SouthCrest physician serves up the facts on nutrition and metabolic syndrome

Nutrition, health, weight loss … you are bombarded regularly by news of the latest miracle diet or new low calorie snack.  How are you supposed to know if a handful of this or a pinch of that is ok or, better yet, how is it going to affect your health?

Health and nutrition can be overwhelming and confusing, especially since there is so much information – not all medically correct - available on the subject.

Your nutrition habits can impact the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome, a combination of medical disorders that increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

According to the American Heart Association, people with metabolic syndrome are at serious risk of coronary disease and many other health issues associated with the build up of plaque in the arteries. However, if adults are proactive about their health they can decrease their risk for coronary disease and diabetes.

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a grouping of risk factors such as high blood pressure, high blood sugar, large waist circumference and other factors that can lead to more serious health problems. “This syndrome begins far before the onset of diabetes or heart disease. If we catch it in its tracks, suffering from ill health can be minimized and often eliminated,” says Dr. Michele Neil, internal medicine physician at SouthCrest Hospital.

What causes metabolic syndrome?

Because metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors, there are several causes that must be considered.

• Insulin resistance, which is the production of excess insulin due to the fact that the body is trying to keep up with the rising level of glucose in the body.  

• Obesity, which is primarily contained to the midsection as opposed to the rest of the body.

• Unhealthy eating habits, especially a diet high in fat along with the lack of physical exercise.

• Hormonal imbalance such as polycystic ovary syndrome, which is a condition that affects fertility.

 “Metabolic syndrome can be directly related to your lifestyle and the choices you make every day. If you don’t know pay attention, your body will continue to move in the direction of chronic disease,” says Dr. Neil.  The bottom line is that being proactive about seeking proper education and making a few lifestyle changes can reduce your chances of facing serious disease in the future.

Join Michele Neil, D.O. as she answers these important questions and many more on Tuesday, April 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the SouthCrest Medical Plaza, 91st and Hwy. 169, Education Center, Suite 145. During Dr. Neil’s discussion, titled “To Eat or Not to Eat: Understanding metabolic syndrome,” she will explain metabolic syndrome and how certain eating habits can affect your health. She will provide vital information on how your food choices can keep you healthy. A board-certified internist with a special interest in sports medicine, Dr. Neil’s practice is located on the SouthCrest Hospital campus at 9001 S. 101st East Ave., Suite 200, (918-392-5600).

Dr. Neil is a board certified internist with a special interest in sports medicine and is in group practice with Family Health and Wellness Clinic, a practice that is affiliated with SouthCrest Medical Group. She competes on the national level in female bodybuilding, and has earned many titles. Dr. Neil is also skilled in martial arts.

For more information regarding SouthCrest Hospital and its full menu of services, please visit www.southcresthospital.com.