Guest guest Posted December 6, 2003 Report Share Posted December 6, 2003 well I don't know about anyone else but syndrome x seems to describe me to a T. I am especially interested in the chromium that is supposed to help with the reactive hypoglycemia. I am having an awful time with that. I take the E and C. Do you think it would be beneficial to find and take chromium? The article appears to make alot of sense to me. What is your take on it? Phyllis Syndrome X Feedback? Thanks, Vitalady, Inc. T www.vitalady.com > Herbs, Nutrients Supplement Syndrome X Care > > Diane > > Taken from Natural Foods Merchandiser February 2003 > > With almost two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight-and millions > suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol -it's almost > certain that on any given day, you'll talk with several people in your > store who have syndrome X. > > Syndrome what? If the term doesn't ring a bell, the symptoms probably > do-excess weight around the middle, high blood pressure, high blood > triglycerides and high blood cholesterol levels. Just one of these > conditions increases the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. > But the more Syndrome X indicators people have, the more at risk they > are-not just for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but for disease in > general. > > Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes, lies at the core > of Syndrome X. Insulin resistance and Syndrome X develop over time > from a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as sweets, breads and > flour- and sugar-based snack foods. These foods trigger a rapid > increase in blood sugar levels, and in turn the body pumps out high > amounts of blood-sugar-regulating insulin. > > Eventually, the body's cells become overwhelmed by so much insulin and > actually become resistant (or not very receptive) to it. This hormone > imbalance-insulin resistance- alters blood-fat ratios, raises blood > pressure and increases fat storage, leading to the cluster of heart > disease risk factors known as Syndrome X. > > The typical American diet, high in refined fats, primes the body for > developing Syndrome X, and the longer these foods are eaten, the > greater risk becomes. > > Middle-aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > Syndrome X, but teen-agers and children also can develop the > condition. Type 2 diabetics almost always have several Syndrome X > indicators, as do women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, a > condition typically characterized by irregular mentrual cycles, > ovarian cysts and excess facial hair. > > A diet rich in protein and unprocessed, low-carbohydrate, nutrient > dense foods such as vegetables is the best line of defense against > Syndrome X. But you as a retailer also have many supplements at your > disposal that can help combat this condition, and lead your customers > on the road to better health. > > First, there are the antioxidants- alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E and > vitamin C. All three neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, which are > at a higher-than normal levels in individuals with Syndrome X. > > Middle- aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > Syndrome X, but teen- agers and children can also develop the > condition. > > > Each antioxidant also offers unique benefits for improving faulty > blood sugar function- a key strategy for improving Syndrome X. For > example, alpha-lipoic acid, a vitamin-like substance that plays > crucial roles in the burning of blood sugar for energy, also reduces > insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin > sensitivity (Diabetes Care, 1999; Diabetes and Stoffwechsel, 1996). > > Natural vitamin E also has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity > and lower blood sugar levels. Plus, it helps protect against heart > disease, a common consequence of Syndrome X. Vitamin C lowers blood > sugar and normalizes insulin's response to it (American Journal of > Clinical Nutrition, 1994) and also improves some of the individual > components of Syndrome X, such as high blood pressure and high > cholesterol levels. Therefore, all three antioxidants work in > different but synergistic ways to protect against Syndrome X. > > The mineral standout among these may be chromium in the form of > chromium picolinate. Chromium is so effective at reversing resistance > that one 1997 study found that 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate daily > reduced blood sugar and insulin levels in type 2 diabetics to near > normal after four months- something that medications could not achieve > (Diabetes, 1997). In various other studies, chromium also has been > found to help normalize the individual components of Syndrome X. > > And in daily dosages of 200 to 400 mcg, chromium helps those with > reactive hypoglycemia (blood sugar highs followed by blood sugar > lows). So, chromium acts as a blood sugar regulator. However, those > who take sugar - lowering drugs should take note: Supplemental > chromium works so well at improving insulin function that less > medication is usually needed. Sometimes, medication can be eliminated > completely over time. > > This is a good thing- it indicates a reversal or lessening of insulin > resistance- but it also means that your customers should work with > their doctors to carefully monitor their condition and avoid over > medicating themselves. > > In addition to chromium, herbalists have a long tradition of using > herbs including ginseng, fenugreek, bitter melon, and Gymnema > sylvestre to help reduce the high blood sugar levels that can occur > with Syndrome X. And research is slowly but surely confirming that > these herbs do have blood-sugar-lowering properties. In one study out > of the University of Toronto, healthy subjects who were given American > ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), had a 26 percent to 38 percent > reduction in blood sugar levels, while diabetics who took the herb had > a 20 percent reduction (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000). > > Silymarin, or milk thistle extract, is another top herb for lowering > blood sugar levels. In one study with 60 type 2 diabetics, those who > took silymarin experienced a significant drop in their blood sugar > levels, but did not experience bouts of low blood sugar. The patients' > fasting insulin levels decreased by an average of 40 percent- > indicating a significant reduction in insulin resistance (Journal of > Hepatology, 1997). Silymarin also improves liver function, which is > noteworthy because the liver plays an important role in maintaining > normal blood sugar levels. > > Fortunately, many supplements have been shown to be effective in > treating the symptoms- and underlying cause- of Syndrome X. Although > many of your customers may not realize they have Syndrome X, you can > get a good indication of whether they do based on their weight and > symptoms. Help those customers by educating them about Syndrome X and > blood sugar function and steering them toward the supplements that > have proven therapeutic benefits for this increasingly common > condition. > > Diane is a nutritionist and health journalist based in > Tuscon, Ariz. Her books include Syndrome X ( Wiley & Sons, 2000) > as well as User's Guide to Vitamin E (Basic Health Publications, > 2000), User's Guide to Chromium (Basic Health Publications 2002) and > Going Against the Grain (McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2002). For > more information, visit or . > > > The Main Indicators of Syndrome X > > > Abdominal obesity > > > High Blood Pressure (blood pressure readings consistently higher than > 140/90) > > > Unhealthy blood cholesterol readings (total cholesterol above 240 > mg/dL, or HDL cholesterol levels less than one -fourth of total blood > cholesterol levels) > > > High blood triglyceride levels (blood triglyceride levels above 160 > mg/dL) > > > > > Early Warning Signs > > > > > Overweight, even slightly so, especially around the abdomen > > > Frequent cravings for sweets, breads and other carbohydrates > > > Tiredness or sleepiness after meals > > > Frequent thirst and urination, or high blood sugar levels above 100mg. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors for the Metabolic (X, Y and Z...) > Syndrome X > > By Holt, M.D., MRCP (UK), FRCP ©, FACP, FACG, FACN > > > Defining Syndrome X (The Metabolic Syndrome): The US federal > government has declared that the most important current public health > initiative is to combat the constellation of problems that exist > within the umbrella terms " the metabolic syndrome " or " Syndrome X. " > The cardinal components of Syndrome X include obesity, high blood > cholesterol (abnormal blood lipids) and hypertension, linked by > underlying resistance to the hormone insulin. Syndrome X has been > described as a hidden epidemic and it may affect up to 70 million > American citizens. > > Insulin resistance is a key issue in Syndrome X. While insulin is well > recognized as a control for blood glucose, it also has several > far-reaching actions on body metabolism. As a consequence of insulin > resistance within Syndrome X, more insulin is secreted by the pancreas > to overcome the resistance. Excessive amounts of circulating insulin > lead to biochemical changes in the body where more fat is stored > (obesity), and abnormalities of blood lipids occur. Despite > established high levels of circulating insulin in established Syndrome > X, glucose intolerance exists, without overt signs of diabetes > mellitus. > > Excessive insulin secretion in the presence of insulin exerts several > other adverse metabolic effects. These include retention of sodium by > the kidneys causing a rise in blood pressure, changes in the pattern > and production of sex hormones in females and actions on cell > proliferation that may contribute to the development of cancer. In > addition, there is a change in eicosanoid production in the body. > These changes produce a tendency to increase blood clotting and a > propensity to inflammatory states. While this sequence of biochemical > events in the body has been linked to cardiovascular disease, Syndrome > X has emerged as important in the cause of infertility, endocrine > disorders, irregular menstruation, liver disease, inflammatory > disease, osteoporosis and cancer of the breast, womb or colon. > > Syndrome X in Perspective: The Concept of Syndrome XYZ... > > > The understanding of Syndrome X is often clouded by confusion of the > disorder with Type II diabetes mellitus (maturity-onset diabetes). In > simple terms, Syndrome X could be considered to be a " forerunner " to > maturity onset diabetes, but not all individuals with Syndrome X will > develop Type II diabetes. The hallmark of Syndrome X is resistance to > insulin and high circulating levels of blood insulin, which are > produced by the body to overcome the newfound resistance to the > actions of the hormone insulin. In contrast, when diabetes mellitus is > established blood insulin levels are low or absent, whereas in > Syndrome X blood insulin levels are often high.. When blood insulin > levels are high in the presence of insulin resistance, signals are > given to many body tissues to trigger the changes of body metabolism > and or gain function that are described in Syndrome X. > > Many other under explored complex biochemical factors operate in the > evolution of Syndrome X. Syndrome X is determined in part by genetic > or hereditary tendencies, but the most important causes of Syndrome X > appear to be adverse lifestyle and, in particular, poor nutrition and > lack of physical exercise. Excessive refined carbohydrates in the > diet, made worse by excessive dietary saturated fat intake, excessive > salt consumption, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and other > nutritional co-factors contribute to the precipitation and evolution > of the metabolic Syndrome X. Syndrome X appears to be part of our > modern metabolic evolution that is fueled by the average Western > lifestyle and diet. > > The four principle features of Syndrome X (obesity, hypertension, > hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) underlie cardiovascular > disease, which is the most common cause of death and disability in > Western society. The term Syndrome X originally was coined by the > eminent physician, Dr. Gerald Reaven in 1988, but over the past > decade, his early concept of Syndrome X has been expanded to involve > many other biochemical and clinical consequences of the underlying > metabolic disorder. Science is faced with a " novel " unifying concept > of the cause of much chronic degenerative disease, as it becomes > recognized that the metabolic problems within Syndrome X cause many > other diseases. These other diseases include endocrine disorders, > acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, common liver disease (fatty liver, > non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), > and cancer. It is this new unifying disease concept that I have called > " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " . (Holt S, Combat Syndrome X,Y and Z..., > Wellnesspublishing.com, 2002) > > > > > > Combat Syndrome X ( > > > Recognizing Syndrome X is more difficult than many individuals may > suppose. Obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure are > variably present in Syndrome X and underlying insulin resistance has > few readily identifiable manifestations, especially in its early > stages. A retrospective study of National Nutrition Survey Data > (NHANES) between the years 1988 and 1994 resulted in the conclusion > that, at that time, approximately 47 million adults in the United > States had Syndrome X. These data were recorded by US federal > government researchers in the Journal of the American Medical > Association (JAMA), in January 2002. It is notable that these > researchers stated, " ...it seems unlikely that management of the > individual abnormalities of this syndrome provides better outcomes > than a more integrated strategy " (JAMA, 3,297,p. 359, 2002). These are > powerful words that support the future of the food and dietary > supplements industry in the combat against Syndrome X, at least > indirectly. > > For many years, the dietary supplement industry has espoused its vital > role in the potential prevention and treatment of disease. Reading > between the lines of recent federal government health care > initiatives, it is suggested that lifestyle and nutrition are the > primary components in the battle against Syndrome X. These days, > " integrated strategies " in medicine almost always employ complementary > (or alternative) medicine, which in turn employs dietary supplements > or functional foods. It appears that the " first line approach " for the > management of Syndrome X involves positive lifestyle and nutritional > changes, not pharmaceutical interventions. This point of view is > reinforced by public statements about the management of type II > diabetes mellitus from the American Diabetic Association (ADA) ( ). > The ADA describes lifestyle and nutritional change as " first-line > options " for the management of maturity onset diabetes and it is > stated that drug treatments form " back-up plans " . Never in the history > of the dietary supplement industry has such solid direction and > support for the use of food and dietary supplements been given by > conventional bodies of opinion for a key public initiative (syndrome > X, Y and Z..), at least indirectly. > > The " Integrated Approach. " > > > While government researchers hint at an integrated approach they have > done little t define just what they mean. Pharmaceutical research and > development programs are racing to define genomic targets to develop > drugs to correct Syndrome X. These drug develop strategies are > arguably on the right track, since the solution to a disease that is > rooted in adverse lifestyle is not the prescription of a drug, but it > does involve change of lifestyle for the better. The US public should > not succumb readily to the concept of the " lifestyle drug " . Whilst the > pharmaceutical industry develops frentic interest in serving their > perceived gargantuan health care need for drugs to treat Sydrome X, > the dietary supplement industry appears to be sleeping or jsut > awakening, at best! Let me explain. > > If one takes the cardinal components of Syndrome X (obesity, > hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) and > examines the dietary supplement categories sold for this aggregate of > condition-specific purposes, then one is looking at the " lion's share " > of the sale of all dietary supplements (about 80%). It is known that > Syndrome X is multifactorial and the dietary supplement industry is > attempting to find " magic bullets, " somewhat like the pharmaceutical > and the popular dietary supplement may be equally misguided. The > approach to Syndrome X must be multipronged and it must involve > lifestyle change. There is no " technofix " for the metabolic Syndrome X > (or Syndrome X, Y and Z...). > > Versatile treatments must be designed to impact as many aspects as > possible of the metabolic problems within Syndrome X and its > consequences, if we are to tackle this problem in an efficient and > effective manner. Table 1 identifies a " simplistic " lifestyle program > to combat Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A Lifestyle Program for Metabolic Syndrome X: > > > Life style change, with specific avoidance of substance abuse, > including smoking cessation, reduced salt, caffeine and simple sugar > intake. > > Behavior modification. Change eating patterns and calorie amounts. > Extinguish adverse lifestyle. > > Exercise should be matched to a level of aerobic fitness, and medical > or professional training advice recommended. > > Diet should be reduced in simple sugars, salt and saturated fat with > controlled protein intake and more liberal use of healthy fats, > e.g.:omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA). > > Syndrome X Nutritional Factors include oat beta glucan, phytonutrient > antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, chromium picolinate with biotin, > vanadium, phaseolum (Phase 2), anti-homocysteine vitamins and the use > of low-glycemic index dietary substrates. > > Drug treatments are often " backup plans " , especially for type II > diabetes. > > > > Conclusion. > > > The dietary supplement industry and its customers require urgent > education on the components of Syndrome X, Y and Z... Syndrome X is > the ultimate form of society-induced bioterrorism, fueled by our poor > Western lifestyle and diet. Syndrome X emerges as the basis for the > understanding of a unifying concept of several chronic diseases. I > suggest that a more apt name for this series of metabolic disorders > and medical consequences is " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " The dietary > supplement industry has a great role to play in the combat against the > metabolic syndrome X, by providing nutraceuticals in combinations that > form part of a well planned " integrated " , medical approach to the most > threatening of all public health concerns facing Western society, > namely the metabolic syndrome X, Y and Z. WF > > References on Request. > > > > Tables 1 and 2 below. