Metabolic Syndrome
What Does It Mean?
- Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
- It is characterized by insulin resistance, abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and chronic inflammation.
- Functional medicine aims to identify the root causes, address metabolic dysfunction, and restore balance through targeted interventions.
How Did We Get Here?
Root Causes & Contributing Factors:
- Insulin Resistance: Impaired glucose metabolism leads to increased insulin levels and fat storage.
- Chronic Inflammation: Systemic inflammation contributes to vascular dysfunction and metabolic disruption.
- Poor Diet & Sedentary Lifestyle: High sugar intake, processed foods, and lack of exercise contribute to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Dysregulation of cortisol, leptin, and thyroid hormones can exacerbate metabolic syndrome.
- Genetic Predisposition: Family history can increase susceptibility.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Increased waist circumference (abdominal obesity).
- High blood pressure.
- Elevated fasting blood sugar.
- Increased triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol.
- Fatigue, brain fog, and sugar cravings.
Lab Test Findings
The following lab tests help assess metabolic syndrome:
| Lab Test Name | Expected Changes | Optimal Range |
| Apolipoprotein B | Increased | 52.00-117.00 mg/dL |
| Arachidonic Acid : EPA Ratio | Increased | 3.7-40.7 |
| Arachidonic Acid (AA) | Increased | 8.6-15.6 µg/mL |
| AST (SGOT) : ALT (SGPT) Ratio | Altered | 0.00-1.00 |
| C-Peptide | Increased | 1.10-2.10 ng/mL |
| Cholesterol, Serum | Increased | 180.00-220.00 mg/dL |
| Cortisol : DHEA-S Ratio | Increased | 0.00-0.09 |
| Free T3 : Free T4 Ratio | Altered | 2.40-2.70 |
| Glucose, Serum | Increased | 75.00-86.00 mg/dL |
| Glucose, Urine | Positive Possible | Negative |
| HDL Cholesterol | Decreased | 55.00-93.00 mg/dL |
| Hemoglobin A1C | Increased | 4.60-5.30 % |
| HOMA2-IR | Increased | 0.75-1.25 |
| IgA, Serum | Altered | 81.00-310.00 mg/dL |
| IGF-1 | Increased | 150.00-250.00 ng/mL |
| Insulin | Increased | 2.00-5.00 µU/mL |
| LDL Cholesterol Direct | Increased | 80.00-99.99 mg/dL |
| Linoleic Acid | Altered | 18.6-29.5 µg/mL |
| Omega-3 total | Decreased | 5.4-10.0 µg/mL |
| Omega-6 : Omega-3 Ratio | Increased | 3.7-14.4 |
| Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (Male) | Altered | 40.00-46.00 nmol/L |
| Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG) | Increased | 0.00-4.40 |
| Triglycerides, Serum | Increased | 70.00-80.00 mg/dL |
| Uric Acid (Male) | Increased | 3.50-5.40 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Treatment focuses on improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and optimizing lipid metabolism.
Supplement Protocol
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| V-Pax | Supports metabolic and cardiovascular health | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| Levo Plasmin | Supports cardiovascular function and vascular health | 1 capsule without food, twice daily |
| Vita-Omega | Provides essential fatty acids for lipid metabolism | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Glucose | Helps regulate blood sugar and insulin response | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports energy metabolism and methylation | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Trim | Supports weight management and metabolism | 2 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports immune and gut microbiome health | 1 capsule without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Adopt a Low-Glycemic Diet: Focus on whole foods, fiber-rich vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
- Increase Physical Activity: Engage in strength training and aerobic exercise to improve insulin sensitivity.
- Reduce Stress & Optimize Sleep: High cortisol levels can contribute to metabolic dysfunction.
- Eliminate Processed Foods & Sugars: Reduce consumption of refined carbohydrates and artificial sweeteners.
- Monitor Progress & Adjust: Regularly track lab markers and symptoms to guide personalized treatment.