What is metabolic syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that are known to put your heart health at risk, and is common among populations with Western lifestyles.
You are thought to suffer from metabolic syndrome (also known as syndrome X) if you have three or more of the following conditions:
- high blood pressure
- low HDL (good) cholesterol
- excess abdominal fat
- high triglycerides (blood fats)
- elevated blood glucose levels (insulin resistance)
How is metabolic syndrome connected to prostate health?
According to an article published in Nature Reviews Urology, many aspects of metabolic syndrome are linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a condition where the prostate becomes enlarged, interfering with urinary and sexual function and impacting upon a man’s quality of life.
The researchers state that urological aspects of the metabolic syndrome seem to indicate that BPH could be regarded as a new indicator of the metabolic syndrome, and that increased insulin levels are a common underlying feature that promotes BPH. Men with health problems associated with insulin resistance and blood sugar regulation are known to have larger prostate glands than men without these disorders. In fact, a variety of epidemiological reports link BPH to nearly all major aspects of the metabolic syndrome, including high insulin levels, increased body mass index (BMI), high blood pressure and lower HDL-cholesterol levels.
There have also been studies to show that BPH sufferers with metabolic syndrome experienced a higher annual BPH growth rate compared to BPH sufferers without metabolic syndrome, leading to suggestions that BPH is one of the so-called diseases of Western civilization.
Lifestyle implications
There are a number of adjustments men could make to their lifestyle based on the findings of this research, including the following:
- Eat low GI foods – When eating carbohydrate based foods such as bread, pasta, rice, vegetables and fruit, choose the low glycaemic index (GI) alternatives. Low GI foods tend to be less processed, or contain sugars and starches that are harder to breakdown. This slows down digestion and minimises the need for the hormone insulin, high levels of which are associated with BPH and metabolic syndrome.
- Be active – Regular exercise not only helps to burn off excess blood sugars and reduce the need for insulin, it boosts your heart health and helps manage your weight. Try to participate in a balanced program of exercise that includes cardiovascular training, strength training and measures to improve your flexibility.
- Be heart healthy – Regularly monitor your blood pressure, blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and take active steps to keep them within a healthy range. Consuming adequate quantities of omega-3 fatty acids through the consumption of fish and seafood, or through supplements, may also benefit your heart.
References available upon request