The entwined factors Syndrome X

hypertension diabetes heart disease “trunkal” obesity cancers of all types Gene that lends predisposition to Syndrome X

Studies over the last 30 years have shown those with this family of diseases have too much insulin in their blood. hypertension diabetes heart disease “trunkal” obesity cancers Syndrome X

“Insulin Resistance” What’s the problem with too much insulin?

Insulin Resistance “hyperinsulinism” causes disturbances of cholesterol and triglyceride levels VLDL increases Triglycerides increase HDL decreases VLDL IDL LDL

Insulin Resistance “hyperinsulinism” causes damage to cell insulin receptors causes damage to heart affects “sodium pumps” in cell membranes affects calcium transport into cells, forcing excess calcium into cells Too much sodium and calcium in cells results in cell “cramping”. This vasospasm causes hypertension.

Insulin Resistance How Does It Work? Cell Receptors Insulin Glucose Normal Cell

Insulin Resistance How Does It Work? Cell Receptors Insulin Glucose Insulin Resistant

More Likely to Have... Obesity (10% or more above optimal) one out of three in U.S. at least 30 lbs. over Type II diabetes (5-10% of U.S. population) High blood pressure--one out of five Syndrome X

It gets worse... By age 70, One out of four is diabetic (25%) One out of two is obese (50%) One out of two has high blood pressure Beginning at age 20, there is an increasing insulin resistance with each passing decade

A Flawed Rationale Too much sodium in cells Prescribe diuretics to reduce sodium Increase risk of coronary heart disease Increase risk of stroke Increase blood fat formation Aggravate insulin resistance Along with beta blockers, diuretics Dr. Norman Kaplan questions the morality of increased use of these drugs

A Typical Scenario Large amounts of sugar or fats Eight to ten hours of elevated insulin levels 4.5 to 6.5 lb. weight gain, due to sodium reabsorption & fluid retention

Hyperinsulinism’s Effect on the Nerves Causes release of norepinephrine and other stress hormones Speeds up pulse rate and increases blood pressure in response to “fight or flight” system activation

Hyperinsulinism and Cancer Insulin is a factor contributing to rapid body growth of children Women who have increased insulin in blood have significantly greater risk of breast cancer, regardless of body weight or fat distribution Pancreatic cancer is associated with insulin resistance

So, now what? Test for hyperinsulinism Blood sugar will be “normal”, insulin level will be elevated Cholesterol high LDL high, HDL low Triglycerides high Begin treating even without tests Treatment routine is the same as prevention Do not wait for debilitating and expensive damage to occur

Syndrome X TREATMENT ROUTINE Drink more water! Lose weight Total vegetarian diet Do not overeat Exercise, exercise, exercise!

Syndrome X TREATMENT ROUTINE Avoid refined carbohydrates & sugars Two meals a day (nothing between) Short-term fasting 1 or 2 days a week (not consecutively) Stop smoking Avoid cholesterol lowering drugs try tocotrienols instead