Winter Maladies: Natural Approaches
June Russell's Health Facts
Syndrome X
Syndrome X is a condition that refers to a specific group of symptoms of which insulin resistance is the centerpiece. Nutrition author Jack Challem says you cannot have Syndrome X without insulin resistance, which then leads directly or indirectly to a specific group of associated symptoms: glucose intolerance, obesity, blood-fat abnormalities and hypertension. It is advised that individuals who wish to avoid Syndrome X avoid alcohol.
Syndrome X is increasingly becoming the subject of medical journal articles and studies throughout the U.S. Insulin resistance is a hormonal “jam” that interferes with the body’s ability to burn food. Muscle cells become more resistant to insulin, thereby reducing the ability of nutrients to pass through the cell membrane into the cells. The pancreas tries to compensate for the resistance by producing more insulin. If this cycle continues, diabetes may result.
Women who develop Syndrome X have a greater cardiovascular risk and the
obesity epidemic in Western society is the perfect environment for Syndrome X to grow in, says Laurence Sperling, M.D., medical director of preventive cardiology at the Emory Clinic. (“Syndrome X: Who is susceptible, How to Steer Clear.” CBSHealthWatch -Library, Medscape 2000 6/11/00)
People with diabetes and high blood pressure are more likely to suffer a decline in mental ability as they age. (Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, and funded by NIH. HealthCentral.com - Jan. 2001)
Syndrome X, insulin resistance is caused by the body’s inability to make the most of the food it eats. While insulin resistance tends to develop in the course of the normal aging process, it has become a major health concern because it is occurring in younger and younger people. Some individuals experience only mild symptoms from insulin resistance, while others suffer greatly. When insulin acts improperly it results in food cravings, which can lead to obesity and heart disease. Insulin resistance results when too much insulin is in the blood for too long, then the cells change making it so less insulin is able to enter the cells. The more sugar an individual consumes, the less effective insulin becomes because the body’s cells have to protect themselves from being overcome by too much glucose. (“Syndrome X,” Women’s Health Connections newsletter, Aug. 1998)
People with insulin resistance have no shortage of insulin, but they fail to use this vital hormone properly. Insulin resistance, or Syndrome X, as some call it, causes up to 25% of the heart disease that afflicts men and as much as 60% of the heart disease that occurs in women, according to some estimates. Insulin resistance is a “Silent Killer,” as it does not show up in the blood tests that are usually done at routine medical checkups. The syndrome is associated with at least four characteristics that foretell an increased risk of disease and premature death: high blood levels of triglycerides, low levels of protective high-density proteins (HDL or good cholesterol), high blood pressure and glucose intolerance. Dr. Gerald Reaven, author of the book, “Syndrome X,” takes issue with the diet books that focus on carbohydrates as a cause of obesity - he says excess calories are what makes people fat. (“Syndrome X and its Dubious Distinction,” by Jane Brody, The New York Times, Oct. 10, 2000, syndromexweb.com - Jan. 2001)
Syndrome X is thought to affect 60 to 75 million Americans. The cause of Syndrome X is ingestion of too many processed high-carb foods, like sweets, breads and pastas made with white flour, and it makes you want to eat even more of such rich foods. For many people, sugar and carbohydrates are addictive. Syndrome X saps your vitality and makes you appear older, as well as increases your risk of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, eye disease, Alzheimer’s and other age-related disorders. (“Calming Sugar Cravings,” Richard Huemer, M.D., in Your Health Column, Letsliveonline.com - Aug. 2000)
The root of Syndrome X is insulin resistance - - that is, difficulty utilizing insulin or high levels of insulin. Those suffering from Syndrome X have workhorse pancreases that pump out extra insulin to compensate for the body's sluggish ability to process it. That extra insulin forces the blood sugar down, but at a price, for this excess insulin in the bloodstream prompts the damage associated with Syndrome X, says Stanford University's Dr. Gerald Reaven, author of a recent book, "Syndrome X; Overcoming the Silent Killer That Can Give You a Heart Attack."
The long-term Quebec Cardiovascular study found that men with the Syndrome X symptoms of high insulin levels, small dense LDL particles and another lipid abnormality, elevated apolipoprotein B, were 20 times more likely to develop heart disease than those without this condition. Dr. Reaven said that many doctors are still looking at heart patients through "cholesterol colored glasses," but said cholesterol count does not give a picture of all known risks."
A recent University of Toronto study found that women with breast cancer and high levels of insulin were 8 times more likely to develop a recurrence and die of the disease than were women who had normal insulin levels. Researchers at the State University at Buffalo found that women with Syndrome X symptoms were 10 times more likely to die of colon cancer than women who did not have those symptoms. For that reason an increasing, though small number of doctors advocate routine checking for hyperinsulinemia. Colorado-based Ron Rosedale, M.D., states that this test is by far the most important laboratory criterion of health. Syndrome X sufferers need to be especially vigilant about avoiding alcohol, sugar and white flour. Experts on all sides of the diet for Syndrome X agree that exercise and losing weight are proven methods for improving insulin resistance.
One ominous University of N.C. at Chapel Hill study found that children with three Syndrome X characteristics - high insulin levels, high blood pressure and elevated triglycerides or low levels of HDL - were 53 times more likely to be obese than those without such risk factors. It is argued that some may need extra help from supplements as well as an improved diet. A new book co-authored by Dr. Burton Berkson, "Syndrome X: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Insulin Resistance," recommends vitamins C and E, the herb silymarin, and cinnamon sprinkled on food to improve insulin sensitivity.
The hottest anti-Syndrome X supplement is alpha lipoic acid (ALA), a vitamin-like
nutrient found in many foods. Berkson says ALA lowers glucose and insulin levels, reduces insulin resistance and has been used for years to treat diabetic complications. ("Vexed by Syndrome X," by Patricia King, Special to The Times, www.-scf.usc.edu/~grino/SyndromeX.html - June 2002)
Dr. Dean Ornish advice to those who suffer with Syndrome X, an insulin resistance syndrome (a well-known metabolic disorder), be especially vigilant about avoiding alcohol, sugar, and white flour. The resulting excess insulin in the bloodstream prompts the damage associated with Syndrome X. ("Vexed by Syndrome X," www-scf.usc.edu - June 2002)