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Table I: Components of lifestyle and " integrated " medical approach to > the metabolic Syndrome X > > > Nutritional Factors for Syndrome X. I have reviewed in detail many > herbal botanical and nutritional factors that can be used in the > struggle against Syndrome X. (Holt S, Combat Syndrome XYZ..., > Wellnesspublishing.com, Newark, NJ 2002). The most important dietary > supplements can be used in an integrated approach to impact Syndrome X > are summarized in Table 2. > > > Science and Syndrome X Nutritional Factors > > > > > > Components and > > Association of the > > Metabolic Syndrome X > Functional Properties of > > Syndrome X Nuritional > > Factors and Lifestyle > > Insulin Resistance > > > > > > Abnormal Blood Lipids > > (cholesterol) > > > > Obesity > > > > > > Hypertention > > > > Oxidative Stress > > > > Homocysteine > Patented oat beta glucan fractions of oat soluable fiber (US > patent 6,060,519) may lower blood glucose levels after sugar intake. > Chromium picolinate with Biotin may assist insulin Function > (sensitiziation). > > Oat beta glucan may reduce (cholesterol) blood cholesterol > levels (LDL and triglycerides) and may variably increase good > cholesterol (HDL). Antioxidants and chromium effects on blood > cholesterol. > > Oat beta glucan may make people feel full when taken prior to > meals and it assists in calorie control. The starch-blocker Phaseolum > 2250 (Phase 2) may inhibit sugar absorption. > > Variable but small reductions in blood pressure result from > weight control, and lifestyle change in the INTEGRATED PLAN! > > Antioxidants may be beneficial for health eg. bioflavonoids, > ellagic acid, anthocycanidins and alpha lipoic acid. > > Vitamins B-6, B12 and folic acid may reduce blood homocysteine > levels. > > > > > Table 2: > > > Principle dietary supplements or functional food components that are > valuable in the management of Syndrome X. The components reviewed in > this table can work in an " additive manner " (synergistic) and provide > a multi-pronged approach to the multifactorial components of Syndrome > X. These natural supplements work best when used in synergistic > formulations. > > Dietary supplements that can be used in the combat against Syndrome X > have protean beneficial effects, especially when used in the > combinations. Soluble fiber from oats (oat beta glucan) has potent and > versatile effects on Syndrome X by assisting in management of obesity, > lowering blood cholesterol, overcoming insulin resistance and, > secondarily, reducing blood pressure. The progression of tissue damage > in Syndrome X (and diabetes mellitus) is linked to oxidative stress > and many of the components of the proposed Syndrome X nutritional > factors (Table 2) are potent antioxidants. Isolated nutrients or > botanical extracts that help to regulate blood glucose have a limited > role in Syndrome X when used alone, e.g. corosolic acid, Gymnema > sylvestre and Maitake-S fractions. Soy foods or soy supplements (in an > appropriate format) emerge with special advantages for dietary > inclusion in individuals with Syndrome X, because they have a low > glycemic index, lower blood cholesterol and are low in calories. > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2003 Report Share Posted December 6, 2003 Well, as I said, it sorta defines our disease, as I'm always trying to explain it. That much of our oddball behavior is caused by the disease vs the other way around. That is not to say that there are NOT mentally unbalanced people among our population, but it still will match the general public, like 10%. Not the 99% of us who think we're fat because we're crazy. I messed with chromium for a year or so and didn't see that it did or did not do anything, BUT, I never even kept track of the reactive hypoglycemia. Might be worth checking into again. If 10 of us did it, would we have a reasonable sampling? Thanks, Vitalady, Inc. T www.vitalady.com If you are interested in PayPal, please click here: https://www.paypal.com/affil/pal=orders%40vitalady.com Syndrome X > > > Feedback? > > > Thanks, > > > Vitalady, Inc. T > www.vitalady.com > > > > > Herbs, Nutrients Supplement Syndrome X Care > > > > Diane > > > > Taken from Natural Foods Merchandiser February 2003 > > > > With almost two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight-and > millions > > suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol -it's almost > > certain that on any given day, you'll talk with several people in > your > > store who have syndrome X. > > > > Syndrome what? If the term doesn't ring a bell, the symptoms > probably > > do-excess weight around the middle, high blood pressure, high blood > > triglycerides and high blood cholesterol levels. Just one of these > > conditions increases the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. > > But the more Syndrome X indicators people have, the more at risk > they > > are-not just for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but for disease > in > > general. > > > > Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes, lies at the > core > > of Syndrome X. Insulin resistance and Syndrome X develop over time > > from a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as sweets, breads > and > > flour- and sugar-based snack foods. These foods trigger a rapid > > increase in blood sugar levels, and in turn the body pumps out high > > amounts of blood-sugar-regulating insulin. > > > > Eventually, the body's cells become overwhelmed by so much insulin > and > > actually become resistant (or not very receptive) to it. This > hormone > > imbalance-insulin resistance- alters blood-fat ratios, raises blood > > pressure and increases fat storage, leading to the cluster of heart > > disease risk factors known as Syndrome X. > > > > The typical American diet, high in refined fats, primes the body for > > developing Syndrome X, and the longer these foods are eaten, the > > greater risk becomes. > > > > Middle-aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > Syndrome X, but teen-agers and children also can develop the > > condition. Type 2 diabetics almost always have several Syndrome X > > indicators, as do women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, a > > condition typically characterized by irregular mentrual cycles, > > ovarian cysts and excess facial hair. > > > > A diet rich in protein and unprocessed, low-carbohydrate, nutrient > > dense foods such as vegetables is the best line of defense against > > Syndrome X. But you as a retailer also have many supplements at your > > disposal that can help combat this condition, and lead your > customers > > on the road to better health. > > > > First, there are the antioxidants- alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E and > > vitamin C. All three neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, which > are > > at a higher-than normal levels in individuals with Syndrome X. > > > > Middle- aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > Syndrome X, but teen- agers and children can also develop the > > condition. > > > > > > Each antioxidant also offers unique benefits for improving faulty > > blood sugar function- a key strategy for improving Syndrome X. For > > example, alpha-lipoic acid, a vitamin-like substance that plays > > crucial roles in the burning of blood sugar for energy, also reduces > > insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin > > sensitivity (Diabetes Care, 1999; Diabetes and Stoffwechsel, 1996). > > > > Natural vitamin E also has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity > > and lower blood sugar levels. Plus, it helps protect against heart > > disease, a common consequence of Syndrome X. Vitamin C lowers blood > > sugar and normalizes insulin's response to it (American Journal of > > Clinical Nutrition, 1994) and also improves some of the individual > > components of Syndrome X, such as high blood pressure and high > > cholesterol levels. Therefore, all three antioxidants work in > > different but synergistic ways to protect against Syndrome X. > > > > The mineral standout among these may be chromium in the form of > > chromium picolinate. Chromium is so effective at reversing > resistance > > that one 1997 study found that 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate > daily > > reduced blood sugar and insulin levels in type 2 diabetics to near > > normal after four months- something that medications could not > achieve > > (Diabetes, 1997). In various other studies, chromium also has been > > found to help normalize the individual components of Syndrome X. > > > > And in daily dosages of 200 to 400 mcg, chromium helps those with > > reactive hypoglycemia (blood sugar highs followed by blood sugar > > lows). So, chromium acts as a blood sugar regulator. However, those > > who take sugar - lowering drugs should take note: Supplemental > > chromium works so well at improving insulin function that less > > medication is usually needed. Sometimes, medication can be > eliminated > > completely over time. > > > > This is a good thing- it indicates a reversal or lessening of > insulin > > resistance- but it also means that your customers should work with > > their doctors to carefully monitor their condition and avoid over > > medicating themselves. > > > > In addition to chromium, herbalists have a long tradition of using > > herbs including ginseng, fenugreek, bitter melon, and Gymnema > > sylvestre to help reduce the high blood sugar levels that can occur > > with Syndrome X. And research is slowly but surely confirming that > > these herbs do have blood-sugar-lowering properties. In one study > out > > of the University of Toronto, healthy subjects who were given > American > > ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), had a 26 percent to 38 percent > > reduction in blood sugar levels, while diabetics who took the herb > had > > a 20 percent reduction (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000). > > > > Silymarin, or milk thistle extract, is another top herb for lowering > > blood sugar levels. In one study with 60 type 2 diabetics, those who > > took silymarin experienced a significant drop in their blood sugar > > levels, but did not experience bouts of low blood sugar. The > patients' > > fasting insulin levels decreased by an average of 40 percent- > > indicating a significant reduction in insulin resistance (Journal of > > Hepatology, 1997). Silymarin also improves liver function, which is > > noteworthy because the liver plays an important role in maintaining > > normal blood sugar levels. > > > > Fortunately, many supplements have been shown to be effective in > > treating the symptoms- and underlying cause- of Syndrome X. Although > > many of your customers may not realize they have Syndrome X, you can > > get a good indication of whether they do based on their weight and > > symptoms. Help those customers by educating them about Syndrome X > and > > blood sugar function and steering them toward the supplements that > > have proven therapeutic benefits for this increasingly common > > condition. > > > > Diane is a nutritionist and health journalist based in > > Tuscon, Ariz. Her books include Syndrome X ( Wiley & Sons, 2000) > > as well as User's Guide to Vitamin E (Basic Health Publications, > > 2000), User's Guide to Chromium (Basic Health Publications 2002) and > > Going Against the Grain (McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2002). For > > more information, visit or . > > > > > > The Main Indicators of Syndrome X > > > > > > Abdominal obesity > > > > > > High Blood Pressure (blood pressure readings consistently higher > than > > 140/90) > > > > > > Unhealthy blood cholesterol readings (total cholesterol above 240 > > mg/dL, or HDL cholesterol levels less than one -fourth of total > blood > > cholesterol levels) > > > > > > High blood triglyceride levels (blood triglyceride levels above 160 > > mg/dL) > > > > > > > > > > Early Warning Signs > > > > > > > > > > Overweight, even slightly so, especially around the abdomen > > > > > > Frequent cravings for sweets, breads and other carbohydrates > > > > > > Tiredness or sleepiness after meals > > > > > > Frequent thirst and urination, or high blood sugar levels above > 100mg. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors for the Metabolic (X, Y and Z...) > > Syndrome X > > > > By Holt, M.D., MRCP (UK), FRCP ©, FACP, FACG, FACN > > > > > > Defining Syndrome X (The Metabolic Syndrome): The US federal > > government has declared that the most important current public > health > > initiative is to combat the constellation of problems that exist > > within the umbrella terms " the metabolic syndrome " or " Syndrome X. " > > The cardinal components of Syndrome X include obesity, high blood > > cholesterol (abnormal blood lipids) and hypertension, linked by > > underlying resistance to the hormone insulin. Syndrome X has been > > described as a hidden epidemic and it may affect up to 70 million > > American citizens. > > > > Insulin resistance is a key issue in Syndrome X. While insulin is > well > > recognized as a control for blood glucose, it also has several > > far-reaching actions on body metabolism. As a consequence of insulin > > resistance within Syndrome X, more insulin is secreted by the > pancreas > > to overcome the resistance. Excessive amounts of circulating insulin > > lead to biochemical changes in the body where more fat is stored > > (obesity), and abnormalities of blood lipids occur. Despite > > established high levels of circulating insulin in established > Syndrome > > X, glucose intolerance exists, without overt signs of diabetes > > mellitus. > > > > Excessive insulin secretion in the presence of insulin exerts > several > > other adverse metabolic effects. These include retention of sodium > by > > the kidneys causing a rise in blood pressure, changes in the pattern > > and production of sex hormones in females and actions on cell > > proliferation that may contribute to the development of cancer. In > > addition, there is a change in eicosanoid production in the body. > > These changes produce a tendency to increase blood clotting and a > > propensity to inflammatory states. While this sequence of > biochemical > > events in the body has been linked to cardiovascular disease, > Syndrome > > X has emerged as important in the cause of infertility, endocrine > > disorders, irregular menstruation, liver disease, inflammatory > > disease, osteoporosis and cancer of the breast, womb or colon. > > > > Syndrome X in Perspective: The Concept of Syndrome XYZ... > > > > > > The understanding of Syndrome X is often clouded by confusion of the > > disorder with Type II diabetes mellitus (maturity-onset diabetes). > In > > simple terms, Syndrome X could be considered to be a " forerunner " to > > maturity onset diabetes, but not all individuals with Syndrome X > will > > develop Type II diabetes. The hallmark of Syndrome X is resistance > to > > insulin and high circulating levels of blood insulin, which are > > produced by the body to overcome the newfound resistance to the > > actions of the hormone insulin. In contrast, when diabetes mellitus > is > > established blood insulin levels are low or absent, whereas in > > Syndrome X blood insulin levels are often high.. When blood insulin > > levels are high in the presence of insulin resistance, signals are > > given to many body tissues to trigger the changes of body metabolism > > and or gain function that are described in Syndrome X. > > > > Many other under explored complex biochemical factors operate in the > > evolution of Syndrome X. Syndrome X is determined in part by genetic > > or hereditary tendencies, but the most important causes of Syndrome > X > > appear to be adverse lifestyle and, in particular, poor nutrition > and > > lack of physical exercise. Excessive refined carbohydrates in the > > diet, made worse by excessive dietary saturated fat intake, > excessive > > salt consumption, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and other > > nutritional co-factors contribute to the precipitation and evolution > > of the metabolic Syndrome X. Syndrome X appears to be part of our > > modern metabolic evolution that is fueled by the average Western > > lifestyle and diet. > > > > The four principle features of Syndrome X (obesity, hypertension, > > hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) underlie > cardiovascular > > disease, which is the most common cause of death and disability in > > Western society. The term Syndrome X originally was coined by the > > eminent physician, Dr. Gerald Reaven in 1988, but over the past > > decade, his early concept of Syndrome X has been expanded to involve > > many other biochemical and clinical consequences of the underlying > > metabolic disorder. Science is faced with a " novel " unifying concept > > of the cause of much chronic degenerative disease, as it becomes > > recognized that the metabolic problems within Syndrome X cause many > > other diseases. These other diseases include endocrine disorders, > > acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, common liver disease (fatty liver, > > non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver > disease), > > and cancer. It is this new unifying disease concept that I have > called > > " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " . (Holt S, Combat Syndrome X,Y and Z..., > > Wellnesspublishing.com, 2002) > > > > > > > > > > > > Combat Syndrome X ( > > > > > > Recognizing Syndrome X is more difficult than many individuals may > > suppose. Obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure are > > variably present in Syndrome X and underlying insulin resistance has > > few readily identifiable manifestations, especially in its early > > stages. A retrospective study of National Nutrition Survey Data > > (NHANES) between the years 1988 and 1994 resulted in the conclusion > > that, at that time, approximately 47 million adults in the United > > States had Syndrome X. These data were recorded by US federal > > government researchers in the Journal of the American Medical > > Association (JAMA), in January 2002. It is notable that these > > researchers stated, " ...it seems unlikely that management of the > > individual abnormalities of this syndrome provides better outcomes > > than a more integrated strategy " (JAMA, 3,297,p. 359, 2002). These > are > > powerful words that support the future of the food and dietary > > supplements industry in the combat against Syndrome X, at least > > indirectly. > > > > For many years, the dietary supplement industry has espoused its > vital > > role in the potential prevention and treatment of disease. Reading > > between the lines of recent federal government health care > > initiatives, it is suggested that lifestyle and nutrition are the > > primary components in the battle against Syndrome X. These days, > > " integrated strategies " in medicine almost always employ > complementary > > (or alternative) medicine, which