Diets For Health Conditions
Best Diet Plans for Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Metabolic Syndrome is a serious condition that can lead to enormous health consequences, including a shortening of a person's lifespan. Also known as “Insulin Resistance Syndrome” and “Syndrome X”, Metabolic Syndrome is the name that refers to a group of factors that together drastically increase the risk for Coronary Artery Disease, Type 2 Diabetes, and stroke.

The Causes of Metabolic Syndrome

This syndrome is becoming more and more frequent amongst the population of the United States. Researchers are not yet sure if the cause is related to one specific issue or a combination of many. However, one thing is certain: all the risks for this particular syndrome are related to obesity. Research has shown that the following increase your chances of Metabolic Syndrome:

•Central obesity – extra weight carried around the middle and upper areas of the body.

•Insulin resistance. When the body is unable to utilize insulin as effectively as it should, then both blood sugar and fat levels will rise.

•Aging.

•Certain genes.

•Changes in hormone levels.

•Sedentary lifestyle.

Treatment for Metabolic Syndrome

When not addressed, Metabolic Syndrome can greatly increase your chances of heart disease and/or diabetes. To combat this problem, the following steps should be taken:

•Lose between 7-10% of your current weight. This typically requires eating around 500 – 1,000 fewer calories each day.

•Incorporate 30 minutes of moderate exercise into your day 5 – 7 days per week. This could be as simple as walking around the neighborhood for half an hour.

•Lower your blood pressure and cholesterol by whatever means are necessary, including losing weight, exercising, and / or taking medication.

•Smokers should quit smoking.

•A daily low-dose of aspirin.

Choose a Diet That Works With Your Needs

There are definitely best diet plans that can help a person who either has or is on the verge of Metabolic Syndrome. No matter which diet is chosen, it's essential to remember that if you want maximum results you'll need to add regular exercise as well. Dieting alone is not enough to burn up the excess sugar.

The Glycemic Impact Diet
This diet is based on the fact that certain carbs impact blood sugars differently than other carbs. This happens because some carbs release glucose into the blood stream in a more controlled way than other carbs do. When you manage sugar levels through specific food choices you can prevent glucose spikes and plummets, which increases your body's chance of maintaining better insulin levels – which translates to less fat stored and better use of glucose for energy.

The Glycemic Impact Diet works to balance good carbs with healthy proteins and fats. It is a balanced approach that can help to stabilize blood sugar, which helps you to avoid both the hunger and mood swings that can result from changes in blood sugar levels. There are numerous advantages to this diet:

• Increased energy.
• Lessened irritability, headaches and mood swings.
• The stabilizing of blood sugars.
• Tasty chef-prepared meals you can order online.

The Diabetic Diet
The Diabetic Diet is a great choice for those who are already diabetic but it's also a good choice for those who have not been diagnosed with diabetes and simply want to control their blood sugar – such as those with Metabolic Syndrome. This diet focuses on frequent meals and snacks and it can be followed by the entire family. It utilizes fresh, healthy foods and helps you to lose weight and get healthy without feeling like you're on a diet.

Whether you already have serious health problems or are simply trying to avoid them, eating a diet that's low in carbohydrates and high in protein, combined with regular exercise, can have a huge impact on not just your health but how you feel about yourself.