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1 year ago

Dear Lakshmi, Thank you for the question

Metabolic syndrome is identified as cluster of several health conditions including cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes which together raise the risk of cardiovascular diseases and other lifestyle disorders. Metabolic disarrangement becomes a syndrome if the patient has any three of the following:

• Waist circumference more than 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women
• Elevated triglycerides 150 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) or greater
• Reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) less than 40 mg/dL in men or less than 50 mg/dL in women
• Elevated fasting glucose of l00 mg/dL or greater
• Blood pressure values of systolic 130 mmHg or higher and/or diastolic 85 mmHg or higher

The underlying cause of metabolic syndrome is extra weight, obesity, lack of physical activity, and genetic predisposition.

Management should be targeted at treating the conditions contributing to metabolic syndrome, possibly reverting the risk factors for cardiovascular diseases

Hypertension Elevated blood pressure or Hypertension is common health problem, and one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Hypertension treatment is usually based on drug administration along with lifestyle changes, especially diet modification which has been proven to be effective in managing high blood pressure

Some of the symptoms associated include headache, dizziness, impaired vision, filing memory, shortness of breath, unexplained tiredness etc. Elevated blood pressure arises from a combination of environmental, genetic, lifestyle and dietary factors.

Hypothyroidism- Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels may potentially indicate hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is generally associated with weight gain, it is important to follow a healthy lifestyle and aim for ideal weight management with dietary modification and regular exercise.

CAD- coronary artery disease is a condition in which there is an inadequate supply of blood and oxygen to the myocardium. It results from occlusion of the coronary arteries and results in a demand-supply mismatch of oxygen. It typically involves the formation of plaques in the lumen of coronary arteries that impede blood flow.

GERD- Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a chronic symptom of mucosal damage. It is caused due to the entry of stomach acid into the esophagus. The most-common symptoms of GERD include Heartburn, Difficulty in swallowing and a sour taste in the mouth or back of the throat due to fluids and undigested foods rising back in to the mouth.

IBS is characterized by a variety of chronic symptoms that include abdominal pain, an alteration in bowel habits, constipation, Diarrhoea and flatulence. IBS can be managed by eliminating some exacerbating factors such as certain drugs, stressor conditions and changes in dietary habits. 

The quality of sleep has an enormous impact on daily life since poor or disordered sleep can affect your work, concentration and the ability to interact with others. During sleep, both physical and mental restoration take place, allowing you to feel fresh and alert in the morning.

Here are few guidelines for healthy balanced diet and management of metabolic conditions that can be considered:

• Have a Diversified Balanced Diet that includes all the food groups in the right quantity which thereby provides you with all the essential macro and micro nutrients that your body requires daily for proper functioning.
• Try to incorporate the My plate Concept by dividing your plate into 4 quadrants, fill half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, the other two quadrants with cereals and protein. A small quantity of dairy intake is recommended.
• For Hypertension

• Follow the DASH diet (dietary approach to stop hypertension) That emphasizes on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, inclusion of lean meat such as chicken or fish etc., reduced saturated and total fat and reduced sodium intake.

• For management of hypothyroidism

• It is recommended to use iodised salt for all cooking purposes. Try to limit the intake of Cruciferous vegetables like kale, turnips, cabbage, cauliflower etc., as they are known as goitrogens which can inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones.

• For CAD(coronary artery diease

• Consume foods sources containing carotenoids and vitamin E are good sources of antioxidants that may help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease
• Consuming low fat (skimmed) milk instead of whole milk is preferable.
• Restrict consumption of foods that are high in Saturated fatty acids and trans fats. Try switching from saturated fats and trans fats to MUFA (mono-unsaturated fatty acids) & PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids) as they are essential fatty acids and are good for your health.

• For GERD

• Food should be eaten slowly and chewed well as fast eating provokes gastric feeding reflex.
• Some of the foods should be restricted or avoided, these include caffeine, raw onion, citric juices and spicy foods etc.
• Consume low fat dairy in substitute of full fat options to prevent or manage GERD symptoms.

• For IBS

• Too much fiber at once can cause gas, which can trigger IBS symptoms. Adding fiber to your diet slowly, may help prevent gas and bloating.
• One of the dietary factors associated with bloating is the intake and poor absorption of short chain carbohydrates called FODMAP foods. Consumption of foods that as may lead to excess gas production and poor gas clearance. In case of severe bloating abdominal pain and/or IBS try to limit the intake of FODMAP containing foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, corn, turnips, onions, peas, wheat, dairy, radishes, lentils, apples, pears etc.
• Gluten free foods are recommended try to limit the consumption of cereal grains and other food products made from whole wheat, barley, oats, rye etc., as they contain gliadin.
• If Diarrhoea is present then limit the intake of Excess fiber and dairy products.
• If constipation is persistent then include high fiber foods with adequate fluid intake 

• For better sleep

• Prior to going to bend avoid/limit the intake of caffeinated beverages and foods such as tea, coffee, or Chocolate as they are a neurologic stimulant, which may lower the need to sleep and produces sleep disruption
• Foods containing tryptophan which is an amino acid is linked to a number of sleep-promoting processes in the brain. Foods with tryptophan include milk, bananas, oats, etc. While tryptophan alone may not always cause sleepiness, its effects are enhanced when eaten with carbohydrates.
• Commit to a sleep schedule and avoid screen time, bright light, noises and distractions during bed time.
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before sleep time.
• Drink adequate amount of water (minimum 8 glasses) of water daily to keep yourself well hydrated
• Engage in at least 30-45 minutes brisk walk/physical activity of moderate intensity at least 5 days a week.
• Try and follow a good sleep regimen in terms of both quantity and Quality.

For further diagnosis and assistance kindly contact your specialized health care professional.

For a customised and personalised meal plan for specific conditions please contact your Health care professional or any registered dietician.

Hope we have answered your query.

Wishing you a great day ahead.

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