in turn employs dietary supplements > > or functional foods. It appears that the " first line approach " for > the > > management of Syndrome X involves positive lifestyle and nutritional > > changes, not pharmaceutical interventions. This point of view is > > reinforced by public statements about the management of type II > > diabetes mellitus from the American Diabetic Association (ADA) ( ). > > The ADA describes lifestyle and nutritional change as " first-line > > options " for the management of maturity onset diabetes and it is > > stated that drug treatments form " back-up plans " . Never in the > history > > of the dietary supplement industry has such solid direction and > > support for the use of food and dietary supplements been given by > > conventional bodies of opinion for a key public initiative (syndrome > > X, Y and Z..), at least indirectly. > > > > The " Integrated Approach. " > > > > > > While government researchers hint at an integrated approach they > have > > done little t define just what they mean. Pharmaceutical research > and > > development programs are racing to define genomic targets to develop > > drugs to correct Syndrome X. These drug develop strategies are > > arguably on the right track, since the solution to a disease that is > > rooted in adverse lifestyle is not the prescription of a drug, but > it > > does involve change of lifestyle for the better. The US public > should > > not succumb readily to the concept of the " lifestyle drug " . Whilst > the > > pharmaceutical industry develops frentic interest in serving their > > perceived gargantuan health care need for drugs to treat Sydrome X, > > the dietary supplement industry appears to be sleeping or jsut > > awakening, at best! Let me explain. > > > > If one takes the cardinal components of Syndrome X (obesity, > > hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) and > > examines the dietary supplement categories sold for this aggregate > of > > condition-specific purposes, then one is looking at the " lion's > share " > > of the sale of all dietary supplements (about 80%). It is known that > > Syndrome X is multifactorial and the dietary supplement industry is > > attempting to find " magic bullets, " somewhat like the > pharmaceutical > > and the popular dietary supplement may be equally misguided. The > > approach to Syndrome X must be multipronged and it must involve > > lifestyle change. There is no " technofix " for the metabolic Syndrome > X > > (or Syndrome X, Y and Z...). > > > > Versatile treatments must be designed to impact as many aspects as > > possible of the metabolic problems within Syndrome X and its > > consequences, if we are to tackle this problem in an efficient and > > effective manner. Table 1 identifies a " simplistic " lifestyle > program > > to combat Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A Lifestyle Program for Metabolic Syndrome X: > > > > > > Life style change, with specific avoidance of substance abuse, > > including smoking cessation, reduced salt, caffeine and simple sugar > > intake. > > > > Behavior modification. Change eating patterns and calorie amounts. > > Extinguish adverse lifestyle. > > > > Exercise should be matched to a level of aerobic fitness, and > medical > > or professional training advice recommended. > > > > Diet should be reduced in simple sugars, salt and saturated fat with > > controlled protein intake and more liberal use of healthy fats, > > e.g.:omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA). > > > > Syndrome X Nutritional Factors include oat beta glucan, > phytonutrient > > antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, chromium picolinate with biotin, > > vanadium, phaseolum (Phase 2), anti-homocysteine vitamins and the > use > > of low-glycemic index dietary substrates. > > > > Drug treatments are often " backup plans " , especially for type II > > diabetes. > > > > > > > > Conclusion. > > > > > > The dietary supplement industry and its customers require urgent > > education on the components of Syndrome X, Y and Z... Syndrome X is > > the ultimate form of society-induced bioterrorism, fueled by our > poor > > Western lifestyle and diet. Syndrome X emerges as the basis for the > > understanding of a unifying concept of several chronic diseases. I > > suggest that a more apt name for this series of metabolic disorders > > and medical consequences is " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " The dietary > > supplement industry has a great role to play in the combat against > the > > metabolic syndrome X, by providing nutraceuticals in combinations > that > > form part of a well planned " integrated " , medical approach to the > most > > threatening of all public health concerns facing Western society, > > namely the metabolic syndrome X, Y and Z. WF > > > > References on Request. > > > > > > > > Tables 1 and 2 below. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Table I: Components of lifestyle and " integrated " medical approach > to > > the metabolic Syndrome X > > > > > > Nutritional Factors for Syndrome X. I have reviewed in detail many > > herbal botanical and nutritional factors that can be used in the > > struggle against Syndrome X. (Holt S, Combat Syndrome XYZ..., > > Wellnesspublishing.com, Newark, NJ 2002). The most important dietary > > supplements can be used in an integrated approach to impact Syndrome > X > > are summarized in Table 2. > > > > > > Science and Syndrome X Nutritional Factors > > > > > > > > > > > > Components and > > > > Association of the > > > > Metabolic Syndrome X > > Functional Properties of > > > > Syndrome X Nuritional > > > > Factors and Lifestyle > > > > Insulin Resistance > > > > > > > > > > > > Abnormal Blood Lipids > > > > (cholesterol) > > > > > > > > Obesity > > > > > > > > > > > > Hypertention > > > > > > > > Oxidative Stress > > > > > > > > Homocysteine > > Patented oat beta glucan fractions of oat soluable fiber (US > > patent 6,060,519) may lower blood glucose levels after sugar intake. > > Chromium picolinate with Biotin may assist insulin Function > > (sensitiziation). > > > > Oat beta glucan may reduce (cholesterol) blood cholesterol > > levels (LDL and triglycerides) and may variably increase good > > cholesterol (HDL). Antioxidants and chromium effects on blood > > cholesterol. > > > > Oat beta glucan may make people feel full when taken prior to > > meals and it assists in calorie control. The starch-blocker > Phaseolum > > 2250 (Phase 2) may inhibit sugar absorption. > > > > Variable but small reductions in blood pressure result from > > weight control, and lifestyle change in the INTEGRATED PLAN! > > > > Antioxidants may be beneficial for health eg. bioflavonoids, > > ellagic acid, anthocycanidins and alpha lipoic acid. > > > > Vitamins B-6, B12 and folic acid may reduce blood homocysteine > > levels. > > > > > > > > > > Table 2: > > > > > > Principle dietary supplements or functional food components that are > > valuable in the management of Syndrome X. The components reviewed in > > this table can work in an " additive manner " (synergistic) and > provide > > a multi-pronged approach to the multifactorial components of > Syndrome > > X. These natural supplements work best when used in synergistic > > formulations. > > > > Dietary supplements that can be used in the combat against Syndrome > X > > have protean beneficial effects, especially when used in the > > combinations. Soluble fiber from oats (oat beta glucan) has potent > and > > versatile effects on Syndrome X by assisting in management of > obesity, > > lowering blood cholesterol, overcoming insulin resistance and, > > secondarily, reducing blood pressure. The progression of tissue > damage > > in Syndrome X (and diabetes mellitus) is linked to oxidative stress > > and many of the components of the proposed Syndrome X nutritional > > factors (Table 2) are potent antioxidants. Isolated nutrients or > > botanical extracts that help to regulate blood glucose have a > limited > > role in Syndrome X when used alone, e.g. corosolic acid, Gymnema > > sylvestre and Maitake-S fractions. Soy foods or soy supplements (in > an > > appropriate format) emerge with special advantages for dietary > > inclusion in individuals with Syndrome X, because they have a low > > glycemic index, lower blood cholesterol and are low in calories. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2003 Report Share Posted December 6, 2003 This is an interesting topic. I have a " normie " hubby, who is a carb junky. Lately all he does is gain weight. This in spite of the fact that I am TRYING to get him to eat healthy...and he doesn't eat that MUCH. He also doesn't snack. BUT his cholesterol is through the roof (they have him on meds, but it isn't working well) and he is on high blood pressure pills. All the research I have read about Syndrome X tells me we may well be going about this all wrong for him. That there are some blood pressure pills that aren't good for this and also some cholesterol pills are better then others. Not to mention DIET. He should be following OUR diet, protein first, veggies second and if you have room for anything else....then ok (in moderation). Low FAT doesn't seem to be the answer either. Seems to have something to do with serotonin levels, which affect blood pressure AND surprisingly cholesterol! I don't know how to help him. He is so upset with his weight right now and the holidays aren't helping. And Jan is coming up (Jan is one of 's worse months). He isn't overweight enough to have our surgery....but I have GOT to get his weight down as well as his cholesterol. HELP!!!!! I mean he is 5'9 " and has a 42in waist! He is over 235 pounds! I am so scared for him. Debbie & in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore http://www.marykay.com/debbiemcneice -----Original Message----- From: Vitalady Well, as I said, it sorta defines our disease, as I'm always trying to explain it. That much of our oddball behavior is caused by the disease vs the other way around. That is not to say that there are NOT mentally unbalanced people among our population, but it still will match the general public, like 10%. Not the 99% of us who think we're fat because we're crazy. I messed with chromium for a year or so and didn't see that it did or did not do anything, BUT, I never even kept track of the reactive hypoglycemia. Might be worth checking into again. If 10 of us did it, would we have a reasonable sampling? Thanks, Vitalady, Inc. T www.vitalady.com If you are interested in PayPal, please click here: https://www.paypal.com/affil/pal=orders%40vitalady.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2003 Report Share Posted December 6, 2003 I am game to try, now the question is, do you carry chromium or is it something readily available at the pharmacy? I have to hit there anyway as I am our of carbonyl iron, and my walmart isn't carrying it. Luckily the pharmacy I use is. I will check into the chromium. I am at this point will to try anything! Even when I eat strictly according to plan I have having trouble with RHG Phyllis Syndrome X > > > Feedback? > > > Thanks, > > > Vitalady, Inc. T > www.vitalady.com > > > > > Herbs, Nutrients Supplement Syndrome X Care > > > > Diane > > > > Taken from Natural Foods Merchandiser February 2003 > > > > With almost two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight-and > millions > > suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol -it's almost > > certain that on any given day, you'll talk with several people in > your > > store who have syndrome X. > > > > Syndrome what? If the term doesn't ring a bell, the symptoms > probably > > do-excess weight around the middle, high blood pressure, high blood > > triglycerides and high blood cholesterol levels. Just one of these > > conditions increases the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. > > But the more Syndrome X indicators people have, the more at risk > they > > are-not just for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but for disease > in > > general. > > > > Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes, lies at the > core > > of Syndrome X. Insulin resistance and Syndrome X develop over time > > from a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as sweets, breads > and > > flour- and sugar-based snack foods. These foods trigger a rapid > > increase in blood sugar levels, and in turn the body pumps out high > > amounts of blood-sugar-regulating insulin. > > > > Eventually, the body's cells become overwhelmed by so much insulin > and > > actually become resistant (or not very receptive) to it. This > hormone > > imbalance-insulin resistance- alters blood-fat ratios, raises blood > > pressure and increases fat storage, leading to the cluster of heart > > disease risk factors known as Syndrome X. > > > > The typical American diet, high in refined fats, primes the body for > > developing Syndrome X, and the longer these foods are eaten, the > > greater risk becomes. > > > > Middle-aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > Syndrome X, but teen-agers and children also can develop the > > condition. Type 2 diabetics almost always have several Syndrome X > > indicators, as do women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, a > > condition typically characterized by irregular mentrual cycles, > > ovarian cysts and excess facial hair. > > > > A diet rich in protein and unprocessed, low-carbohydrate, nutrient > > dense foods such as vegetables is the best line of defense against > > Syndrome X. But you as a retailer also have many supplements at your > > disposal that can help combat this condition, and lead your > customers > > on the road to better health. > > > > First, there are the antioxidants- alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E and > > vitamin C. All three neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, which > are > > at a higher-than normal levels in individuals with Syndrome X. > > > > Middle- aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > Syndrome X, but teen- agers and children can also develop the > > condition. > > > > > > Each antioxidant also offers unique benefits for improving faulty > > blood sugar function- a key strategy for improving Syndrome X. For > > example, alpha-lipoic acid, a vitamin-like substance that plays > > crucial roles in the burning of blood sugar for energy, also reduces > > insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin > > sensitivity (Diabetes Care, 1999; Diabetes and Stoffwechsel, 1996). > > > > Natural vitamin E also has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity > > and lower blood sugar levels. Plus, it helps protect against heart > > disease, a common consequence of Syndrome X. Vitamin C lowers blood > > sugar and normalizes insulin's response to it (American Journal of > > Clinical Nutrition, 1994) and also improves some of the individual > > components of Syndrome X, such as high blood pressure and high > > cholesterol levels. Therefore, all three antioxidants work in > > different but synergistic ways to protect against Syndrome X. > > > > The mineral standout among these may be chromium in the form of > > chromium picolinate. Chromium is so effective at reversing > resistance > > that one 1997 study found that 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate > daily > > reduced blood sugar and insulin levels in type 2 diabetics to near > > normal after four months- something that medications could not > achieve > > (Diabetes, 1997). In various other studies, chromium also has been > > found to help normalize the individual components of Syndrome X. > > > > And in daily dosages of 200 to 400 mcg, chromium helps those with > > reactive hypoglycemia (blood sugar highs followed by blood sugar > > lows). So, chromium acts as a blood sugar regulator. However, those > > who take sugar - lowering drugs should take note: Supplemental > > chromium works so well at improving insulin function that less > > medication is usually needed. Sometimes, medication can be > eliminated > > completely over time. > > > > This is a good thing- it indicates a reversal or lessening of > insulin > > resistance- but it also means that your customers should work with > > their doctors to carefully monitor their condition and avoid over > > medicating themselves. > > > > In addition to chromium, herbalists have a long tradition of using > > herbs including ginseng, fenugreek, bitter melon, and Gymnema > > sylvestre to help reduce the high blood sugar levels that can occur > > with Syndrome X. And research is slowly but surely confirming that > > these herbs do have blood-sugar-lowering properties. In one study > out > > of the University of Toronto, healthy subjects who were given > American > > ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), had a 26 percent to 38 percent > > reduction in blood sugar levels, while diabetics who took the herb > had > > a 20 percent reduction (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000). > > > > Silymarin, or milk thistle extract, is another top herb for lowering > > blood sugar levels. In one study with 60 type 2 diabetics, those who > > took silymarin experienced a significant drop in their blood sugar > > levels, but did not experience bouts of low blood sugar. The > patients' > > fasting insulin levels decreased by an average of 40 percent- > > indicating a significant reduction in insulin resistance (Journal of > > Hepatology, 1997). Silymarin also improves liver function, which is > > noteworthy because the liver plays an important role in maintaining > > normal blood sugar levels. > > > > Fortunately, many supplements have been shown to be effective in > > treating the symptoms- and underlying cause- of Syndrome X. Although > > many of your customers may not realize they have Syndrome X, you can > > get a good indication of whether they do based on their weight and > > symptoms. Help those customers by educating them about Syndrome X > and > > blood sugar function and steering them toward the supplements that > > have proven therapeutic benefits for this increasingly common > > condition. > > > > Diane is a nutritionist and health journalist based in > > Tuscon, Ariz. Her books include Syndrome X ( Wiley & Sons, 2000) > > as well as User's Guide to Vitamin E (Basic Health Publications, > > 2000), User's Guide to Chromium (Basic Health Publications 2002) and > > Going Against the Grain (McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2002). For > > more information, visit or . > > > > > > The Main Indicators of Syndrome X > > > > > > Abdominal obesity > > > > > > High Blood Pressure (blood pressure readings consistently higher > than > > 140/90) > > > > > > Unhealthy blood cholesterol readings (total cholesterol above 240 > > mg/dL, or HDL cholesterol levels less than one -fourth of total > blood > > cholesterol levels) > > > > > > High blood triglyceride levels (blood triglyceride levels above 160 > > mg/dL) > > > > > > > > > > Early Warning Signs > > > > > > > > > > Overweight, even slightly so, especially around the abdomen > > > > > > Frequent cravings for sweets, breads and other carbohydrates > > > > > > Tiredness or sleepiness after meals > > > > > > Frequent thirst and urination, or high blood sugar levels above > 100mg. