Functional Neurology: Foods to Eat and Avoid with Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is medically defined as a collection of health issues that can increase the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These health issues are characterized by increased blood pressure (greater than 130/85 mmHg), high blood sugar (insulin resistance), excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal triglyceride or cholesterol levels. Although having a single one of these health issues doesn’t necessarily mean that you may have metabolic syndrome, it can ultimately increase your risk of developing various other health issues.  

 

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), approximately 23 percent of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome. Fortunately, healthcare professionals can help properly diagnose and start treatment accordingly for the collection of health issues that can increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. As a matter of fact, healthcare professionals recommend diet and lifestyle modifications for metabolic syndrome. In the following article, we will discuss how the metabolic syndrome diet can ultimately help improve overall health and wellness.  

 

Good Foods to Eat with Metabolic Syndrome

 

Eat More Fiber and Fiber-rich Foods

 

Eating more fiber and fiber-rich foods is essential for people with metabolic syndrome because these can help decrease the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Fiber reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, best known as “bad cholesterol.” Fiber can also help regulate blood sugar levels. Women should eat at least 25 grams of fiber per day and men should eat at least 38 grams of fiber per day. Good fiber and fiber-rich foods can include:  

 

• fruits
• vegetables
• oats
• bran
• barley
• beans
• lentils
• brown rice
• quinoa
• couscous
• whole-wheat bread and pasta

 

Eat More Potassium-rich Foods

 

Eating more potassium-rich foods is essential for people with metabolic syndrome because these can help balance blood pressure. This heart-healthy mineral helps combat the effects of sodium which can increase blood pressure. Several good potassium-rich foods you can eat can include:  

 

• oranges
• grapefruits
• bananas
• cantaloupe
• dates
• oats
• bran
• black beans
• edamame beans
• lentils
• tomatoes
• collard greens
• mushrooms
• potatoes with skin
• yogurt

 

Eat More Foods with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

 

Eating more foods with omega-3 fatty acids is essential for people with metabolic syndrome because these can help increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, best known as “good cholesterol” and they help promote heart health. Good foods that contain omega-3 fatty acids can ultimately include:  

 

• avocados
• chia seeds
• flax seeds
• pumpkin seeds
• almonds
• walnuts
• pine nuts
• navy beans
• olive oil
• tuna
• salmon
• trout
• mackerel
• sardines

 

Bad Foods to Avoid with Metabolic Syndrome

 

Avoid Eating Foods with Too Much Sugar

 

Bad foods to avoid for people with metabolic syndrome can include foods with too much sugar, such as simple, refined carbohydrates. Following a low-carbohydrate diet is essential for people with metabolic syndrome because it can help promote weight loss, regulate blood sugar levels, and prevent heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Sugar is often disguised by its many chemical names in foods. Bad foods with too much sugar to avoid include:  

 

• candy
• chocolate bars
• corn syrup
• white flour
• white bread
• white rice
• cookies
• pastries
• crackers
• potato chips
• sugary drinks
• fruit juices
• soda

 

Avoid Eating Foods with Artificial Sweeteners

 

A research study found that having too many diet drinks and artificially sweetened foods can ultimately increase blood sugar levels and it may also increase the risk of developing a variety of health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Bad foods with artificial sweeteners to avoid include:  

 

• sucralose
• aspartame
• saccharin

 

Avoid Eating Foods with Trans Fats

 

Trans fats are found in artificial, partially hydrogenated oils and processed foods. Trans fats can increase bad cholesterol levels and increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Bad foods with trans fats that a person with metabolic syndrome may want to avoid can include:  

 

• deep-fried foods
• frozen dinners
• frozen pizza
• crackers
• pies and pastries
• cake mixes and frosting
• packaged biscuits and cookies
• margarine
• microwave popcorn with artificial butter
• frozen fries
• potato chips
• nondairy creamers

 

Avoid Eating Foods with Too Much Sodium

 

A 2015 research study found that avoiding foods with too much sodium can help lower blood pressure. Eating foods with too much sodium can ultimately increase blood pressure. Salt contains sodium but even foods that don’t taste salty can often have too much sodium. You need to eat approximately less than 1/4 teaspoon of salt a day. Bad foods with too much sodium that a person with metabolic syndrome may ultimately want to avoid can include:  

 

• table salt, sea salt, Himalayan salt, kosher salt
• frozen dinners
• canned vegetables
• salad dressings and marinades
• prepared pasta sauces and salsa
• ketchup and mustard
• salted nuts
• boxed cereals
• packaged rice, potato, and pasta mixes
• potato chips
• canned soup
• instant noodles
• pudding and cake mixes
• salted butter and margarine
• smoked or cured meats and fish
• cheese
• soy sauce

 

Metabolic syndrome is medically defined as a collection of health issues that can increase the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Although having increased blood pressure (greater than 130/85 mmHg), high blood sugar (insulin resistance), excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal triglyceride or cholesterol levels doesn’t necessarily mean that you may have metabolic syndrome, it can ultimately increase your risk of developing various other health issues. Fortunately, healthcare professionals can recommend diet and lifestyle modifications for metabolic syndrome. We will discuss how the metabolic syndrome diet can help improve overall health and wellness. – Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

 

Metabolic syndrome is medically defined as a collection of health issues that can increase the risk of developing a variety of other health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. These health issues are characterized by increased blood pressure (greater than 130/85 mmHg), high blood sugar (insulin resistance), excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal triglyceride or cholesterol levels. Although having a single one of these health issues doesn’t necessarily mean that you may have metabolic syndrome, it can ultimately increase your risk of developing various other health issues.  

