Take These Steps to Avoid Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is more than just a single condition; it’s a cluster of conditions that tend to occur concurrently. Collectively, these conditions increase your risk for serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. 

Through metabolic testing, you can find out how well your metabolism is functioning. Metabolic testing also guides our neXendo Wellness specialists, Anastassios Manessis, MD, FACE, ECNU, ABOM, and Brandon Caraballosa, MS, RD, CDN, CTP, in creating your personalized care plan at our offices in Long Island City and Murray Hill, New York. 

Your metabolism dictates how well your body converts food into energy. Conditions within metabolic syndrome such as high blood sugar, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol all contribute to a decline in metabolism. Despite being highly common, you want to avoid them if possible. 

Here are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting metabolic syndrome and the possible complications:

Adjust your diet

Experts agree that a healthy diet is a cornerstone for overall long-term health. While you may not be able to analyze and adjust your diet perfectly on your own, your neXendo Wellness specialists are available to help. 

It’s best to limit processed foods, sugary foods, and saturated or trans fats. Focus on centering these heart-healthy foods in your diet instead:

• Fruits 
• Vegetables
• Nuts
• Skinless poultry
• Fish
• Whole grains

With a little practice, it gets easier to maintain a healthy diet. After a while, you stop craving processed and sugary foods. 

Get consistent exercise

Adding exercise to your routine can be a challenge. Even if you start with low-intensity exercise, your ultimate goal should include around 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise to reduce your risk of metabolic syndrome and keep your cardiovascular system functioning optimally. You can even start with daily walks to get you in the habit of getting up and moving. 

Regulate your sleep

We can’t stress the importance of high-quality sleep enough. Unfortunately, conditions such as sleep apnea as well as sleep interruptions can reduce the quality of sleep you get and increase your risk of developing high blood pressure and other conditions caused by metabolic syndrome.

Your providers can work with you to address anything interrupting a good night’s sleep and mitigate the risk of possible complications due to poor sleep quality. 

Quit your smoking habit

We know that quitting smoking is easier said than done. And as you know, smoking doesn’t just damage the lungs. It can also raise your blood pressure and contribute to insulin resistance and increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and other metabolic syndrome complications. 

Visit your doctor

Our specialists at neXendo Wellness can help you fill the gaps in your knowledge about metabolic syndrome, evaluate your lifestyle, and make the necessary changes to reduce your risk. Schedule an appointment over the phone or online at our offices today.