Wild Rose College and Wholistic Clinic

We are about to be overwhelmed by one of the largest disease epidemics to ever strike North America. This condition can make you feel older, aging you prematurely. It can dramatically increase the risk of most age related health issues such as obesity, hypertension, eye disease, diabetes, nervous-system disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also make you feel exhausted, spacey, depressed, irritable or angry when you normally wouldn’t be. No, it is not some major virus, super germ or a flu. It is coming from our own diet and lifestyle.

We have all grown up in an era where each generation presumes it will live longer and healthier than the last one. Well for many, this promise of a golden age of improved health into later life might be only fiction. That is the bad news. The good news is that we can both prevent and turn the situation around if caught early enough. What is this major pandemic? It goes by many names: insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, glucose intolerance, pre-diabetes or Syndrome X. Syndrome X has at its core insulin resistance, with one or more of the following health issues: obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, high triglycerides or blood sugar fluctuations.^1,2 If you are feeling sluggish and having a hard time losing those few extra pounds, Syndrom X might be your health issue.

What is Syndrome X? Syndrome X was coined by Gerald Reaven M.D., professor emeritus (active) of Medicine at Stanford University. As the Director of Endocrinology, he used the name Syndrome X to describe a cluster of abnormalities that are related to heart disease.² His research, along with others shows in a nutshell that Syndrome X is a form of insulin resistance caused by a dietary related glucose logjam^.3 This in turn interferes with a person’s ability to burn the food they eat efficiently. We find Syndrome X occurs when insulin resistance is combined with any of the above mentioned lipid or blood pressure problems. It is the major cause of cardiovascular disease, Type II diabetes, and many other serious, life threatening diseases.

There are two major players in this life-and-death drama; Glucose and Insulin. Glucose is a simple sugar, also known as blood sugar, that flows through our blood streams and is the principle fuel for all cells of the body. It has often been called the ‘biological gasoline’ that runs the cells. Insulin is a hormone, made in the pancreas, that usually escorts glucose from the blood into the cells where the glucose is used as energy. Quite simply, modern society is overdosing on these two substances, thereby encouraging the aging process.

In an ideal situation these two go through moderate fluctuation, closely resembling a ballroom waltz. When we see erratic fluctuations, jerking sharply up and down, it often means trouble is a brewing. Every cell in the body requires a relatively steady supply of glucose for normal function.

Insulin’s role is mainly its ability to stimulate cells to uptake glucose and provide the energy to build new tissue. There is another side to this important hormone that we will discuss later. Back in the sixties when the medical community learned how to measure insulin levels in the blood, what appeared to be a dichotomy was discovered. Adult onset diabetes (also known as Type II diabetes) was not just a disorder of high blood sugar, but also a condition of higher than normal insulin levels than found in non-diabetics. This seemed to be puzzling at first, because the high insulin levels should have lowered the blood sugar levels. This later proved out to be an insulin resistant situation. The cells in these individuals are not quite as responsive to insulin as they were in childhood. To use an analogy; lets say that for each glucose molecule it takes one insulin molecule to introduce the glucose to the door keeper to get the glucose into the party inside the cell. After a while the cell gets ‘bored’ of the insulin always coming around introducing the glucose. It now takes two, or maybe three calls before the door keeper lets the glucose into the cell. There starts to be a long line up of glucose outside this popular night spot, while insulin keeps trying to sneak glucose into the cellular party. Instead of a smooth flow of glucose through the club doors, insulin resistance has created a virtual log jam.

This dance of how insulin and blood sugar works has developed over millions of years, with mammals - and particularly primates - eating a diverse, but simple diet of macro-nutrients, vitamins and minerals. In the distant past, or for more that 95% of the history of our species, most of the foods we ate was contained within tough, fibrous matrixes, making digestion poor and slow. The resulting glucose and sugar rise was also slow and steady. Many medical and nutrition experts are suggesting that this Stone Age or Paleolithic diet of our distant ancestors, is the best diet for us.