 

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), approximately 23 percent of adults in the United States have metabolic syndrome. Fortunately, healthcare professionals can help properly diagnose and start treatment accordingly for the collection of health issues that can increase the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. As a matter of fact, healthcare professionals recommend diet and lifestyle modifications for metabolic syndrome. In the article above, we discussed how the metabolic syndrome diet can ultimately help improve overall health and wellness.  

 

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. 

 

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez  

 

References:

• Burke, Darla. “Metabolic Syndrome.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 9 Jan. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/metabolic-syndrome.
• Mayo Clinic Staff. “Metabolic Syndrome.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 14 Mar. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/metabolic-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20351916.
• MacGill, Markus. “Metabolic Syndrome: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Causes.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon International, 18 May 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263834.php.
• Iftikhar, Noreen. “Metabolic Syndrome Diet.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 20 Apr. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/metabolic-syndrome-diet.

 

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Neurotransmitter Assessment Form

 

The following Neurotransmitter Assessment Form can be filled out and presented to Dr. Alex Jimenez. The following symptoms listed on this form are not intended to be utilized as a diagnosis of any type of disease, condition, or any other type of health issue.  

 

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Additional Topic Discussion: Chronic Pain

Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient’s mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.  

 

 

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Neural Zoomer Plus for Neurological Disease

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate neurological diseases. The Neural Zoomer^TM Plus is an array of neurological autoantibodies which offers specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. The Vibrant Neural Zoomer^TM Plus is designed to assess an individual’s reactivity to 48 neurological antigens with connections to a variety of neurologically related diseases. The Vibrant Neural Zoomer^TM Plus aims to reduce neurological conditions by empowering patients and physicians with a vital resource for early risk detection and an enhanced focus on personalized primary prevention.  

 

Food Sensitivity for the IgG & IgA Immune Response

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate health issues associated with a variety of food sensitivities and intolerances. The Food Sensitivity Zoomer^TM is an array of 180 commonly consumed food antigens that offers very specific antibody-to-antigen recognition. This panel measures an individual’s IgG and IgA sensitivity to food antigens. Being able to test IgA antibodies provides additional information to foods that may be causing mucosal damage. Additionally, this test is ideal for patients who might be suffering from delayed reactions to certain foods. Utilizing an antibody-based food sensitivity test can help prioritize the necessary foods to eliminate and create a customized diet plan around the patient’s specific needs.  

 

Gut Zoomer for Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

 

Dr. Alex Jimenez utilizes a series of tests to help evaluate gut health associated with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The Vibrant Gut Zoomer^TM offers a report that includes dietary recommendations and other natural supplementation like prebiotics, probiotics, and polyphenols. The gut microbiome is mainly found in the large intestine and it has more than 1000 species of bacteria that play a fundamental role in the human body, from shaping the immune system and affecting the metabolism of nutrients to strengthening the intestinal mucosal barrier (gut-barrier). It is essential to understand how the number of bacteria that symbiotically live in the human gastrointestinal (GI) tract influences gut health because imbalances in the gut microbiome may ultimately lead to gastrointestinal (GI) tract symptoms, skin conditions, autoimmune disorders, immune system imbalances, and multiple inflammatory disorders.  

 

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Formulas for Methylation Support

 

XYMOGEN’s Exclusive Professional Formulas are available through select licensed health care professionals. The internet sale and discounting of XYMOGEN formulas are strictly prohibited.

 

Proudly, Dr. Alexander Jimenez makes XYMOGEN formulas available only to patients under our care.

 

Please call our office in order for us to assign a doctor consultation for immediate access.

 

If you are a patient of Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, you may inquire about XYMOGEN by calling 915-850-0900.

 

For your convenience and review of the XYMOGEN products please review the following link. *XYMOGEN-Catalog-Download  

 

* All of the above XYMOGEN policies remain strictly in force.  

 

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Modern Integrated Medicine

The National University of Health Sciences is an institution that offers a variety of rewarding professions to attendees. Students can practice their passion for helping other people achieve overall health and wellness through the institution’s mission. The National University of Health Sciences prepares students to become leaders in the forefront of modern integrated medicine, including chiropractic care. Students have an opportunity to gain unparalleled experience at the National University of Health Sciences to help restore the natural integrity of the patient and define the future of modern integrated medicine.