Metabolic Syndrome

The metabolic syndrome is a group of associated conditions that include:

1. Obesity with excess body fat around the waist.
2. Increased blood pressure
3. Elevated insulin levels
4. Diabetes mellitus
5. Abnormal cholesterol (high triglycerides and low HDL).

All of these conditions have become increasingly prevalent in our society, affecting an estimated 50 million people over the past decade. It is also evident, however, that aggressive lifestyle changes can prevent the development of serious disease.

Studies have shown that men with 3 of the above factors are 3 times more likely to develop heart disease than those with no factors.

The major contributors to this syndrome are obesity and inactivity, both of which contribute to insulin resistance. A body mass index (BMI) >25 as well as abdominal obesity, increases your risk of metabolic syndrome.

The American Heart Association recommends that the metabolic syndrome be identified by 3 or more of the following:

1. waist size: men >40 inches, women >35 inches
2. triglycerides >150 mg/dl
3. low HDL: men <40, women <50mg/dl
4. blood pressure >135/85 mmHg
5. fasting glucose >100mg/dl

The Rice Diet addresses all of these issues and helps to reverse all of these conditions by lowering blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and of course by weight reduction.