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors for the Metabolic (X, Y and Z...) > > Syndrome X > > > > By Holt, M.D., MRCP (UK), FRCP ©, FACP, FACG, FACN > > > > > > Defining Syndrome X (The Metabolic Syndrome): The US federal > > government has declared that the most important current public > health > > initiative is to combat the constellation of problems that exist > > within the umbrella terms " the metabolic syndrome " or " Syndrome X. " > > The cardinal components of Syndrome X include obesity, high blood > > cholesterol (abnormal blood lipids) and hypertension, linked by > > underlying resistance to the hormone insulin. Syndrome X has been > > described as a hidden epidemic and it may affect up to 70 million > > American citizens. > > > > Insulin resistance is a key issue in Syndrome X. While insulin is > well > > recognized as a control for blood glucose, it also has several > > far-reaching actions on body metabolism. As a consequence of insulin > > resistance within Syndrome X, more insulin is secreted by the > pancreas > > to overcome the resistance. Excessive amounts of circulating insulin > > lead to biochemical changes in the body where more fat is stored > > (obesity), and abnormalities of blood lipids occur. Despite > > established high levels of circulating insulin in established > Syndrome > > X, glucose intolerance exists, without overt signs of diabetes > > mellitus. > > > > Excessive insulin secretion in the presence of insulin exerts > several > > other adverse metabolic effects. These include retention of sodium > by > > the kidneys causing a rise in blood pressure, changes in the pattern > > and production of sex hormones in females and actions on cell > > proliferation that may contribute to the development of cancer. In > > addition, there is a change in eicosanoid production in the body. > > These changes produce a tendency to increase blood clotting and a > > propensity to inflammatory states. While this sequence of > biochemical > > events in the body has been linked to cardiovascular disease, > Syndrome > > X has emerged as important in the cause of infertility, endocrine > > disorders, irregular menstruation, liver disease, inflammatory > > disease, osteoporosis and cancer of the breast, womb or colon. > > > > Syndrome X in Perspective: The Concept of Syndrome XYZ... > > > > > > The understanding of Syndrome X is often clouded by confusion of the > > disorder with Type II diabetes mellitus (maturity-onset diabetes). > In > > simple terms, Syndrome X could be considered to be a " forerunner " to > > maturity onset diabetes, but not all individuals with Syndrome X > will > > develop Type II diabetes. The hallmark of Syndrome X is resistance > to > > insulin and high circulating levels of blood insulin, which are > > produced by the body to overcome the newfound resistance to the > > actions of the hormone insulin. In contrast, when diabetes mellitus > is > > established blood insulin levels are low or absent, whereas in > > Syndrome X blood insulin levels are often high.. When blood insulin > > levels are high in the presence of insulin resistance, signals are > > given to many body tissues to trigger the changes of body metabolism > > and or gain function that are described in Syndrome X. > > > > Many other under explored complex biochemical factors operate in the > > evolution of Syndrome X. Syndrome X is determined in part by genetic > > or hereditary tendencies, but the most important causes of Syndrome > X > > appear to be adverse lifestyle and, in particular, poor nutrition > and > > lack of physical exercise. Excessive refined carbohydrates in the > > diet, made worse by excessive dietary saturated fat intake, > excessive > > salt consumption, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and other > > nutritional co-factors contribute to the precipitation and evolution > > of the metabolic Syndrome X. Syndrome X appears to be part of our > > modern metabolic evolution that is fueled by the average Western > > lifestyle and diet. > > > > The four principle features of Syndrome X (obesity, hypertension, > > hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) underlie > cardiovascular > > disease, which is the most common cause of death and disability in > > Western society. The term Syndrome X originally was coined by the > > eminent physician, Dr. Gerald Reaven in 1988, but over the past > > decade, his early concept of Syndrome X has been expanded to involve > > many other biochemical and clinical consequences of the underlying > > metabolic disorder. Science is faced with a " novel " unifying concept > > of the cause of much chronic degenerative disease, as it becomes > > recognized that the metabolic problems within Syndrome X cause many > > other diseases. These other diseases include endocrine disorders, > > acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, common liver disease (fatty liver, > > non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver > disease), > > and cancer. It is this new unifying disease concept that I have > called > > " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " . (Holt S, Combat Syndrome X,Y and Z..., > > Wellnesspublishing.com, 2002) > > > > > > > > > > > > Combat Syndrome X ( > > > > > > Recognizing Syndrome X is more difficult than many individuals may > > suppose. Obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure are > > variably present in Syndrome X and underlying insulin resistance has > > few readily identifiable manifestations, especially in its early > > stages. A retrospective study of National Nutrition Survey Data > > (NHANES) between the years 1988 and 1994 resulted in the conclusion > > that, at that time, approximately 47 million adults in the United > > States had Syndrome X. These data were recorded by US federal > > government researchers in the Journal of the American Medical > > Association (JAMA), in January 2002. It is notable that these > > researchers stated, " ...it seems unlikely that management of the > > individual abnormalities of this syndrome provides better outcomes > > than a more integrated strategy " (JAMA, 3,297,p. 359, 2002). These > are > > powerful words that support the future of the food and dietary > > supplements industry in the combat against Syndrome X, at least > > indirectly. > > > > For many years, the dietary supplement industry has espoused its > vital > > role in the potential prevention and treatment of disease. Reading > > between the lines of recent federal government health care > > initiatives, it is suggested that lifestyle and nutrition are the > > primary components in the battle against Syndrome X. These days, > > " integrated strategies " in medicine almost always employ > complementary > > (or alternative) medicine, which in turn employs dietary supplements > > or functional foods. It appears that the " first line approach " for > the > > management of Syndrome X involves positive lifestyle and nutritional > > changes, not pharmaceutical interventions. This point of view is > > reinforced by public statements about the management of type II > > diabetes mellitus from the American Diabetic Association (ADA) ( ). > > The ADA describes lifestyle and nutritional change as " first-line > > options " for the management of maturity onset diabetes and it is > > stated that drug treatments form " back-up plans " . Never in the > history > > of the dietary supplement industry has such solid direction and > > support for the use of food and dietary supplements been given by > > conventional bodies of opinion for a key public initiative (syndrome > > X, Y and Z..), at least indirectly. > > > > The " Integrated Approach. " > > > > > > While government researchers hint at an integrated approach they > have > > done little t define just what they mean. Pharmaceutical research > and > > development programs are racing to define genomic targets to develop > > drugs to correct Syndrome X. These drug develop strategies are > > arguably on the right track, since the solution to a disease that is > > rooted in adverse lifestyle is not the prescription of a drug, but > it > > does involve change of lifestyle for the better. The US public > should > > not succumb readily to the concept of the " lifestyle drug " . Whilst > the > > pharmaceutical industry develops frentic interest in serving their > > perceived gargantuan health care need for drugs to treat Sydrome X, > > the dietary supplement industry appears to be sleeping or jsut > > awakening, at best! Let me explain. > > > > If one takes the cardinal components of Syndrome X (obesity, > > hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) and > > examines the dietary supplement categories sold for this aggregate > of > > condition-specific purposes, then one is looking at the " lion's > share " > > of the sale of all dietary supplements (about 80%). It is known that > > Syndrome X is multifactorial and the dietary supplement industry is > > attempting to find " magic bullets, " somewhat like the > pharmaceutical > > and the popular dietary supplement may be equally misguided. The > > approach to Syndrome X must be multipronged and it must involve > > lifestyle change. There is no " technofix " for the metabolic Syndrome > X > > (or Syndrome X, Y and Z...). > > > > Versatile treatments must be designed to impact as many aspects as > > possible of the metabolic problems within Syndrome X and its > > consequences, if we are to tackle this problem in an efficient and > > effective manner. Table 1 identifies a " simplistic " lifestyle > program > > to combat Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A Lifestyle Program for Metabolic Syndrome X: > > > > > > Life style change, with specific avoidance of substance abuse, > > including smoking cessation, reduced salt, caffeine and simple sugar > > intake. > > > > Behavior modification. Change eating patterns and calorie amounts. > > Extinguish adverse lifestyle. > > > > Exercise should be matched to a level of aerobic fitness, and > medical > > or professional training advice recommended. > > > > Diet should be reduced in simple sugars, salt and saturated fat with > > controlled protein intake and more liberal use of healthy fats, > > e.g.:omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA). > > > > Syndrome X Nutritional Factors include oat beta glucan, > phytonutrient > > antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, chromium picolinate with biotin, > > vanadium, phaseolum (Phase 2), anti-homocysteine vitamins and the > use > > of low-glycemic index dietary substrates. > > > > Drug treatments are often " backup plans " , especially for type II > > diabetes. > > > > > > > > Conclusion. > > > > > > The dietary supplement industry and its customers require urgent > > education on the components of Syndrome X, Y and Z... Syndrome X is > > the ultimate form of society-induced bioterrorism, fueled by our > poor > > Western lifestyle and diet. Syndrome X emerges as the basis for the > > understanding of a unifying concept of several chronic diseases. I > > suggest that a more apt name for this series of metabolic disorders > > and medical consequences is " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " The dietary > > supplement industry has a great role to play in the combat against > the > > metabolic syndrome X, by providing nutraceuticals in combinations > that > > form part of a well planned " integrated " , medical approach to the > most > > threatening of all public health concerns facing Western society, > > namely the metabolic syndrome X, Y and Z. WF > > > > References on Request. > > > > > > > > Tables 1 and 2 below. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Table I: Components of lifestyle and " integrated " medical approach > to > > the metabolic Syndrome X > > > > > > Nutritional Factors for Syndrome X. I have reviewed in detail many > > herbal botanical and nutritional factors that can be used in the > > struggle against Syndrome X. (Holt S, Combat Syndrome XYZ..., > > Wellnesspublishing.com, Newark, NJ 2002). The most important dietary > > supplements can be used in an integrated approach to impact Syndrome > X > > are summarized in Table 2. > > > > > > Science and Syndrome X Nutritional Factors > > > > > > > > > > > > Components and > > > > Association of the > > > > Metabolic Syndrome X > > Functional Properties of > > > > Syndrome X Nuritional > > > > Factors and Lifestyle > > > > Insulin Resistance > > > > > > > > > > > > Abnormal Blood Lipids > > > > (cholesterol) > > > > > > > > Obesity > > > > > > > > > > > > Hypertention > > > > > > > > Oxidative Stress > > > > > > > > Homocysteine > > Patented oat beta glucan fractions of oat soluable fiber (US > > patent 6,060,519) may lower blood glucose levels after sugar intake. > > Chromium picolinate with Biotin may assist insulin Function > > (sensitiziation). > > > > Oat beta glucan may reduce (cholesterol) blood cholesterol > > levels (LDL and triglycerides) and may variably increase good > > cholesterol (HDL). Antioxidants and chromium effects on blood > > cholesterol. > > > > Oat beta glucan may make people feel full when taken prior to > > meals and it assists in calorie control. The starch-blocker > Phaseolum > > 2250 (Phase 2) may inhibit sugar absorption. > > > > Variable but small reductions in blood pressure result from > > weight control, and lifestyle change in the INTEGRATED PLAN! > > > > Antioxidants may be beneficial for health eg. bioflavonoids, > > ellagic acid, anthocycanidins and alpha lipoic acid. > > > > Vitamins B-6, B12 and folic acid may reduce blood homocysteine > > levels. > > > > > > > > > > Table 2: > > > > > > Principle dietary supplements or functional food components that are > > valuable in the management of Syndrome X. The components reviewed in > > this table can work in an " additive manner " (synergistic) and > provide > > a multi-pronged approach to the multifactorial components of > Syndrome > > X. These natural supplements work best when used in synergistic > > formulations. > > > > Dietary supplements that can be used in the combat against Syndrome > X > > have protean beneficial effects, especially when used in the > > combinations. Soluble fiber from oats (oat beta glucan) has potent > and > > versatile effects on Syndrome X by assisting in management of > obesity, > > lowering blood cholesterol, overcoming insulin resistance and, > > secondarily, reducing blood pressure. The progression of tissue > damage > > in Syndrome X (and diabetes mellitus) is linked to oxidative stress > > and many of the components of the proposed Syndrome X nutritional > > factors (Table 2) are potent antioxidants. Isolated nutrients or > > botanical extracts that help to regulate blood glucose have a > limited > > role in Syndrome X when used alone, e.g. corosolic acid, Gymnema > > sylvestre and Maitake-S fractions. Soy foods or soy supplements (in > an > > appropriate format) emerge with special advantages for dietary > > inclusion in individuals with Syndrome X, because they have a low > > glycemic index, lower blood cholesterol and are low in calories. > > > > > > > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2003 Report Share Posted December 6, 2003 I would be willing to sign on as one of the 10.........I can have a horrible time with reactive hypoglycemia.......... P. Syndrome X > > > > > > Feedback? > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > Vitalady, Inc. T > > www.vitalady.com > > > > > > > > > Herbs, Nutrients Supplement Syndrome X Care > > > > > > Diane > > > > > > Taken from Natural Foods Merchandiser February 2003 > > > > > > With almost two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight-and > > millions > > > suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol -it's > almost > > > certain that on any given day, you'll talk with several people in > > your > > > store who have syndrome X. > > > > > > Syndrome what? If the term doesn't ring a bell, the symptoms > > probably > > > do-excess weight around the middle, high blood pressure, high > blood > > > triglycerides and high blood cholesterol levels. Just one of these > > > conditions increases the risk for heart disease and type 2 > diabetes. > > > But the more Syndrome X indicators people have, the more at risk > > they > > > are-not just for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but for > disease > > in > > > general. > > > > > > Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes, lies at the > > core > > > of Syndrome X. Insulin resistance and Syndrome X develop over time > > > from a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as sweets, breads > > and > > > flour- and sugar-based snack foods. These foods trigger a rapid > > > increase in blood sugar levels, and in turn the body pumps out > high > > > amounts of blood-sugar-regulating insulin. > > > > > > Eventually, the body's cells become overwhelmed by so much insulin > > and > > > actually become resistant (or not very receptive) to it. This > > hormone > > > imbalance-insulin resistance- alters blood-fat ratios, raises > blood > > > pressure and increases fat storage, leading to the cluster of > heart > > > disease risk factors known as Syndrome X. > > > > > > The typical American diet, high in refined fats, primes the body > for > > > developing Syndrome X, and the longer these foods are eaten, the > > > greater risk becomes. > > > > > > Middle-aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > > Syndrome X, but teen-agers and children also can develop the > > > condition. Type 2 diabetics almost always have several Syndrome X > > > indicators, as do women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, a > > > condition typically characterized by irregular mentrual cycles, > > > ovarian cysts and excess facial hair. > > > > > > A diet rich in protein and unprocessed, low-carbohydrate, nutrient > > > dense foods such as vegetables is the best line of defense against > > > Syndrome X. But you as a retailer also have many supplements at > your > > > disposal that can help combat this condition, and lead your > > customers > > > on the road to better health. > > > > > > First, there are the antioxidants- alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E > and > > > vitamin C. All three neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, which > > are > > > at a higher-than normal levels in individuals with Syndrome X. > > > > > > Middle- aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > > Syndrome X, but teen- agers and children can also develop the > > > condition. > > > > > > > > > Each antioxidant also offers unique benefits for improving faulty > > > blood sugar function- a key strategy for improving Syndrome X. For > > > example, alpha-lipoic acid, a vitamin-like substance that plays > > > crucial roles in the burning of blood sugar for energy, also > reduces > > > insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin > > > sensitivity (Diabetes Care, 1999; Diabetes and Stoffwechsel, > 1996). > > > > > > Natural vitamin E also has been shown to improve insulin > sensitivity > > > and lower blood sugar levels. Plus, it helps protect against heart > > > disease, a common