Symptoms of Syndrome X

Syndrome X refers to a group of conditions that includes insulin resistance, high levels of blood fats, obesity and high blood pressure.

Insulin resistance is the body’s inability to adequately process sugars and carbohydrates, while its increased blood fats essentially mean high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

It has been known for years that each of these conditions can lead to more serious illnesses like heart disease and diabetes. However, only recently medical experts have connected the dots and proposed the possibility of a syndrome that includes all these interconnected conditions. For example, high carbohydrate intake may lead to increase of cholesterol, triglycerides and insulin, and high levels of insulin contribute to weight gain and hypertension.

Syndrome X seems to occur at the time people reach middle age, but it fact it can be hidden for years behind the symptoms of obesity, edema, fatigue, nerve damage, lack of concentration and craving for sweets and carbs.

This syndrome also promotes cell damage by free radicals increasing the risk of premature aging, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and diabetes.

Insulin resistance is the key for Syndrome X. It is a hormonal problem caused by dietary habits, which reduces the body’s ability to burn foods efficiently. When it combines with high blood fats, hypertension and excessive weight, Syndrome X occurs.

Around 20 percent of people are genetically predisposed for Syndrome X. Those people usually have too much body fat, especially around the middle, forming an apple shape, they often crave sugar, suffer from high blood pressure, they lack energy and mental alertness, have skin tags on the neck, groins and armpits, their skin is flaky and the hair is fragile and dull, and they may have diagonal creases in the lower ear lobe.

People who believe they might be at risk of Syndrome X, especially if they have a family history of type 2 diabetes, are overweight and do not exercise, should test their blood sugar liquids and blood pressure.

The usual treatment consists of a rigorous diet that is prescribed by a medical professional. Some people may require a course of medication as well.

In most cases, a low glycemic diet, regular exercise and nutritional supplements take up to several months to improve the general health condition and address the issues of Syndrome X. However, an improvement in energy, vitality and weight loss can occur just in a few weeks.

Insulin resistance and Syndrome X should not be ignored because they may lead to serious, life-threatening diseases.