USING HYPNOTHERAPY FOR METABOLIC SYNDROME

   A study published in DIABETES CARE reported that more than half of the participants older than 65 had metabolic syndrome.  This syndrome is a combination of symptoms including high blood glucose levels, high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels, low HDL (the good) cholesterol and an apple shape large waist circumference.  Usually a diagnosis of metabolic syndrome is given when you have three or more of these factors.

      These risk factors means you are five times as likely to develop diabetes, twice as likely to develop heart disease or a heart attack and twice as likely to have a stroke. Those are scary statistics.  So what can you do to protect yourself?  Since only that apple shaped waist is obvious, the first step is to find out what your other risk factors are.  So see your medical doctor to have your blood pressure read and blood work done to include, blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels.  

     If you are diagnosed with a problem with high blood pressure or in your blood work, what can you do to bring down the risk? Genetic components to risk can't be changed.  If you have a parent or sibling with diabetes, your risk is higher.  Aging is another risk for developing metabolic syndrome that you can't control.  

     But there are things you can control such as your physical activity level, your diet, and your weight.  Your medical doctor may prescribe medications to improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels and control your blood glucose. What can YOU do?  Get more active - a reasonable goal is two and a half hours a week.  You can cut down on processed food especially those high in sugar and salt.  Instead, increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, lean meats, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.  Cut the extra belly fat by adding that exercise and cutting calories.

    If you need help to get motivated to take care of yourself by exercising, making healthy food choices and losing weight, hypnotherapy can be a great tool.  A hypnotherapist can help you to avoid the health risks of metabolic syndrome and BE WELL.