consequence of Syndrome X. Vitamin C lowers > blood > > > sugar and normalizes insulin's response to it (American Journal of > > > Clinical Nutrition, 1994) and also improves some of the individual > > > components of Syndrome X, such as high blood pressure and high > > > cholesterol levels. Therefore, all three antioxidants work in > > > different but synergistic ways to protect against Syndrome X. > > > > > > The mineral standout among these may be chromium in the form of > > > chromium picolinate. Chromium is so effective at reversing > > resistance > > > that one 1997 study found that 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate > > daily > > > reduced blood sugar and insulin levels in type 2 diabetics to near > > > normal after four months- something that medications could not > > achieve > > > (Diabetes, 1997). In various other studies, chromium also has been > > > found to help normalize the individual components of Syndrome X. > > > > > > And in daily dosages of 200 to 400 mcg, chromium helps those with > > > reactive hypoglycemia (blood sugar highs followed by blood sugar > > > lows). So, chromium acts as a blood sugar regulator. However, > those > > > who take sugar - lowering drugs should take note: Supplemental > > > chromium works so well at improving insulin function that less > > > medication is usually needed. Sometimes, medication can be > > eliminated > > > completely over time. > > > > > > This is a good thing- it indicates a reversal or lessening of > > insulin > > > resistance- but it also means that your customers should work with > > > their doctors to carefully monitor their condition and avoid over > > > medicating themselves. > > > > > > In addition to chromium, herbalists have a long tradition of using > > > herbs including ginseng, fenugreek, bitter melon, and Gymnema > > > sylvestre to help reduce the high blood sugar levels that can > occur > > > with Syndrome X. And research is slowly but surely confirming that > > > these herbs do have blood-sugar-lowering properties. In one study > > out > > > of the University of Toronto, healthy subjects who were given > > American > > > ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), had a 26 percent to 38 percent > > > reduction in blood sugar levels, while diabetics who took the herb > > had > > > a 20 percent reduction (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000). > > > > > > Silymarin, or milk thistle extract, is another top herb for > lowering > > > blood sugar levels. In one study with 60 type 2 diabetics, those > who > > > took silymarin experienced a significant drop in their blood sugar > > > levels, but did not experience bouts of low blood sugar. The > > patients' > > > fasting insulin levels decreased by an average of 40 percent- > > > indicating a significant reduction in insulin resistance (Journal > of > > > Hepatology, 1997). Silymarin also improves liver function, which > is > > > noteworthy because the liver plays an important role in > maintaining > > > normal blood sugar levels. > > > > > > Fortunately, many supplements have been shown to be effective in > > > treating the symptoms- and underlying cause- of Syndrome X. > Although > > > many of your customers may not realize they have Syndrome X, you > can > > > get a good indication of whether they do based on their weight and > > > symptoms. Help those customers by educating them about Syndrome X > > and > > > blood sugar function and steering them toward the supplements that > > > have proven therapeutic benefits for this increasingly common > > > condition. > > > > > > Diane is a nutritionist and health journalist based > in > > > Tuscon, Ariz. Her books include Syndrome X ( Wiley & Sons, > 2000) > > > as well as User's Guide to Vitamin E (Basic Health Publications, > > > 2000), User's Guide to Chromium (Basic Health Publications 2002) > and > > > Going Against the Grain (McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2002). > For > > > more information, visit or . > > > > > > > > > The Main Indicators of Syndrome X > > > > > > > > > Abdominal obesity > > > > > > > > > High Blood Pressure (blood pressure readings consistently higher > > than > > > 140/90) > > > > > > > > > Unhealthy blood cholesterol readings (total cholesterol above 240 > > > mg/dL, or HDL cholesterol levels less than one -fourth of total > > blood > > > cholesterol levels) > > > > > > > > > High blood triglyceride levels (blood triglyceride levels above > 160 > > > mg/dL) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Early Warning Signs > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Overweight, even slightly so, especially around the abdomen > > > > > > > > > Frequent cravings for sweets, breads and other carbohydrates > > > > > > > > > Tiredness or sleepiness after meals > > > > > > > > > Frequent thirst and urination, or high blood sugar levels above > > 100mg. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors for the Metabolic (X, Y and > Z...) > > > Syndrome X > > > > > > By Holt, M.D., MRCP (UK), FRCP ©, FACP, FACG, FACN > > > > > > > > > Defining Syndrome X (The Metabolic Syndrome): The US federal > > > government has declared that the most important current public > > health > > > initiative is to combat the constellation of problems that exist > > > within the umbrella terms " the metabolic syndrome " or " Syndrome > X. " > > > The cardinal components of Syndrome X include obesity, high blood > > > cholesterol (abnormal blood lipids) and hypertension, linked by > > > underlying resistance to the hormone insulin. Syndrome X has been > > > described as a hidden epidemic and it may affect up to 70 million > > > American citizens. > > > > > > Insulin resistance is a key issue in Syndrome X. While insulin is > > well > > > recognized as a control for blood glucose, it also has several > > > far-reaching actions on body metabolism. As a consequence of > insulin > > > resistance within Syndrome X, more insulin is secreted by the > > pancreas > > > to overcome the resistance. Excessive amounts of circulating > insulin > > > lead to biochemical changes in the body where more fat is stored > > > (obesity), and abnormalities of blood lipids occur. Despite > > > established high levels of circulating insulin in established > > Syndrome > > > X, glucose intolerance exists, without overt signs of diabetes > > > mellitus. > > > > > > Excessive insulin secretion in the presence of insulin exerts > > several > > > other adverse metabolic effects. These include retention of sodium > > by > > > the kidneys causing a rise in blood pressure, changes in the > pattern > > > and production of sex hormones in females and actions on cell > > > proliferation that may contribute to the development of cancer. In > > > addition, there is a change in eicosanoid production in the body. > > > These changes produce a tendency to increase blood clotting and a > > > propensity to inflammatory states. While this sequence of > > biochemical > > > events in the body has been linked to cardiovascular disease, > > Syndrome > > > X has emerged as important in the cause of infertility, endocrine > > > disorders, irregular menstruation, liver disease, inflammatory > > > disease, osteoporosis and cancer of the breast, womb or colon. > > > > > > Syndrome X in Perspective: The Concept of Syndrome XYZ... > > > > > > > > > The understanding of Syndrome X is often clouded by confusion of > the > > > disorder with Type II diabetes mellitus (maturity-onset diabetes). > > In > > > simple terms, Syndrome X could be considered to be a " forerunner " > to > > > maturity onset diabetes, but not all individuals with Syndrome X > > will > > > develop Type II diabetes. The hallmark of Syndrome X is resistance > > to > > > insulin and high circulating levels of blood insulin, which are > > > produced by the body to overcome the newfound resistance to the > > > actions of the hormone insulin. In contrast, when diabetes > mellitus > > is > > > established blood insulin levels are low or absent, whereas in > > > Syndrome X blood insulin levels are often high.. When blood > insulin > > > levels are high in the presence of insulin resistance, signals are > > > given to many body tissues to trigger the changes of body > metabolism > > > and or gain function that are described in Syndrome X. > > > > > > Many other under explored complex biochemical factors operate in > the > > > evolution of Syndrome X. Syndrome X is determined in part by > genetic > > > or hereditary tendencies, but the most important causes of > Syndrome > > X > > > appear to be adverse lifestyle and, in particular, poor nutrition > > and > > > lack of physical exercise. Excessive refined carbohydrates in the > > > diet, made worse by excessive dietary saturated fat intake, > > excessive > > > salt consumption, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and other > > > nutritional co-factors contribute to the precipitation and > evolution > > > of the metabolic Syndrome X. Syndrome X appears to be part of our > > > modern metabolic evolution that is fueled by the average Western > > > lifestyle and diet. > > > > > > The four principle features of Syndrome X (obesity, hypertension, > > > hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) underlie > > cardiovascular > > > disease, which is the most common cause of death and disability in > > > Western society. The term Syndrome X originally was coined by the > > > eminent physician, Dr. Gerald Reaven in 1988, but over the past > > > decade, his early concept of Syndrome X has been expanded to > involve > > > many other biochemical and clinical consequences of the underlying > > > metabolic disorder. Science is faced with a " novel " unifying > concept > > > of the cause of much chronic degenerative disease, as it becomes > > > recognized that the metabolic problems within Syndrome X cause > many > > > other diseases. These other diseases include endocrine disorders, > > > acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, common liver disease (fatty > liver, > > > non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver > > disease), > > > and cancer. It is this new unifying disease concept that I have > > called > > > " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " . (Holt S, Combat Syndrome X,Y and Z..., > > > Wellnesspublishing.com, 2002) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Combat Syndrome X ( > > > > > > > > > Recognizing Syndrome X is more difficult than many individuals may > > > suppose. Obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure > are > > > variably present in Syndrome X and underlying insulin resistance > has > > > few readily identifiable manifestations, especially in its early > > > stages. A retrospective study of National Nutrition Survey Data > > > (NHANES) between the years 1988 and 1994 resulted in the > conclusion > > > that, at that time, approximately 47 million adults in the United > > > States had Syndrome X. These data were recorded by US federal > > > government researchers in the Journal of the American Medical > > > Association (JAMA), in January 2002. It is notable that these > > > researchers stated, " ...it seems unlikely that management of the > > > individual abnormalities of this syndrome provides better outcomes > > > than a more integrated strategy " (JAMA, 3,297,p. 359, 2002). These > > are > > > powerful words that support the future of the food and dietary > > > supplements industry in the combat against Syndrome X, at least > > > indirectly. > > > > > > For many years, the dietary supplement industry has espoused its > > vital > > > role in the potential prevention and treatment of disease. Reading > > > between the lines of recent federal government health care > > > initiatives, it is suggested that lifestyle and nutrition are the > > > primary components in the battle against Syndrome X. These days, > > > " integrated strategies " in medicine almost always employ > > complementary > > > (or alternative) medicine, which in turn employs dietary > supplements > > > or functional foods. It appears that the " first line approach " for > > the > > > management of Syndrome X involves positive lifestyle and > nutritional > > > changes, not pharmaceutical interventions. This point of view is > > > reinforced by public statements about the management of type II > > > diabetes mellitus from the American Diabetic Association (ADA) > ( ). > > > The ADA describes lifestyle and nutritional change as " first-line > > > options " for the management of maturity onset diabetes and it is > > > stated that drug treatments form " back-up plans " . Never in the > > history > > > of the dietary supplement industry has such solid direction and > > > support for the use of food and dietary supplements been given by > > > conventional bodies of opinion for a key public initiative > (syndrome > > > X, Y and Z..), at least indirectly. > > > > > > The " Integrated Approach. " > > > > > > > > > While government researchers hint at an integrated approach they > > have > > > done little t define just what they mean. Pharmaceutical research > > and > > > development programs are racing to define genomic targets to > develop > > > drugs to correct Syndrome X. These drug develop strategies are > > > arguably on the right track, since the solution to a disease that > is > > > rooted in adverse lifestyle is not the prescription of a drug, but > > it > > > does involve change of lifestyle for the better. The US public > > should > > > not succumb readily to the concept of the " lifestyle drug " . Whilst > > the > > > pharmaceutical industry develops frentic interest in serving their > > > perceived gargantuan health care need for drugs to treat Sydrome > X, > > > the dietary supplement industry appears to be sleeping or jsut > > > awakening, at best! Let me explain. > > > > > > If one takes the cardinal components of Syndrome X (obesity, > > > hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) and > > > examines the dietary supplement categories sold for this aggregate > > of > > > condition-specific purposes, then one is looking at the " lion's > > share " > > > of the sale of all dietary supplements (about 80%). It is known > that > > > Syndrome X is multifactorial and the dietary supplement industry > is > > > attempting to find " magic bullets, " somewhat like the > > pharmaceutical > > > and the popular dietary supplement may be equally misguided. The > > > approach to Syndrome X must be multipronged and it must involve > > > lifestyle change. There is no " technofix " for the metabolic > Syndrome > > X > > > (or Syndrome X, Y and Z...). > > > > > > Versatile treatments must be designed to impact as many aspects as > > > possible of the metabolic problems within Syndrome X and its > > > consequences, if we are to tackle this problem in an efficient and > > > effective manner. Table 1 identifies a " simplistic " lifestyle > > program > > > to combat Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A Lifestyle Program for Metabolic Syndrome X: > > > > > > > > > Life style change, with specific avoidance of substance abuse, > > > including smoking cessation, reduced salt, caffeine and simple > sugar > > > intake. > > > > > > Behavior modification. Change eating patterns and calorie amounts. > > > Extinguish adverse lifestyle. > > > > > > Exercise should be matched to a level of aerobic fitness, and > > medical > > > or professional training advice recommended. > > > > > > Diet should be reduced in simple sugars, salt and saturated fat > with > > > controlled protein intake and more liberal use of healthy fats, > > > e.g.:omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA). > > > > > > Syndrome X Nutritional Factors include oat beta glucan, > > phytonutrient > > > antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, chromium picolinate with biotin, > > > vanadium, phaseolum (Phase 2), anti-homocysteine vitamins and the > > use > > > of low-glycemic index dietary substrates. > > > > > > Drug treatments are often " backup plans " , especially for type II > > > diabetes. > > > > > > > > > > > > Conclusion. > > > > > > > > > The dietary supplement industry and its customers require urgent > > > education on the components of Syndrome X, Y and Z... Syndrome X > is > > > the ultimate form of society-induced bioterrorism, fueled by our > > poor > > > Western lifestyle and diet. Syndrome X emerges as the basis for > the > > > understanding of a unifying concept of several chronic diseases. I > > > suggest that a more apt name for this series of metabolic > disorders > > > and medical consequences is " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " The dietary > > > supplement industry has a great role to play in the combat against > > the > > > metabolic syndrome X, by providing nutraceuticals in combinations > > that > > > form part of a well planned " integrated " , medical approach to the > > most > > > threatening of all public health concerns facing Western society, > > > namely the metabolic syndrome X, Y and Z. WF > > > > > > References on Request. > > > > > > > > > > > > Tables 1 and 2 below. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Table I: Components of lifestyle and " integrated " medical approach > > to > > > the metabolic Syndrome X > > > > > > > > > Nutritional Factors for Syndrome X. I have reviewed in detail many > > > herbal botanical and nutritional factors that can be used in the > > > struggle against Syndrome X. (Holt S, Combat Syndrome XYZ..., > > > Wellnesspublishing.com, Newark, NJ 2002). The most important > dietary > > > supplements can be used in an integrated approach to impact > Syndrome > > X > > > are summarized in Table 2. > > > > > > > > > Science and Syndrome X Nutritional Factors > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Components and > > > > > > Association of the > > > > > > Metabolic Syndrome X > > > Functional Properties of > > > > > > Syndrome X Nuritional > > > > > > Factors and Lifestyle > > > > > > Insulin Resistance > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Abnormal Blood Lipids > > > > > > (cholesterol) > > > > > > > > > > > > Obesity > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hypertention > > > > > > > > > > > > Oxidative Stress > > > > > > > > > > > > Homocysteine > > > Patented oat beta glucan fractions of oat soluable fiber (US > > > patent 6,060,519) may lower blood glucose levels after sugar > intake. > > > Chromium picolinate with Biotin may assist insulin Function > > > (sensitiziation). > > > > > > Oat beta glucan may reduce (cholesterol) blood cholesterol > > > levels (LDL and triglycerides) and may variably increase good > > > cholesterol (HDL). Antioxidants and chromium effects on blood > > > cholesterol. > > > > > > Oat beta glucan may make people feel full when taken prior > to > > > meals and it assists in calorie control. The starch-blocker > > Phaseolum > > > 2250 (Phase 2) may inhibit sugar absorption. > > > > > > Variable but small reductions in blood pressure result from > > > weight control, and lifestyle change in the INTEGRATED PLAN! > > > > > > Antioxidants may be beneficial for health eg. bioflavonoids, > > > ellagic acid, anthocycanidins and alpha lipoic acid. > > > > > > Vitamins B-6, B12 and folic acid may reduce blood > homocysteine > > > levels. