Metabolic Syndrome
The Unraveling of America's Health
I've been in practice long enough to see shifts and changes in the landscape of health. The health concerns of 2019 are very different from what was being taught and studied in the 1980's. For example, gluten intolerance did not exist as a prominent feature on the landscape. Nor did sleep apnea, erectile dysfunction and the plethora of autoimmune conditions. I'm not saying they didn't exist, but not a fraction of what we see today.
So this leads us to the elephant in the room that few are willing to talk about. When a disease condition becomes ever present, normal and common place, then it no longer is an issue or topic of discussion. This is what has happened with Metabolic Syndrome. The outward manifestation of this problem is being overweight. Nearly 75% of adult men and 60% of women are afflicted. That is an easy majority.
The signs and symptoms of Metabolic Syndrome are:
1) Being Overweight - (the fat tummy or an increased waistline)
2) High Triglyerides (caused by eating too much sugar - especially fructose)
3) low HDL Cholesterol (associated by insulin resistance from not burning the sugar or carbs you eat - not enough exercise)
4) High Blood Pressure (often associated with a fatty or congested liver).
Metabolic Syndrome is not so much a disease but a cluster of health problems. Metabolic Syndrome is actually the precursor to many diseases that is 100% the result of poor lifestyle choices. Many of us have been convinced that this decline in health is the natural process of aging because we all seem to be experiencing it together. The truth, however, is we have all fallen victim to the unhealthy lifestyle that is being promoted in our modern fast paced over-the-top busy culture. We wonder why we are experiencing anxiety and depression. Metabolic Syndrome. We are puzzled why we have low testosterone and fatigue. Metabolic Syndrome. Why is my sleep so poor - sleep apnea. Metabolic Syndrome. The list goes on and on. Type 2 Diabetes, Gallbladder disease/Gallstones, PCOS, Gout, Poor circulation, Thyroid issues, Cardiovascular Disease, Heart attacks, Stroke, Lung Disease, COPD, Skin conditions. Metabolic Syndrome.
A review of the literature on medical websites acknowledges the seriousness of Metabolic Syndrome, but most sites simply state that Metabolic Syndrome can easily be reversed and controlled with diet and exercise, and of course medication to control the blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar.
Statistically, our lifespans are getting longer, but our health-span (how long you have reasonably good health) is shrinking. Yeah, it's great to live until you are 90, but what if the last 20 years are fraught with pain, surgeries, doctors visits, drugs and losing your mind. Quality of life should be more prized than quantity of life.
We have all been so manipulated and brainwashed into thinking that we can get away with eating junk and being sedentary. That being tired is normal. In the name of saving time and money, we make decisions that we believe are reasonable. We crave leisure and value entertainment more than a healthy work ethic and accomplishing worthwhile activities.
How can we be aroused from our depressive state of apathy? How can we free ourselves from the ever-restrictive fetters of this Metabolic Syndrome? Our demise has been so gentle and so subtle that few can see through what has happened. If you are under 40 years old, chances are that you don't even remember what a healthy physically fit society even looks like. You don't remember what it was like to eat ALL of your meals that were home cooked. Our kids don't play like we used to. Play should be physical, not myopically focused on a video screen with ear phones silencing both sound and spirit. Play should be creative, spontaneous and dynamic. Play used to be integrated with nature and discovery. We now suffer from Nature Deficit Disorder - we've become so disconnected from nature that we have also become disconnect from God. The result shows us that we have poor health - physically, mentally, emotional and spiritually. Suicide is on the rise. Depression, addiction and apathy are ever present.
The first step of any recovery is proper diagnosis. With Metabolic Syndrome, that is pretty easy. Are you overweight? Does your blood chemistry demonstrate high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol? Is your blood pressure high? Do you suffer from fatigue, anxiety or depression? Are you sick and tired or being sick and tired?
Do you understand the direction you are headed? Are you okay with becoming diabetic? Okay with being overweight? Okay about the drugs you are taking that are managing your symptoms but not making you healthy? Please understand that the best reason to take a drug, vitamin or supplement is with the express purpose of getting well so that you don't have to take the pill, potion or remedy.
I invite you to consider returning to health. Your only hope for success must begin with a change, and for many of us, the change must be dramatic and profound. I'm not talking about taking a couple vitamins and taking the stairs instead of the elevator. I'm talking about revamping your entire life. Eating healthy and becoming physically active in your lifestyle. I am not talking here about a life of dietary deprivation and forced physical labor. But one filled will whole delicious foods and getting outside and enjoying physical activity.
The alternative is of course reaching the destination you are headed for. Continued fatigue, poor digestion, addiction to sweets and treats, depression, anxiety, frustration. Have you had enough? Are you still somehow hoping that your condition will turn around? Has apathy and a lack of desire got such a grip on you that your spark for life is flickering out?
I have seen people change. I know even the most desperate and despondent can come back to life. I know you can do it, but many of you have been convinced, it is too hard. You are convinced that you are too far gone. Your doctor says it's not your fault. This is just the normal progression of aging. You've inherited your obesity, heart disease, diabetes, etc. For every dozen of you who believe these comforting lies, there are those who will say - not me! I'm not going there.
You want health? The path is really clear, but it is uphill. You need a friend, a partner, someone to join you in your journey. You need God, or as is said: "Ya'll Need Jesus". Your journey must become personal. It must become spiritual. It will require you to go deep within. It will require prayer and commitment. And it will involve successes as well as set-backs.
I invite you to think about this. Ask yourself, honestly, am I on the path God wants me on? Or am I rationalizing and excusing myself in an unhealthy lifestyle?
For those who are ready and have felt a spark, I direct you to our Longevity And Wellness Diet and Plan. (L.A.W.) Learn how those who truly live long and health lives are doing it. Join others. Become part of the movement towards greater health.
Click on this link to read about our LAW diet.
Blessings as we each strive towards health - body, mind and spirit.
Dr Kyle Christensen May 2019
This is so true and so awakens us to our apathy but gives hope at the same time. Thank you Dr. Christensen
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