Chiropractic Neurology

My chiropractor, a very good friend, is a Chiropractic Neurologist. He provided me with the article below. He is smarter than most medical doctors and understands the human body incredibly well, better than anyone I have ever spoken to or read. Every Saturday morning, I have an appointment for an adjustment. He teaches me something that I didn't know, makes me laugh and always makes me feel better than when I came in. The article will help you better understand the Metabolic Syndrome.

Metabolic Syndrome: A Silent Killer

Most of us know of Tim Russert. Mr. Tim Russert was a well-known and respected journalist and family man who died suddenly last year of a massive heart attack without warning. Mr. Russert had been to see his primary care doctor within weeks of his death. He underwent a cardiac stress test that was found uneventful. Since his death, doctors and other health experts have begun to use the term "Tim Russert Syndrome" synonymously with Metabolic Syndrome. Identifying a man potentially at risk of having Metabolic Syndrome may be just this simple: Having a waistline measuring greater than 40''. Do you know anyone who fits this description?
What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic Syndrome is a collection of risk factors that increase the risk of a catastrophic cardiovascular event more than each risk does on its own. Two main contributing factors for Metabolic Syndrome are stress and the average American diet.
Metabolic Syndrome is diagnosed by having three or more of the following five conditions:

1. High Triglycerides (a part of a Cholesterol Profile blood test >150).
2. Low HDL (High Density Lipoprotein, the "good cholesterol" - also part of the Cholesterol Profile: < 50 in men and <40 in women).
3 .Central Obesity (waist measurement greater than 35" in women and greater than 40" in men).
4. High blood pressure (>130/85 mmHg).
5. High blood sugar (fasting blood sugar > 100).
The theory that supports Metabolic Syndrome is that the body is attempting to adapt to a constant state of inflammation. This pro-inflammatory state is likely due to:
1. Ongoing physical or emotional stress.
2. A diet rich in omega 6 fatty acids, hydrogenated oils and trans-fats.
3. A sustained increased immune response.(ie: autoimmune conditions, infections or chronic diseases).

The body will defensively respond to this unhealthy pro-inflammatory state by elevating it's own hormone levels of cortisol (for its anti-inflammatory effects) produced by the adrenal glands. Increased levels of serum cortisol circulating for prolonged periods has a negative effect on the body increasing one's risk of heart attack or stroke. Sustained increased cortisol levels can increase insulin resistance, increase and sustain blood pressure, decrease thyroid hormone level, break down muscle and fat and reduce sex drive.

I have become increasingly concerned about the negative impact that Metabolic Syndrome can have on you, your family and friends. I have incorporated into my practice several diagnostic protocols for identifying the various different risk factors for Metabolic Syndrome and effective drug-free methods in the prevention and treatment of the various components of this disease. In some cases, the need for treatment with medication may be required.

If you are diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome taking early action steps will help reverse the signs and symptoms associated with this syndrome. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Identify and reduce the cause of your stress.
2. Immediately make corrective changes in your diet. The American diet is pro-inflammatory as mentioned earlier in this article. Making smart food choices by reducing foods rich in Omega 6 fatty acids and hydrogenated oils is a good place to start.
3. Supplement your diet with Omega 3 fatty acids, folic acid, B-6, and B-12 to suggest a few.

Please consult me prior to taking any supplementation for recommendations and dosage.