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Table 2: > > > > > > > > > Principle dietary supplements or functional food components that > are > > > valuable in the management of Syndrome X. The components reviewed > in > > > this table can work in an " additive manner " (synergistic) and > > provide > > > a multi-pronged approach to the multifactorial components of > > Syndrome > > > X. These natural supplements work best when used in synergistic > > > formulations. > > > > > > Dietary supplements that can be used in the combat against > Syndrome > > X > > > have protean beneficial effects, especially when used in the > > > combinations. Soluble fiber from oats (oat beta glucan) has potent > > and > > > versatile effects on Syndrome X by assisting in management of > > obesity, > > > lowering blood cholesterol, overcoming insulin resistance and, > > > secondarily, reducing blood pressure. The progression of tissue > > damage > > > in Syndrome X (and diabetes mellitus) is linked to oxidative > stress > > > and many of the components of the proposed Syndrome X nutritional > > > factors (Table 2) are potent antioxidants. Isolated nutrients or > > > botanical extracts that help to regulate blood glucose have a > > limited > > > role in Syndrome X when used alone, e.g. corosolic acid, Gymnema > > > sylvestre and Maitake-S fractions. Soy foods or soy supplements > (in > > an > > > appropriate format) emerge with special advantages for dietary > > > inclusion in individuals with Syndrome X, because they have a low > > > glycemic index, lower blood cholesterol and are low in calories. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 6, 2003 Report Share Posted December 6, 2003 Well, then we need to find someone to keep track. Someone whose name does NOT start with an M, for example. LOL! We'd just need to standardize the dose, I'd think, and make note of our surgery types. Though, since the RH seems to hit us all equally, that doesn't prolly matter too much. Thanks, Vitalady, Inc. T www.vitalady.com If you are interested in PayPal, please click here: https://www.paypal.com/affil/pal=orders%40vitalady.com Syndrome X > > > > > > > > > Feedback? > > > > > > > > > Thanks, > > > > > > > > > Vitalady, Inc. T > > > www.vitalady.com > > > > > > > > > > > > > Herbs, Nutrients Supplement Syndrome X Care > > > > > > > > Diane > > > > > > > > Taken from Natural Foods Merchandiser February 2003 > > > > > > > > With almost two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight-and > > > millions > > > > suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol -it's > > almost > > > > certain that on any given day, you'll talk with several people in > > > your > > > > store who have syndrome X. > > > > > > > > Syndrome what? If the term doesn't ring a bell, the symptoms > > > probably > > > > do-excess weight around the middle, high blood pressure, high > > blood > > > > triglycerides and high blood cholesterol levels. Just one of these > > > > conditions increases the risk for heart disease and type 2 > > diabetes. > > > > But the more Syndrome X indicators people have, the more at risk > > > they > > > > are-not just for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but for > > disease > > > in > > > > general. > > > > > > > > Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes, lies at the > > > core > > > > of Syndrome X. Insulin resistance and Syndrome X develop over time > > > > from a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as sweets, breads > > > and > > > > flour- and sugar-based snack foods. These foods trigger a rapid > > > > increase in blood sugar levels, and in turn the body pumps out > > high > > > > amounts of blood-sugar-regulating insulin. > > > > > > > > Eventually, the body's cells become overwhelmed by so much insulin > > > and > > > > actually become resistant (or not very receptive) to it. This > > > hormone > > > > imbalance-insulin resistance- alters blood-fat ratios, raises > > blood > > > > pressure and increases fat storage, leading to the cluster of > > heart > > > > disease risk factors known as Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > The typical American diet, high in refined fats, primes the body > > for > > > > developing Syndrome X, and the longer these foods are eaten, the > > > > greater risk becomes. > > > > > > > > Middle-aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > > > Syndrome X, but teen-agers and children also can develop the > > > > condition. Type 2 diabetics almost always have several Syndrome X > > > > indicators, as do women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, a > > > > condition typically characterized by irregular mentrual cycles, > > > > ovarian cysts and excess facial hair. > > > > > > > > A diet rich in protein and unprocessed, low-carbohydrate, nutrient > > > > dense foods such as vegetables is the best line of defense against > > > > Syndrome X. But you as a retailer also have many supplements at > > your > > > > disposal that can help combat this condition, and lead your > > > customers > > > > on the road to better health. > > > > > > > > First, there are the antioxidants- alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E > > and > > > > vitamin C. All three neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, which > > > are > > > > at a higher-than normal levels in individuals with Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > Middle- aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > > > Syndrome X, but teen- agers and children can also develop the > > > > condition. > > > > > > > > > > > > Each antioxidant also offers unique benefits for improving faulty > > > > blood sugar function- a key strategy for improving Syndrome X. For > > > > example, alpha-lipoic acid, a vitamin-like substance that plays > > > > crucial roles in the burning of blood sugar for energy, also > > reduces > > > > insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin > > > > sensitivity (Diabetes Care, 1999; Diabetes and Stoffwechsel, > > 1996). > > > > > > > > Natural vitamin E also has been shown to improve insulin > > sensitivity > > > > and lower blood sugar levels. Plus, it helps protect against heart > > > > disease, a common consequence of Syndrome X. Vitamin C lowers > > blood > > > > sugar and normalizes insulin's response to it (American Journal of > > > > Clinical Nutrition, 1994) and also improves some of the individual > > > > components of Syndrome X, such as high blood pressure and high > > > > cholesterol levels. Therefore, all three antioxidants work in > > > > different but synergistic ways to protect against Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > The mineral standout among these may be chromium in the form of > > > > chromium picolinate. Chromium is so effective at reversing > > > resistance > > > > that one 1997 study found that 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate > > > daily > > > > reduced blood sugar and insulin levels in type 2 diabetics to near > > > > normal after four months- something that medications could not > > > achieve > > > > (Diabetes, 1997). In various other studies, chromium also has been > > > > found to help normalize the individual components of Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > And in daily dosages of 200 to 400 mcg, chromium helps those with > > > > reactive hypoglycemia (blood sugar highs followed by blood sugar > > > > lows). So, chromium acts as a blood sugar regulator. However, > > those > > > > who take sugar - lowering drugs should take note: Supplemental > > > > chromium works so well at improving insulin function that less > > > > medication is usually needed. Sometimes, medication can be > > > eliminated > > > > completely over time. > > > > > > > > This is a good thing- it indicates a reversal or lessening of > > > insulin > > > > resistance- but it also means that your customers should work with > > > > their doctors to carefully monitor their condition and avoid over > > > > medicating themselves. > > > > > > > > In addition to chromium, herbalists have a long tradition of using > > > > herbs including ginseng, fenugreek, bitter melon, and Gymnema > > > > sylvestre to help reduce the high blood sugar levels that can > > occur > > > > with Syndrome X. And research is slowly but surely confirming that > > > > these herbs do have blood-sugar-lowering properties. In one study > > > out > > > > of the University of Toronto, healthy subjects who were given > > > American > > > > ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), had a 26 percent to 38 percent > > > > reduction in blood sugar levels, while diabetics who took the herb > > > had > > > > a 20 percent reduction (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000). > > > > > > > > Silymarin, or milk thistle extract, is another top herb for > > lowering > > > > blood sugar levels. In one study with 60 type 2 diabetics, those > > who > > > > took silymarin experienced a significant drop in their blood sugar > > > > levels, but did not experience bouts of low blood sugar. The > > > patients' > > > > fasting insulin levels decreased by an average of 40 percent- > > > > indicating a significant reduction in insulin resistance (Journal > > of > > > > Hepatology, 1997). Silymarin also improves liver function, which > > is > > > > noteworthy because the liver plays an important role in > > maintaining > > > > normal blood sugar levels. > > > > > > > > Fortunately, many supplements have been shown to be effective in > > > > treating the symptoms- and underlying cause- of Syndrome X. > > Although > > > > many of your customers may not realize they have Syndrome X, you > > can > > > > get a good indication of whether they do based on their weight and > > > > symptoms. Help those customers by educating them about Syndrome X > > > and > > > > blood sugar function and steering them toward the supplements that > > > > have proven therapeutic benefits for this increasingly common > > > > condition. > > > > > > > > Diane is a nutritionist and health journalist based > > in > > > > Tuscon, Ariz. Her books include Syndrome X ( Wiley & Sons, > > 2000) > > > > as well as User's Guide to Vitamin E (Basic Health Publications, > > > > 2000), User's Guide to Chromium (Basic Health Publications 2002) > > and > > > > Going Against the Grain (McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2002). > > For > > > > more information, visit or . > > > > > > > > > > > > The Main Indicators of Syndrome X > > > > > > > > > > > > Abdominal obesity > > > > > > > > > > > > High Blood Pressure (blood pressure readings consistently higher > > > than > > > > 140/90) > > > > > > > > > > > > Unhealthy blood cholesterol readings (total cholesterol above 240 > > > > mg/dL, or HDL cholesterol levels less than one -fourth of total > > > blood > > > > cholesterol levels) > > > > > > > > > > > > High blood triglyceride levels (blood triglyceride levels above > > 160 > > > > mg/dL) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Early Warning Signs > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Overweight, even slightly so, especially around the abdomen > > > > > > > > > > > > Frequent cravings for sweets, breads and other carbohydrates > > > > > > > > > > > > Tiredness or sleepiness after meals > > > > > > > > > > > > Frequent thirst and urination, or high blood sugar levels above > > > 100mg. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors for the Metabolic (X, Y and > > Z...) > > > > Syndrome X > > > > > > > > By Holt, M.D., MRCP (UK), FRCP ©, FACP, FACG, FACN > > > > > > > > > > > > Defining Syndrome X (The Metabolic Syndrome): The US federal > > > > government has declared that the most important current public > > > health > > > > initiative is to combat the constellation of problems that exist > > > > within the umbrella terms " the metabolic syndrome " or " Syndrome > > X. " > > > > The cardinal components of Syndrome X include obesity, high blood > > > > cholesterol (abnormal blood lipids) and hypertension, linked by > > > > underlying resistance to the hormone insulin. Syndrome X has been > > > > described as a hidden epidemic and it may affect up to 70 million > > > > American citizens. > > > > > > > > Insulin resistance is a key issue in Syndrome X. While insulin is > > > well > > > > recognized as a control for blood glucose, it also has several > > > > far-reaching actions on body metabolism. As a consequence of > > insulin > > > > resistance within Syndrome X, more insulin is secreted by the > > > pancreas > > > > to overcome the resistance. Excessive amounts of circulating > > insulin > > > > lead to biochemical changes in the body where more fat is stored > > > > (obesity), and abnormalities of blood lipids occur. Despite > > > > established high levels of circulating insulin in established > > > Syndrome > > > > X, glucose intolerance exists, without overt signs of diabetes > > > > mellitus. > > > > > > > > Excessive insulin secretion in the presence of insulin exerts > > > several > > > > other adverse metabolic effects. These include retention of sodium > > > by > > > > the kidneys causing a rise in blood pressure, changes in the > > pattern > > > > and production of sex hormones in females and actions on cell > > > > proliferation that may contribute to the development of cancer. In > > > > addition, there is a change in eicosanoid production in the body. > > > > These changes produce a tendency to increase blood clotting and a > > > > propensity to inflammatory states. While this sequence of > > > biochemical > > > > events in the body has been linked to cardiovascular disease, > > > Syndrome > > > > X has emerged as important in the cause of infertility, endocrine > > > > disorders, irregular menstruation, liver disease, inflammatory > > > > disease, osteoporosis and cancer of the breast, womb or colon. > > > > > > > > Syndrome X in Perspective: The Concept of Syndrome XYZ... > > > > > > > > > > > > The understanding of Syndrome X is often clouded by confusion of > > the > > > > disorder with Type II diabetes mellitus (maturity-onset diabetes). > > > In > > > > simple terms, Syndrome X could be considered to be a " forerunner " > > to > > > > maturity onset diabetes, but not all individuals with Syndrome X > > > will > > > > develop Type II diabetes. The hallmark of Syndrome X is resistance > > > to > > > > insulin and high circulating levels of blood insulin, which are > > > > produced by the body to overcome the newfound resistance to the > > > > actions of the hormone insulin. In contrast, when diabetes > > mellitus > > > is > > > > established blood insulin levels are low or absent, whereas in > > > > Syndrome X blood insulin levels are often high.. When blood > > insulin > > > > levels are high in the presence of insulin resistance, signals are > > > > given to many body tissues to trigger the changes of body > > metabolism > > > > and or gain function that are described in Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > Many other under explored complex biochemical factors operate in > > the > > > > evolution of Syndrome X. Syndrome X is determined in part by > > genetic > > > > or hereditary tendencies, but the most important causes of > > Syndrome > > > X > > > > appear to be adverse lifestyle and, in particular, poor nutrition > > > and > > > > lack of physical exercise. Excessive refined carbohydrates in the > > > > diet, made worse by excessive dietary saturated fat intake, > > > excessive > > > > salt consumption, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and other > > > > nutritional co-factors contribute to the precipitation and > > evolution > > > > of the metabolic Syndrome X. Syndrome X appears to be part of our > > > > modern metabolic evolution that is fueled by the average Western > > > > lifestyle and diet. > > > > > > > > The four principle features of Syndrome X (obesity, hypertension, > > > > hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) underlie > > > cardiovascular > > > > disease, which is the most common cause of death and disability in > > > > Western society. The term Syndrome X originally was coined by the > > > > eminent physician, Dr. Gerald Reaven in 1988, but over the past > > > > decade, his early concept of Syndrome X has been expanded to > > involve > > > > many other biochemical and clinical consequences of the underlying > > > > metabolic disorder. Science is faced with a " novel " unifying > > concept > > > > of the cause of much chronic degenerative disease, as it becomes > > > > recognized that the metabolic problems within Syndrome X cause > > many > > > > other diseases. These other diseases include endocrine disorders, > > > > acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, common liver disease (fatty > > liver, > > > > non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver > > > disease), > > > > and cancer. It is this new unifying disease concept that I have > > > called > > > > " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " . (Holt S, Combat Syndrome X,Y and Z..., > > > > Wellnesspublishing.com, 2002) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Combat Syndrome X ( > > > > > > > > > > > > Recognizing Syndrome X is more difficult than many individuals may > > > > suppose. Obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure > > are > > > > variably present in Syndrome X and underlying insulin resistance > > has > > > > few readily identifiable manifestations, especially in its early > > > > stages. A retrospective study of National Nutrition Survey Data > > > > (NHANES) between the years 1988 and 1994 resulted in the > > conclusion > > > > that, at that time, approximately 47 million adults in the United > > > > States had Syndrome X. These data were recorded by US federal > > > > government researchers in the Journal of the American Medical > > > > Association (JAMA), in January 2002. It is notable that these > > > > researchers stated, " ...it seems unlikely that management of the > > > > individual abnormalities of this syndrome provides better outcomes > > > > than a more integrated strategy " (JAMA, 3,297,p. 359, 2002). These > > > are > > > > powerful words that support the future of the food and dietary > > > > supplements industry in the combat against Syndrome X, at least > > > > indirectly. > > > > > > > > For many years, the dietary supplement industry has espoused its > > > vital > > > > role in the potential prevention and treatment of disease. Reading > > > > between the lines of recent federal government health care > > > > initiatives, it is suggested that lifestyle and nutrition are the > > > > primary components in the battle against Syndrome X. These days, > > > > " integrated strategies " in medicine almost always employ > > > complementary > > > > (or alternative) medicine, which in turn employs dietary > > supplements > > > > or functional foods. It appears that the " first line approach " for > > > the > > > > management of Syndrome X involves positive lifestyle and > > nutritional > > > > changes, not pharmaceutical interventions. This point of view is > > > > reinforced by public statements about the management of type II > > > > diabetes mellitus