Metabolic Syndrome, here are 5 (food) tips to prevent it

Increasingly widespread in Western countries, metabolic syndrome increases the risk of contracting serious diseases: this is how it can be prevented.

It is also known by the name of insulin resistance syndrome , and is marking the advance also in our country: we are talking about the metabolic syndrome, to which it is good to pay attention. It is in fact a condition characterized by the presence of risk factors that increase the probability of contracting cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

This syndrome is diagnosed when at least three of these risk factors are present in a patient: high blood pressure , fasting hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia (high triglyceride level), low level of HDL cholesterol (the “good cholesterol”) in the blood, abdominal obesity (excess fat in the abdominal area).

What are the risks of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome itself is not a true disease, but it can have serious health consequences . Several studies have shown that sufferers are twice as likely to develop heart disease and as much as five times as likely to develop diabetes as a healthy person.

This condition can arise due to overweight or obesity , lack of physical activity or insulin resistance. It also seems that those with diabetes in their families are more at risk. Other diseases, such as polycystic ovary syndrome , also increase the chances of developing metabolic syndrome.

The diet to prevent metabolic syndrome

No special precautions are needed to avoid running into this condition. Since one of the first causes is obesity, it is in fact necessary to follow a correct diet , reducing the consumption of sugars, fats and carbohydrates and preferring fruit and vegetables.

There is therefore no specific diet to prevent metabolic syndrome, but we can still identify guidelines that help us maintain a healthy and balanced diet. So here are the 5 food tips to follow.

-Avoid the consumption of foods with a high glycemic index , because they increase the level of sugar in the blood.

-Reduce the use of salt , which increases blood pressure.

-Avoid hydrogenated fats , which stimulate the production of bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

-Consume a good amount of fiber , since these substances help slow down the absorption of sugars and fats in the intestine.

-Provide white meat and fish rather than red meat.

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