Syndrome X. Sounds mysterious, doesn't it? Syndrome X, also known as metabolic syndrome, describes a cluster of metabolic conditions that may put you at risk for a host of serious diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. And although Syndrome X implies something secret, healthcare providers know more than ever before about the dangers associated with it.

Major health organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGSIR), and the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP), have slightly different definitions of metabolic syndrome. The WHO defines metabolic syndrome as:

• High insulin levels plus any 2 of the following: abdominal obesity, body mass index of 30 kg/m2, or waist circumference of 37 inches
• High triglycerides (fatty deposits in the blood)
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

What You Can Do

Fortunately, the risks associated with metabolic syndrome can be greatly diminished by making simple changes in your lifestyle, such as:

• Diet. A Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, nuts, and good fats such as olive oil has been shown to be effective in improving metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Supplement your diet. High quality medical foods and dietary supplements can provide key nutrients in doses not available through diet alone.
• Exercise. Regular, moderate exercise of just 30 minutes a day has been shown to have a beneficial effect on blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin sensitivity.

If you're interested in finding ways to lower the health risks associated with metabolic syndrome, talk to your healthcare provider. He or she can help you develop a therapeutic lifestyle change program and get back on the road to good health.