from the American Diabetic Association (ADA) > > ( ). > > > > The ADA describes lifestyle and nutritional change as " first-line > > > > options " for the management of maturity onset diabetes and it is > > > > stated that drug treatments form " back-up plans " . Never in the > > > history > > > > of the dietary supplement industry has such solid direction and > > > > support for the use of food and dietary supplements been given by > > > > conventional bodies of opinion for a key public initiative > > (syndrome > > > > X, Y and Z..), at least indirectly. > > > > > > > > The " Integrated Approach. " > > > > > > > > > > > > While government researchers hint at an integrated approach they > > > have > > > > done little t define just what they mean. Pharmaceutical research > > > and > > > > development programs are racing to define genomic targets to > > develop > > > > drugs to correct Syndrome X. These drug develop strategies are > > > > arguably on the right track, since the solution to a disease that > > is > > > > rooted in adverse lifestyle is not the prescription of a drug, but > > > it > > > > does involve change of lifestyle for the better. The US public > > > should > > > > not succumb readily to the concept of the " lifestyle drug " . Whilst > > > the > > > > pharmaceutical industry develops frentic interest in serving their > > > > perceived gargantuan health care need for drugs to treat Sydrome > > X, > > > > the dietary supplement industry appears to be sleeping or jsut > > > > awakening, at best! Let me explain. > > > > > > > > If one takes the cardinal components of Syndrome X (obesity, > > > > hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) and > > > > examines the dietary supplement categories sold for this aggregate > > > of > > > > condition-specific purposes, then one is looking at the " lion's > > > share " > > > > of the sale of all dietary supplements (about 80%). It is known > > that > > > > Syndrome X is multifactorial and the dietary supplement industry > > is > > > > attempting to find " magic bullets, " somewhat like the > > > pharmaceutical > > > > and the popular dietary supplement may be equally misguided. The > > > > approach to Syndrome X must be multipronged and it must involve > > > > lifestyle change. There is no " technofix " for the metabolic > > Syndrome > > > X > > > > (or Syndrome X, Y and Z...). > > > > > > > > Versatile treatments must be designed to impact as many aspects as > > > > possible of the metabolic problems within Syndrome X and its > > > > consequences, if we are to tackle this problem in an efficient and > > > > effective manner. Table 1 identifies a " simplistic " lifestyle > > > program > > > > to combat Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A Lifestyle Program for Metabolic Syndrome X: > > > > > > > > > > > > Life style change, with specific avoidance of substance abuse, > > > > including smoking cessation, reduced salt, caffeine and simple > > sugar > > > > intake. > > > > > > > > Behavior modification. Change eating patterns and calorie amounts. > > > > Extinguish adverse lifestyle. > > > > > > > > Exercise should be matched to a level of aerobic fitness, and > > > medical > > > > or professional training advice recommended. > > > > > > > > Diet should be reduced in simple sugars, salt and saturated fat > > with > > > > controlled protein intake and more liberal use of healthy fats, > > > > e.g.:omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA). > > > > > > > > Syndrome X Nutritional Factors include oat beta glucan, > > > phytonutrient > > > > antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, chromium picolinate with biotin, > > > > vanadium, phaseolum (Phase 2), anti-homocysteine vitamins and the > > > use > > > > of low-glycemic index dietary substrates. > > > > > > > > Drug treatments are often " backup plans " , especially for type II > > > > diabetes. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Conclusion. > > > > > > > > > > > > The dietary supplement industry and its customers require urgent > > > > education on the components of Syndrome X, Y and Z... Syndrome X > > is > > > > the ultimate form of society-induced bioterrorism, fueled by our > > > poor > > > > Western lifestyle and diet. Syndrome X emerges as the basis for > > the > > > > understanding of a unifying concept of several chronic diseases. I > > > > suggest that a more apt name for this series of metabolic > > disorders > > > > and medical consequences is " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " The dietary > > > > supplement industry has a great role to play in the combat against > > > the > > > > metabolic syndrome X, by providing nutraceuticals in combinations > > > that > > > > form part of a well planned " integrated " , medical approach to the > > > most > > > > threatening of all public health concerns facing Western society, > > > > namely the metabolic syndrome X, Y and Z. WF > > > > > > > > References on Request. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Tables 1 and 2 below. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Table I: Components of lifestyle and " integrated " medical approach > > > to > > > > the metabolic Syndrome X > > > > > > > > > > > > Nutritional Factors for Syndrome X. I have reviewed in detail many > > > > herbal botanical and nutritional factors that can be used in the > > > > struggle against Syndrome X. (Holt S, Combat Syndrome XYZ..., > > > > Wellnesspublishing.com, Newark, NJ 2002). The most important > > dietary > > > > supplements can be used in an integrated approach to impact > > Syndrome > > > X > > > > are summarized in Table 2. > > > > > > > > > > > > Science and Syndrome X Nutritional Factors > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Components and > > > > > > > > Association of the > > > > > > > > Metabolic Syndrome X > > > > Functional Properties of > > > > > > > > Syndrome X Nuritional > > > > > > > > Factors and Lifestyle > > > > > > > > Insulin Resistance > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Abnormal Blood Lipids > > > > > > > > (cholesterol) > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Obesity > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hypertention > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Oxidative Stress > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Homocysteine > > > > Patented oat beta glucan fractions of oat soluable fiber (US > > > > patent 6,060,519) may lower blood glucose levels after sugar > > intake. > > > > Chromium picolinate with Biotin may assist insulin Function > > > > (sensitiziation). > > > > > > > > Oat beta glucan may reduce (cholesterol) blood cholesterol > > > > levels (LDL and triglycerides) and may variably increase good > > > > cholesterol (HDL). Antioxidants and chromium effects on blood > > > > cholesterol. > > > > > > > > Oat beta glucan may make people feel full when taken prior > > to > > > > meals and it assists in calorie control. The starch-blocker > > > Phaseolum > > > > 2250 (Phase 2) may inhibit sugar absorption. > > > > > > > > Variable but small reductions in blood pressure result from > > > > weight control, and lifestyle change in the INTEGRATED PLAN! > > > > > > > > Antioxidants may be beneficial for health eg. bioflavonoids, > > > > ellagic acid, anthocycanidins and alpha lipoic acid. > > > > > > > > Vitamins B-6, B12 and folic acid may reduce blood > > homocysteine > > > > levels. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Table 2: > > > > > > > > > > > > Principle dietary supplements or functional food components that > > are > > > > valuable in the management of Syndrome X. The components reviewed > > in > > > > this table can work in an " additive manner " (synergistic) and > > > provide > > > > a multi-pronged approach to the multifactorial components of > > > Syndrome > > > > X. These natural supplements work best when used in synergistic > > > > formulations. > > > > > > > > Dietary supplements that can be used in the combat against > > Syndrome > > > X > > > > have protean beneficial effects, especially when used in the > > > > combinations. Soluble fiber from oats (oat beta glucan) has potent > > > and > > > > versatile effects on Syndrome X by assisting in management of > > > obesity, > > > > lowering blood cholesterol, overcoming insulin resistance and, > > > > secondarily, reducing blood pressure. The progression of tissue > > > damage > > > > in Syndrome X (and diabetes mellitus) is linked to oxidative > > stress > > > > and many of the components of the proposed Syndrome X nutritional > > > > factors (Table 2) are potent antioxidants. Isolated nutrients or > > > > botanical extracts that help to regulate blood glucose have a > > > limited > > > > role in Syndrome X when used alone, e.g. corosolic acid, Gymnema > > > > sylvestre and Maitake-S fractions. Soy foods or soy supplements > > (in > > > an > > > > appropriate format) emerge with special advantages for dietary > > > > inclusion in individuals with Syndrome X, because they have a low > > > > glycemic index, lower blood cholesterol and are low in calories. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > > > > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2003 Report Share Posted December 7, 2003 Kricket, same guy, but he ALWAYS wears Hawaiian shirts so he doesn't have to tuck them in! He was wearing a 40 because I couldn't get him to admit he needed a 42! I finally told him I really disliked the waist line under the tummy thing and if I had wanted that....I could have married a " good old boy " with no teeth and suspenders! Debbie & in Gig Harbor (170cm medial) ladybostons@... http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore http://www.marykay.com/debbiemcneice -----Original Message----- From: Kricket Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2003 9:46 AM Debbie, is this since I saw you both in July? (the weight gain for your hubby?). Cause as I remember him in July, he looked just fine to me (as in no weight problem that I could see). But I do kinda know what you mean. My own dh is 6'4 " and he used to be 180 (before he quit smoking 6 years ago). He is now probably 215. I think he looks a lot better as he was rail thin at 180. But inwardly I do feel guilty as I have been cooking up a storm (mainly desserts) as my own selfish way to deal with the need to be around food (gotta stop that!). And my dear hubby cannot resist any of my fine cooking, LOL (last night I knocked him out with a Peach Sour Cream Pie that I whipped up). <sigh> My own fault I know! ~Kricket Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 7, 2003 Report Share Posted December 7, 2003 Debbie in Gig Harbor wrote: " I could have married a good old boy " with no teeth and suspenders! " ROFLMAO!! Yuhp. Ah reckon' ya cuhda. ---------------------------------------- Terry Mayers 5DollarHosting.com http://www.5dollarhosting.com RE: Re: Syndrome X > Kricket, same guy, but he ALWAYS wears Hawaiian shirts so he doesn't have to > tuck them in! He was wearing a 40 because I couldn't get him to admit he > needed a 42! I finally told him I really disliked the waist line under the > tummy thing and if I had wanted that....> > Debbie & > in Gig Harbor > (170cm medial) > ladybostons@... > http://www.cafeshops.com/copsstore > http://www.marykay.com/debbiemcneice > > > > -----Original Message----- > From: Kricket > Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2003 9:46 AM > > > Debbie, is this since I saw you both in July? (the weight gain for > your hubby?). Cause as I remember him in July, he looked just fine > to me (as in no weight problem that I could see). But I do kinda > know what you mean. My own dh is 6'4 " and he used to be 180 (before > he quit smoking 6 years ago). He is now probably 215. I think he > looks a lot better as he was rail thin at 180. But inwardly I do > feel guilty as I have been cooking up a storm (mainly desserts) as > my own selfish way to deal with the need to be around food (gotta > stop that!). And my dear hubby cannot resist any of my fine cooking, > LOL (last night I knocked him out with a Peach Sour Cream Pie that I > whipped up). <sigh> My own fault I know! > > ~Kricket > > > > > > > > > > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 8, 2003 Report Share Posted December 8, 2003 OK, is it chromium piccolinate (sp?) that's supposed to help with appetite control? If so, I'm in, too, and what's the dosage? in NJ ************************ > Well it is interesting that you should mention chromium. My Dad (the > resident Asperger herb/supplement expert) calls me up the other day > to tell me that I NEED chromium so I am going to the health food > store tomorrow to pick some up. Count me in as one of the 10 (or 20 > as it is looking right now!) > > ~Kricket > 298/138 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2003 Report Share Posted December 9, 2003 ok what is syndrome X what is chromium? what is it all about alfie? janice > > > Date: 2003/12/07 Sun PM 12:46:28 EST > To: Graduate-OSSG > Subject: Re: Syndrome X > > Debbie, is this since I saw you both in July? (the weight gain for > your hubby?). Cause as I remember him in July, he looked just fine > to me (as in no weight problem that I could see). But I do kinda > know what you mean. My own dh is 6'4 " and he used to be 180 (before > he quit smoking 6 years ago). He is now probably 215. I think he > looks a lot better as he was rail thin at 180. But inwardly I do > feel guilty as I have been cooking up a storm (mainly desserts) as > my own selfish way to deal with the need to be around food (gotta > stop that!). And my dear hubby cannot resist any of my fine cooking, > LOL (last night I knocked him out with a Peach Sour Cream Pie that I > whipped up). <sigh> My own fault I know! > > ~Kricket > > > > This is an interesting topic. I have a " normie " hubby, who is a > carb junky. > > Lately all he does is gain weight. HELP!!!!! I mean he > > is 5'9 " and has a 42in waist! He is over 235 pounds! I am so > scared for him. > > > > Debbie & > > > > Homepage: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Graduate-OSSG > > Unsubscribe: mailto:Graduate-OSSG-unsubscribe > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 9, 2003 Report Share Posted December 9, 2003 I know this fits me. I am type 2 diabetic (controlled now without drugs thankyou), but I have been having problems with LOW blood sugar. I take E and C but would be willing to start taking the chromium and keep track of my highs and lows. I'll do it first for 2 weeks without and then start in using the chromium to see if there is a difference. Will post results on the board. Terri in Temecula 12/7/01 322/235/160??? Thankful that diabetes is control, no sleep apnea, can MOVE!!! Mom to 5 fur babies…MEOW -- In Graduate-OSSG , " Vitalady " <vitalady@v...> wrote: > Feedback? > > > Thanks, > > > Vitalady, Inc. T > www.vitalady.com > > > > > Herbs, Nutrients Supplement Syndrome X Care > > > > Diane > > > > Taken from Natural Foods Merchandiser February 2003 > > > > With almost two-thirds of the U.S. population overweight-and > millions > > suffering from high blood pressure and high cholesterol -it's almost > > certain that on any given day, you'll talk with several people in > your > > store who have syndrome X. > > > > Syndrome what? If the term doesn't ring a bell, the symptoms > probably > > do-excess weight around the middle, high blood pressure, high blood > > triglycerides and high blood cholesterol levels. Just one of these > > conditions increases the risk for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. > > But the more Syndrome X indicators people have, the more at risk > they > > are-not just for heart disease and type 2 diabetes, but for disease > in > > general. > > > > Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type 2 diabetes, lies at the > core > > of Syndrome X. Insulin resistance and Syndrome X develop over time > > from a diet high in refined carbohydrates, such as sweets, breads > and > > flour- and sugar-based snack foods. These foods trigger a rapid > > increase in blood sugar levels, and in turn the body pumps out high > > amounts of blood-sugar-regulating insulin. > > > > Eventually, the body's cells become overwhelmed by so much insulin > and > > actually become resistant (or not very receptive) to it. This > hormone > > imbalance-insulin resistance- alters blood-fat ratios, raises blood > > pressure and increases fat storage, leading to the cluster of heart > > disease risk factors known as Syndrome X. > > > > The typical American diet, high in refined fats, primes the body for > > developing Syndrome X, and the longer these foods are eaten, the > > greater risk becomes. > > > > Middle-aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > Syndrome X, but teen-agers and children also can develop the > > condition. Type 2 diabetics almost always have several Syndrome X > > indicators, as do women who have polycystic ovary syndrome, a > > condition typically characterized by irregular mentrual cycles, > > ovarian cysts and excess facial hair. > > > > A diet rich in protein and unprocessed, low-carbohydrate, nutrient > > dense foods such as vegetables is the best line of defense against > > Syndrome X. But you as a retailer also have many supplements at your > > disposal that can help combat this condition, and lead your > customers > > on the road to better health. > > > > First, there are the antioxidants- alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin E and > > vitamin C. All three neutralize cell-damaging free radicals, which > are > > at a higher-than normal levels in individuals with Syndrome X. > > > > Middle- aged baby boomers are the most likely candidates to get > > Syndrome X, but teen- agers and children can also develop the > > condition. > > > > > > Each antioxidant also offers unique benefits for improving faulty > > blood sugar function- a key strategy for improving Syndrome X. For > > example, alpha-lipoic acid, a vitamin-like substance that plays > > crucial roles in the burning of blood sugar for energy, also reduces > > insulin resistance, lowers blood sugar levels and improves insulin > > sensitivity (Diabetes Care, 1999; Diabetes and Stoffwechsel, 1996). > > > > Natural vitamin E also has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity > > and lower blood sugar levels. Plus, it helps protect against heart > > disease, a common consequence of Syndrome X. Vitamin C lowers blood > > sugar and normalizes insulin's response to it (American Journal of > > Clinical Nutrition, 1994) and also improves some of the individual > > components of Syndrome X, such as high blood pressure and high > > cholesterol levels. Therefore, all three antioxidants work in > > different but synergistic ways to protect against Syndrome X. > > > > The mineral standout among these may be chromium in the form of > > chromium picolinate. Chromium is so effective at reversing > resistance > > that one 1997 study found that 1,000 mcg of chromium picolinate > daily > > reduced blood sugar and insulin levels in type 2 diabetics to near > > normal after four months- something that medications could not > achieve > > (Diabetes, 1997). In various other studies, chromium also has been > > found