In Metabolic Syndrome It Is Important That The Diet Is Rich In Fiber

Author: Leticia Celentano Time for reading: ~4 minutes Last Updated: August 08, 2022

In Metabolic Syndrome It Is Important That The Diet Is Rich In Fiber

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

Dr. Mitko Rigov with recommendations for nutrition in metabolic syndrome - high cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

what is the metabolic syndrome and are there any general rules for nutrition in this metabolic disorder?

Metabolic syndrome is a combined metabolic disorder for which there must be at least three signs. The first is generally overweight or obese, with increased external abdominal and internal visceral fat. Other signs are impaired glucose tolerance, or diabetes; dyslipidemia - hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, or a disorder of purine metabolism - gout. Metabolic syndrome may be accompanied by high blood pressure (hypertension) or steatosis of the liver (fat). Polycystic ovaries, which are part of this syndrome, are often present in girls and young women.

At the heart of the metabolic syndrome is insulin resistance. So far, no other reason has been identified, although there are some controversial points in this thesis.

It is important to know that people of normal weight, without external risk factors, with good nutrition, can also have a metabolic syndrome.

In women, it is manifested by polycystic ovaries and increased insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia.

That is why the approach to different patients is very different. But in general, it is most important to improve insulin resistance and so-called carbohydrate tolerance, because they are at the root of the problem.

Therefore, in overweight people our main goal is to reduce weight and body fat levels. This will improve insulin resistance. The main approach is through proper nutrition and, of course, through exercise. Movement is part and essential element of eating behavior.

- What type of movement is appropriate for these patients?

The movement must be adequate. We cannot drive a person aged 65-70 with cardiovascular disease, hypertension or angina to go to the gym. Physical activity must be very well measured and tailored to individual characteristics

A diet that improves insulin resistance and carbohydrate tolerance is helpful. Therefore, we immediately exclude foods that would create a problem associated with these two types of disorders. We exclude foods with a high glycemic index: sugar, carbohydrate foods, white flour, white rice, potatoes. The food they produce must also be controlled. If we have dyslipidemia, ie. Elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides also require a sharp restriction of these foods, as well as foods that are a source of saturated fatty acids.

And in hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) it is important to sharply limit saturated animal fats. These are high-fat dairy products, all fried foods (breaded and fried), foods in which vegetable fat is subjected to high heat treatment. One practical tip is to use a moderate amount of fat when cooking, and to add this fat in the last minutes of cooking to avoid its oxidation during high heat treatment. I recommend that my patients do not even add fat when cooking meat, chicken or fish.

- And what are the permitted foods in metabolic syndrome?

It is very important that the diet is rich in fiber. Eat moderate protein from low-saturated fatty foods. If we consume a lot of protein, they can also adversely affect the metabolic status. In most people with metabolic syndrome we have a combination of gout, hypercholesterolemia, liver problems. Therefore, a moderate protein diet is needed. Things are very individual. High-protein diets for weight loss continue to be in vogue. But you need to carefully consider whether this type of diet is suitable for a particular person. Especially when we have hypercholesterolemia, a high-protein diet is not always appropriate.

The main proteins we need to include are primarily fish, lean meats, cooked protein, low-fat milks, low-fat and salt-free dairy foods.

Fats are needed - especially unprocessed vegetable fats: oil, grape seeds, nuts, tahini, all seeds in moderation.

In dyslipidemia (high cholesterol) we must be careful about the import of cholesterol. You need a more moderate, daily consumption of egg yolk, avoid cream and mayonnaise, intake of lean meats and low-fat milk.

We do not exclude carbohydrate foods, but we sharply limit the easily digestible carbohydrates contained in foods with a high glycemic index. In metabolic syndrome and fruits are taken under control.

We must include in the menu fiber, fiber, cellulose, bran, whole grain bread, oatmeal, buckwheat, bulgur, raw nuts and moderately legumes. There should be an intake of at least 300-400 grams of vegetables at each meal according to individual tolerance. Raw vegetables are a good source of alkalizing elements and fiber, which is very important for the diet of people with metabolic syndrome. Of course, if a person has gastrointestinal problems, he cannot eat so many raw vegetables. Everything is strictly individual. It is different in a person with diabetes. If there is no diabetes, up to 300 grams of fruit (polysaccharides) can be taken. But if you have diabetes, instead of unloading fruit days I would recommend vegetable and fruit days. Honey is not desirable to replace sugar,

Nutrition in metabolic syndrome in general should spare the liver, promote liver function, water-salt balance, which means the inclusion of many alkalizing elements: vegetable juices, smoothies, liquids - at least 25-30 ml per 1 kg of body weight, and in young and active people and a little more - 35 ml per kilogram of body weight.

In Metabolic Syndrome It Is Important That The Diet Is Rich In Fiber

CHAPTERS (Table Of Contents)

what is the metabolic syndrome and are there any general rules for nutrition in this metabolic disorder?

- What type of movement is appropriate for these patients?

- Which foods should be eliminated from the menu or at least significantly limited?

- And what are the permitted foods in metabolic syndrome?

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