Metabolic Syndrome?

Donating blood may help.

Metabolic Syndrome has become a huge problem in America and is the first step on the road to diabetes. According to the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, about one third of Americans (34%) suffering at that time from this condition, with its serious impacts on heart and other diseases. The incidence is rising rapidly along with the epidemic of obesity. In 2002, the NIH estimate of prevalence was only 24%. The costs in terms of human quality of life, and increased healthcare demands are staggering and the rate of incidence keeps climbing.

Metabolic Syndrome shows a constellation of serious cardio vascular risk factors triggered by insulin resistance. It may include; high waist circumference, hypertension or prehypertension, high triglycerides, high blood glucose, abdominal fat buildup and low levels of the cardioprotective high density cholestrol. Not only does this set of factors greatly increase cardiovascular disease risk and diabetes, it also significantly raises cancer risks. Blood donation may help.

In a small study published in the BMJ (May 30 2012), 33 obese participants had 300ml or about two fifths of a pint of blood drawn at start and again after four weeks. Six weeks after the second blood draw when blood volume had returned to normal, the average systolic blood pressure (the high number) had dropped from 148 to 130 and they also showed improvements in cholestrol levels, blood sugar levels and heart rate. The theory is that the reduction of excess iron was the causitive factor in these improvements.

What can I do?

Donating blood is simple and safe and it’s the right thing to do. It may save not just another’s life, but possibly your own. In addition, resistance training such as weights, bands, machines and open chain exercises such as full or partial squats, pushups etc have been shown to be the number one best medical practice for type two diabetes.

In my opinion, everyone, whether obese or not, should have their serum ferreting levels checked from time to time and seek to keep their serum ferritin in the 40-80 ng/ml range. Take care of your heart so it can take care of you.

David Gilbert
EcoSys Wellness Center
wellness@david-gilbert.com
613-747-5458
800-361-1370

The above is not intended as medical advice. As always, consult with your physician before making changes.