3 or more of the foll...