Yes, the journey starts here… 

As I explored the reasons for our poor health, I began to understand the ins and outs of Chronic Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome, what do these terms mean, how do we fit in, how is it impacting our life and what we can do to reduce the risks and restore our health?

Lots of questions, lots of confusion and lots to absorb… a very confronting moment when you realise like in our case, that our lifestyle was making us unwell. 

So, here’s what I’ve learnt and my take on how changes can be made to reduce inflammation and risks associated with Metabolic Syndrome.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic Inflammation is your body’s attempt to fight against harm, to heal itself.  Overtime inflammation can have a negative impact on our bodies leading to a range of health issues from Heart Disease and Diabetes to Cancer.

It can be caused by many factors such as infection, environment (toxins, chemicals, pollutants), substances (smoking, drinking, poor quality food), obesity and stress and will surface in many ways with symptoms such as fatigue, aches and pains, irritability, eczema (skin irritations), various gut issues, ulcers, brain fog, arthritis… just to name a few. 

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome on the other hand is a cluster of conditions that occur together, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. It is conditions such as increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Sadly with poor lifestyle choices Metabolic Syndrome is on the rise with a large percentage of the population walking around with one, two and often more elements contributing to poor health and resulting in high risk of incident.

 

It’s an interesting and confronting process to identify where you may have gone wrong and what you need to change. Are you carrying a little too much weight? Do you like to eat loads of processed food and takeaway? Do you have a sweet tooth (or in my case savoury)? Do you frequently drink a little too much alcohol? Are you always busy busy busy and never have downtime? Not too fussed about exercise? …and do you sweat the small stuff a little too often? Well you’re not alone, this is many of us. 

The good news is that by following a healthy diet, exercising regularly, losing weight and reducing inflammation will dramatically reduce your risk of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome.

My TOP TIPS for Making Positive Lifestyle changes to reduce Inflammation and Metabolic Syndrome Risks:

JERF – Just Eat Real Food

Keep it simple and keep it real. Focus on quality produce, eat plenty of veggies (some fruit), quality (grassfed/organic/free range) proteins and good quality healthy fats. Remove processed carbs, refined sugars, trans fats (such as vegetable and seed oils, margarines) but most importantly read your labels.

Manage your weight

For me adapting a low carb lifestyle has worked wonders. I now manage my weight effectively (first time ever), I eat to hunger, do not need to snack and have more energy than ever. Find the fuel source to keep you nourished, energised and satiated.

Move often and consistently

Strive for regular movement. Just get off the sofa and move. Be consistent, set a routine. Try and do at least 30 minutes five days of each week.

Reducing toxic substances

Smoking increases your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and lung disease. Quitting smoking is the only way. Stop drinking alcohol or at least reduce your intake significantly.

Manage Stress

Identify the triggers and actively engage in ways to reduce stress. Work to live a calmer, less chaotic life. Listen to your body, its ok to say no to poor relationships, environments and substances.

Medical advice and support

Positive lifestyle changes are extremely important in the management of the metabolic syndrome and reducing inflammation, but sometimes medication may be necessary to manage the different conditions. Seek to engage a GP to support, measure and supervise your progress.

I (and my love) have personally experienced overwhelming improvements in health and wellbeing adapting these lifestyle changes. My exploration has been relaxed but thorough, taking baby steps and biting off one thing at a time.

So why not give it a try?

Live your best life,

Michelle x