Metabolic Health

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that elevate a person’s risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health difficulties. The way your body responds to the hormone insulin is believed to play a crucial role in metabolic health. Insulin, produced by the pancreas, helps transport sugar from the bloodstream into your cells. When this process becomes less effective, it leads to insulin resistance, causing blood sugar levels to rise. For decades, physicians have emphasized the mantra “eat a healthier diet and get more physical activity” in efforts to improve our health; notwithstanding, our overall metabolic state has been steadily declining.

Estimates are that one in five Canadian adults have metabolic syndrome. Optimal brain health relies heavily on healthy metabolic functioning, as it directly influences the brain’s ability to produce energy, maintain neurotransmitter balance, and support cognitive processes. This is especially crucial in managing mental health disorders, as metabolic disruptions have been associated with conditions such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Supporting a healthy metabolism through a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and targeted natural therapies can enhance mental clarity, emotional stability, mitochondrial health, and enhance vitality.

Causes of Poor Metabolic Health

Ultra processed foods

Excessive sugar

Seed oils

Inflammation

Chronic stress

Vitamin/Nutrient deficiencies

Heavy metal toxicities

Pharmaceuticals

Sedentarism

Poor sleep

Alcohol and/or other substances

Environmental toxins

Lack of sunlight

Minimal exposure to nature

Genetics

Epigenetics

Poor relationships

Criteria for Metabolic Dysfunction

Excess abdominal weight: waist circumference > 102 cm for men and > 88 cm for women
Elevated plasma triglyceride level: ≥ 1.7 mmol/L
Decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level: < 1.03 mmol/L for men and < 1.30 mmol/L for women
Elevated blood pressure: ≥ 130/85 mm Hg
Elevated fasting glucose level: ≥ 6.1 mmol/L

All of these conditions individually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, and mental health struggles. You should see a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome as a warning sign to try to change aspects of your health to lower your risk. Nutritional medicine, targeted supplementation, and other lifestyle factors can help your body naturally heal to restore equilibrium.

Why is metabolic health important?

Your weight can provide an indication of potential health risks, but metabolic health is equally important because it gives a deeper insight into what’s actually happening inside your body. It reflects how your body processes fats and sugar from your diet and how it responds to insulin.

While weight and metabolic health are connected, being at a healthy weight doesn’t always guarantee good metabolic health. Research has shown that someone can be a healthy weight but still have poor metabolic health. Conversely, it’s possible to be classified as overweight or obese yet still have good metabolic health.

Just like your weight, your metabolic health can change over time. If you have good metabolic health, it can decline. However, the positive side is that the opposite is also true—if your metabolic health is poor, making changes to improve it can substantially lower your risk of disease.

How can I help?

A panel of metabolic syndrome biomarkers could provide a relatively easy, minimally-invasive means of identifying those who are at risk for developing metabolic syndrome and subsequent complications. Furthermore, functional medicine testing is often used to uncover potential imbalances, deficiencies, toxicities, insufficiencies, and mitochondrial dysfunction that can be contributing factors to metabolic ill-health.

FAQs

Frequently Ask Questions

How does insulin resistance contribute to metabolic syndrome?

Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, leading to metabolic dysfunction. Over time, insulin resistance can contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome and increase the risk of related conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health disorders.

What lifestyle changes can help improve metabolic health and mental well-being?

To support metabolic health, focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Regular physical activity, stress management techniques, and targeted natural therapies can also help optimize metabolism. These practices not only improve metabolic function but can also enhance brain health, support cognitive processes, and improve emotional stability.

What are some natural therapies to support metabolic health?

Some natural therapies that can support metabolic health include the use of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and certain antioxidants. Additionally, practices such as mindfulness, yoga, and adequate sleep can help manage stress and improve metabolic function. Always consult with a healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements or therapies.