Metabolic syndrome results when several risk factors are present in a patient, causing serious health hazards. Reversing metabolic syndrome may be a difficult task, but it is not an impossible one. In fact, it is a worthwhile goal that many patients have had success with when they dedicate themselves to a better state of health. Metabolic syndrome happens in a person when they experience three or more of the following risk factors: fat buildup around the waist, a high triglyceride level, A low HDL (“good cholesterol”) count, high blood pressure and high fasting blood sugar. Because stress is a factor in most of these, when yoga reduces stress it also has the power to bring a person out of metabolic syndrome. There are many methods people use for reversing metabolic syndrome. The most important step a person must take, however, is correcting their eating and exercise habits.

Because metabolic syndrome almost never exists without obesity being a contributing factor, losing weight is an essential step to bringing a person’s health back to normal. Eating foods with a low glycemic index is important, as well as controlling portion sizes. When it comes to physical activity, getting at least 30 to 45 minutes of moderate exercise a day will drastically improve a person’s chances of reversing metabolic syndrome.  Taking a brisk walk is a good way to achieve this level of physical activity. Yoga is another good exercise technique that studies have shown to help with reversing metabolic syndrome. According to information provided by Natural News, an online resource, a study in India linked yoga to a drastic improvement in patients with metabolic syndrome. The study showed that yoga can counteract the clinical and biochemical changes associated with the condition. This ancient form of exercise is known to have many health benefits, including improving flexibility, strength and posture. It even has the potential to provide partakers with a better physical appearance (brighter eyes, better complexion), increased longevity, an easier time breathing, better sleep, improved concentration, improved coping skills, illness prevention, more energy and a boost in self-esteem. Yoga also helps to reduce anxiety and stress levels, which is one of the reasons why it can help with reversing metabolic syndrome.

Chinese medicine is another strategy that is commonly used for reversing metabolic syndrome. These methods include acupuncture and the use of herbs. There are several herbs that are believed to help with reversing metabolic syndrome, many of which do so by improving blood glucose (a major factor when it comes to treating and preventing diabetes). Some of these herbs include cinnamon, olive leaves, nettle and walnut leaves. Better Life Whole Foods’ website promotes wild mint, Lady’s Mantle and cumin for promoting weight loss, an important step in reversing metabolic syndrome. Reversing metabolic syndrome will reduce a person’s risk for developing diabetes or cardiovascular disease. No matter what method or methods a person uses for reversing metabolic syndrome, being consistent is key.