to help normalize the individual components of Syndrome X. > > > > And in daily dosages of 200 to 400 mcg, chromium helps those with > > reactive hypoglycemia (blood sugar highs followed by blood sugar > > lows). So, chromium acts as a blood sugar regulator. However, those > > who take sugar - lowering drugs should take note: Supplemental > > chromium works so well at improving insulin function that less > > medication is usually needed. Sometimes, medication can be > eliminated > > completely over time. > > > > This is a good thing- it indicates a reversal or lessening of > insulin > > resistance- but it also means that your customers should work with > > their doctors to carefully monitor their condition and avoid over > > medicating themselves. > > > > In addition to chromium, herbalists have a long tradition of using > > herbs including ginseng, fenugreek, bitter melon, and Gymnema > > sylvestre to help reduce the high blood sugar levels that can occur > > with Syndrome X. And research is slowly but surely confirming that > > these herbs do have blood-sugar-lowering properties. In one study > out > > of the University of Toronto, healthy subjects who were given > American > > ginseng (Panax quinquefolius), had a 26 percent to 38 percent > > reduction in blood sugar levels, while diabetics who took the herb > had > > a 20 percent reduction (Archives of Internal Medicine, 2000). > > > > Silymarin, or milk thistle extract, is another top herb for lowering > > blood sugar levels. In one study with 60 type 2 diabetics, those who > > took silymarin experienced a significant drop in their blood sugar > > levels, but did not experience bouts of low blood sugar. The > patients' > > fasting insulin levels decreased by an average of 40 percent- > > indicating a significant reduction in insulin resistance (Journal of > > Hepatology, 1997). Silymarin also improves liver function, which is > > noteworthy because the liver plays an important role in maintaining > > normal blood sugar levels. > > > > Fortunately, many supplements have been shown to be effective in > > treating the symptoms- and underlying cause- of Syndrome X. Although > > many of your customers may not realize they have Syndrome X, you can > > get a good indication of whether they do based on their weight and > > symptoms. Help those customers by educating them about Syndrome X > and > > blood sugar function and steering them toward the supplements that > > have proven therapeutic benefits for this increasingly common > > condition. > > > > Diane is a nutritionist and health journalist based in > > Tuscon, Ariz. Her books include Syndrome X ( Wiley & Sons, 2000) > > as well as User's Guide to Vitamin E (Basic Health Publications, > > 2000), User's Guide to Chromium (Basic Health Publications 2002) and > > Going Against the Grain (McGraw-Hill/Contemporary Books, 2002). For > > more information, visit or . > > > > > > The Main Indicators of Syndrome X > > > > > > Abdominal obesity > > > > > > High Blood Pressure (blood pressure readings consistently higher > than > > 140/90) > > > > > > Unhealthy blood cholesterol readings (total cholesterol above 240 > > mg/dL, or HDL cholesterol levels less than one -fourth of total > blood > > cholesterol levels) > > > > > > High blood triglyceride levels (blood triglyceride levels above 160 > > mg/dL) > > > > > > > > > > Early Warning Signs > > > > > > > > > > Overweight, even slightly so, especially around the abdomen > > > > > > Frequent cravings for sweets, breads and other carbohydrates > > > > > > Tiredness or sleepiness after meals > > > > > > Frequent thirst and urination, or high blood sugar levels above > 100mg. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors for the Metabolic (X, Y and Z...) > > Syndrome X > > > > By Holt, M.D., MRCP (UK), FRCP ©, FACP, FACG, FACN > > > > > > Defining Syndrome X (The Metabolic Syndrome): The US federal > > government has declared that the most important current public > health > > initiative is to combat the constellation of problems that exist > > within the umbrella terms " the metabolic syndrome " or " Syndrome X. " > > The cardinal components of Syndrome X include obesity, high blood > > cholesterol (abnormal blood lipids) and hypertension, linked by > > underlying resistance to the hormone insulin. Syndrome X has been > > described as a hidden epidemic and it may affect up to 70 million > > American citizens. > > > > Insulin resistance is a key issue in Syndrome X. While insulin is > well > > recognized as a control for blood glucose, it also has several > > far-reaching actions on body metabolism. As a consequence of insulin > > resistance within Syndrome X, more insulin is secreted by the > pancreas > > to overcome the resistance. Excessive amounts of circulating insulin > > lead to biochemical changes in the body where more fat is stored > > (obesity), and abnormalities of blood lipids occur. Despite > > established high levels of circulating insulin in established > Syndrome > > X, glucose intolerance exists, without overt signs of diabetes > > mellitus. > > > > Excessive insulin secretion in the presence of insulin exerts > several > > other adverse metabolic effects. These include retention of sodium > by > > the kidneys causing a rise in blood pressure, changes in the pattern > > and production of sex hormones in females and actions on cell > > proliferation that may contribute to the development of cancer. In > > addition, there is a change in eicosanoid production in the body. > > These changes produce a tendency to increase blood clotting and a > > propensity to inflammatory states. While this sequence of > biochemical > > events in the body has been linked to cardiovascular disease, > Syndrome > > X has emerged as important in the cause of infertility, endocrine > > disorders, irregular menstruation, liver disease, inflammatory > > disease, osteoporosis and cancer of the breast, womb or colon. > > > > Syndrome X in Perspective: The Concept of Syndrome XYZ... > > > > > > The understanding of Syndrome X is often clouded by confusion of the > > disorder with Type II diabetes mellitus (maturity-onset diabetes). > In > > simple terms, Syndrome X could be considered to be a " forerunner " to > > maturity onset diabetes, but not all individuals with Syndrome X > will > > develop Type II diabetes. The hallmark of Syndrome X is resistance > to > > insulin and high circulating levels of blood insulin, which are > > produced by the body to overcome the newfound resistance to the > > actions of the hormone insulin. In contrast, when diabetes mellitus > is > > established blood insulin levels are low or absent, whereas in > > Syndrome X blood insulin levels are often high.. When blood insulin > > levels are high in the presence of insulin resistance, signals are > > given to many body tissues to trigger the changes of body metabolism > > and or gain function that are described in Syndrome X. > > > > Many other under explored complex biochemical factors operate in the > > evolution of Syndrome X. Syndrome X is determined in part by genetic > > or hereditary tendencies, but the most important causes of Syndrome > X > > appear to be adverse lifestyle and, in particular, poor nutrition > and > > lack of physical exercise. Excessive refined carbohydrates in the > > diet, made worse by excessive dietary saturated fat intake, > excessive > > salt consumption, a deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids and other > > nutritional co-factors contribute to the precipitation and evolution > > of the metabolic Syndrome X. Syndrome X appears to be part of our > > modern metabolic evolution that is fueled by the average Western > > lifestyle and diet. > > > > The four principle features of Syndrome X (obesity, hypertension, > > hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) underlie > cardiovascular > > disease, which is the most common cause of death and disability in > > Western society. The term Syndrome X originally was coined by the > > eminent physician, Dr. Gerald Reaven in 1988, but over the past > > decade, his early concept of Syndrome X has been expanded to involve > > many other biochemical and clinical consequences of the underlying > > metabolic disorder. Science is faced with a " novel " unifying concept > > of the cause of much chronic degenerative disease, as it becomes > > recognized that the metabolic problems within Syndrome X cause many > > other diseases. These other diseases include endocrine disorders, > > acne, polycystic ovary syndrome, common liver disease (fatty liver, > > non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver > disease), > > and cancer. It is this new unifying disease concept that I have > called > > " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " . (Holt S, Combat Syndrome X,Y and Z..., > > Wellnesspublishing.com, 2002) > > > > > > > > > > > > Combat Syndrome X ( > > > > > > Recognizing Syndrome X is more difficult than many individuals may > > suppose. Obesity, high blood cholesterol and high blood pressure are > > variably present in Syndrome X and underlying insulin resistance has > > few readily identifiable manifestations, especially in its early > > stages. A retrospective study of National Nutrition Survey Data > > (NHANES) between the years 1988 and 1994 resulted in the conclusion > > that, at that time, approximately 47 million adults in the United > > States had Syndrome X. These data were recorded by US federal > > government researchers in the Journal of the American Medical > > Association (JAMA), in January 2002. It is notable that these > > researchers stated, " ...it seems unlikely that management of the > > individual abnormalities of this syndrome provides better outcomes > > than a more integrated strategy " (JAMA, 3,297,p. 359, 2002). These > are > > powerful words that support the future of the food and dietary > > supplements industry in the combat against Syndrome X, at least > > indirectly. > > > > For many years, the dietary supplement industry has espoused its > vital > > role in the potential prevention and treatment of disease. Reading > > between the lines of recent federal government health care > > initiatives, it is suggested that lifestyle and nutrition are the > > primary components in the battle against Syndrome X. These days, > > " integrated strategies " in medicine almost always employ > complementary > > (or alternative) medicine, which in turn employs dietary supplements > > or functional foods. It appears that the " first line approach " for > the > > management of Syndrome X involves positive lifestyle and nutritional > > changes, not pharmaceutical interventions. This point of view is > > reinforced by public statements about the management of type II > > diabetes mellitus from the American Diabetic Association (ADA) ( ). > > The ADA describes lifestyle and nutritional change as " first-line > > options " for the management of maturity onset diabetes and it is > > stated that drug treatments form " back-up plans " . Never in the > history > > of the dietary supplement industry has such solid direction and > > support for the use of food and dietary supplements been given by > > conventional bodies of opinion for a key public initiative (syndrome > > X, Y and Z..), at least indirectly. > > > > The " Integrated Approach. " > > > > > > While government researchers hint at an integrated approach they > have > > done little t define just what they mean. Pharmaceutical research > and > > development programs are racing to define genomic targets to develop > > drugs to correct Syndrome X. These drug develop strategies are > > arguably on the right track, since the solution to a disease that is > > rooted in adverse lifestyle is not the prescription of a drug, but > it > > does involve change of lifestyle for the better. The US public > should > > not succumb readily to the concept of the " lifestyle drug " . Whilst > the > > pharmaceutical industry develops frentic interest in serving their > > perceived gargantuan health care need for drugs to treat Sydrome X, > > the dietary supplement industry appears to be sleeping or jsut > > awakening, at best! Let me explain. > > > > If one takes the cardinal components of Syndrome X (obesity, > > hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and insulin resistance) and > > examines the dietary supplement categories sold for this aggregate > of > > condition-specific purposes, then one is looking at the " lion's > share " > > of the sale of all dietary supplements (about 80%). It is known that > > Syndrome X is multifactorial and the dietary supplement industry is > > attempting to find " magic bullets, " somewhat like the > pharmaceutical > > and the popular dietary supplement may be equally misguided. The > > approach to Syndrome X must be multipronged and it must involve > > lifestyle change. There is no " technofix " for the metabolic Syndrome > X > > (or Syndrome X, Y and Z...). > > > > Versatile treatments must be designed to impact as many aspects as > > possible of the metabolic problems within Syndrome X and its > > consequences, if we are to tackle this problem in an efficient and > > effective manner. Table 1 identifies a " simplistic " lifestyle > program > > to combat Syndrome X. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > A Lifestyle Program for Metabolic Syndrome X: > > > > > > Life style change, with specific avoidance of substance abuse, > > including smoking cessation, reduced salt, caffeine and simple sugar > > intake. > > > > Behavior modification. Change eating patterns and calorie amounts. > > Extinguish adverse lifestyle. > > > > Exercise should be matched to a level of aerobic fitness, and > medical > > or professional training advice recommended. > > > > Diet should be reduced in simple sugars, salt and saturated fat with > > controlled protein intake and more liberal use of healthy fats, > > e.g.:omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil (EPA). > > > > Syndrome X Nutritional Factors include oat beta glucan, > phytonutrient > > antioxidants, alpha lipoic acid, chromium picolinate with biotin, > > vanadium, phaseolum (Phase 2), anti-homocysteine vitamins and the > use > > of low-glycemic index dietary substrates. > > > > Drug treatments are often " backup plans " , especially for type II > > diabetes. > > > > > > > > Conclusion. > > > > > > The dietary supplement industry and its customers require urgent > > education on the components of Syndrome X, Y and Z... Syndrome X is > > the ultimate form of society-induced bioterrorism, fueled by our > poor > > Western lifestyle and diet. Syndrome X emerges as the basis for the > > understanding of a unifying concept of several chronic diseases. I > > suggest that a more apt name for this series of metabolic disorders > > and medical consequences is " Syndrome X, Y and Z... " The dietary > > supplement industry has a great role to play in the combat against > the > > metabolic syndrome X, by providing nutraceuticals in combinations > that > > form part of a well planned " integrated " , medical approach to the > most > > threatening of all public health concerns facing Western society, > > namely the metabolic syndrome X, Y and Z. WF > > > > References on Request. > > > > > > > > Tables 1 and 2 below. > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Table I: Components of lifestyle and " integrated " medical approach > to > > the metabolic Syndrome X > > > > > > Nutritional Factors for Syndrome X. I have reviewed in detail many > > herbal botanical and nutritional factors that can be used in the > > struggle against Syndrome X. (Holt S, Combat Syndrome XYZ..., > > Wellnesspublishing.com, Newark, NJ 2002). The most important dietary > > supplements can be used in an integrated approach to impact Syndrome > X > > are summarized in Table 2. > > > > > > Science and Syndrome X Nutritional Factors > > > > > > > > > > > > Components and > > > > Association of the > > > > Metabolic Syndrome X > > Functional Properties of > > > > Syndrome X Nuritional > > > > Factors and Lifestyle > > > > Insulin Resistance > > > > > > > > > > > > Abnormal Blood Lipids > > > > (cholesterol) > > > > > > > > Obesity > > > > > > > > > > > > Hypertention > > > > > > > > Oxidative Stress > > > > > > > > Homocysteine > > Patented oat beta glucan fractions of oat soluable fiber (US > > patent 6,060,519) may lower blood glucose levels after sugar intake. > > Chromium picolinate with Biotin may assist insulin Function > > (sensitiziation). > > > > Oat beta glucan may reduce (cholesterol) blood cholesterol > > levels (LDL and triglycerides) and may variably increase good > > cholesterol (HDL). Antioxidants and chromium effects on blood > > cholesterol. > > > > Oat beta glucan may make people feel full when taken prior to > > meals and it assists in calorie control. The starch-blocker > Phaseolum > > 2250 (Phase 2) may inhibit sugar absorption. > > > > Variable but small reductions in blood pressure result from > > weight control, and lifestyle change in the INTEGRATED PLAN! > > > > Antioxidants may be beneficial for health eg. bioflavonoids, > > ellagic acid, anthocycanidins and alpha lipoic acid. > > > > Vitamins B-6, B12 and folic acid may reduce blood homocysteine > > levels. > > > > > > > > > > Table 2: > > > > > > Principle dietary supplements or functional food components that are > > valuable in the management of Syndrome X. The components reviewed in > > this table can work in an " additive manner " (synergistic) and > provide > > a multi-pronged approach to the multifactorial components of > Syndrome > > X. These natural supplements work best when used in synergistic > > formulations. > > > > Dietary supplements that can be used in the combat against Syndrome > X > > have protean beneficial effects, especially when used in the > > combinations. Soluble fiber from oats (oat beta glucan) has potent > and > > versatile effects on Syndrome X by assisting in management of > obesity, > > lowering blood cholesterol, overcoming insulin resistance and, > > secondarily, reducing blood pressure. The progression of tissue > damage > > in Syndrome X (and diabetes mellitus) is linked to oxidative stress > > and many of the components of the proposed Syndrome X nutritional > > factors (Table 2) are potent antioxidants. Isolated nutrients or > > botanical extracts that help to regulate blood glucose have a > limited > > role in Syndrome X when used alone, e.g. corosolic acid, Gymnema > > sylvestre and Maitake-S fractions. Soy foods or soy supplements (in > an > > appropriate format) emerge with special advantages for dietary > > inclusion in individuals with Syndrome X, because they have a low > > glycemic index, lower blood cholesterol and are low in calories. > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 11, 2003 Report Share Posted December 11, 2003 Debbie, I wasn't aware you knew my husband !!! in TX... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 10, 2004 Report Share Posted January 10, 2004 A couple of good articles on this link about Syndrome X: http://www.lowcarb.ca/newsmenu/syndromex.html kathy ******************************************* The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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