Today we are eating a diet of highly refined carbohydrates such as a breakfast bars, doughnuts, sugar laden coffee, soda drinks, sugared cereals, pretzels or even sandwiches or pasta. All of these food items convert rapidly to blood sugar. Some parts of our body, especially the kidney and other organs find large amounts of blood sugar toxic, so it is important for the pancreas to respond quickly to the sugar and either move it into the cells to be burned as fuel, or stored as fat as triglycerides in adipose tissue.

When some people consume substantially more carbohydrates than their ancestors, some of the cells become overwhelmed by the insulin and start to respond to the insulin in a more sluggish fashion. The problem is that the pancreas still gets the signal that the glucose is high and ratchets up the insulin production even further to reduce the blood sugar. The more insulin in the blood stream, the less effective it becomes and the more insulin resistant we become.

This situation often compounds itself, because insulin also promotes the formation of fat through a process called lipogenesis. This means that the more insulin a person produces, the more likely they are to gain weight. If this is compounded by lack of physical activity, which burns glucose, reduces insulin and lowers fat, we get an increased fat to muscle cell ratio. The increase in fat cells and reduction of muscle cells reduce the efficiency of the body’s ability to burn glucose. If this ratio gets too out of hand over a long period of time, not only does the person become more pear shaped and overweight, they risk developing Syndrome X, diabetes and even heart disease.

This becomes quite frightening when you realize that 55% of Americans are overweight - producing insulin resistance. About 25% of thin people also suffer from insulin resistance. This means that an estimated 66 million people are thought to suffer from some level of insulin resistance.^1,2 Similar patterns can be recognized in different countries.

The good news is that you can control the situation. The bad news is that you are in control and you have to take responsibility for that situation. Syndrome X is caused by the interaction of your body’s susceptibility to insulin resistance and your diet. The important message here is simple: You don’t have to have Syndrome X, early age related decline and a feeling of fatigue. You can feel better while reducing your risk to obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and several other age-related mental and physical issues. The positive results are relatively quick and can be perceived usually within the first two weeks.

The most important thing to do is the reduce the consumption of carbohydrates or foods that rapidly turn into glucose and raise the blood sugar levels. This is expressed as glycemic index (GI). High GI foods raise blood sugar, stress the pancreas and produce fat even faster than simple sugar. Many foods that we might consider healthy can only be eaten in moderation due to their high GI. Flour is one of the biggest culprits, having a high GI. If we increase our fiber content this can reduce the effect of the GI. The message is simple and has been given by mother around the world for years -- ‘eat your fruits and vegetables’.

There are several nutritional supplements that can help. The following are some of the most beneficial: Fenugreek, alpha lipoic acid, essential fatty acids, vitamin C, E, Chromium, Zinc, Magnesium, Devil’s Club root bark, Reishi mushroom, Milk Thistle, Bitter Melon, Garlic and Gymnema sylvestre .

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum) is one of the herbs of choice here, due to its unique quality of being both anti-diabetic, and hypocholesterolaemic, while aiding in control of insulin production. This herb has been recognized for centuries in various cultures to have these qualities, while modern research on both animal and humans has replicated these facts.^4,5 The problem is that the high doses needed can cause flatulence, be distasteful and have a strong odor (especially body odor). A new standardized extract of Fenugreek has got around all these problems, reducing the 25 gram dose down to 3 - 5 grams, while being completely odorless and not causing flatulence. Certified organic material is available. This means taking 6 to 9 capsules daily in the first stages and reducing it to 4 capsules in a maintenance stage is doable.

Alpha Lipoic Acid helps burn glucose, converting it to energy.⁶ It also works as a strong antioxidant protecting the body against free radicals, while helping other antioxidants work better.⁷ It has been shown to be effective in treating diabetes and to both prevent and treat Syndrome X. Alpha Lipoic Acid plays a key role in the Kreb cycle and has been shown to increase the efficiency of cellular energy production from glucose. Alpha Lipoic Acid lowers glucose and insulin levels, while reducing insulin resistance, and improving the cells sensitivity to it. One of the problems related to diabetes is neuropathy and the treatment of choice for this is Alpha Lipoic Acid.¹By using it in a Syndrome X situation, that is pre-diabetes, we can prevent these problems before they occur.

Essential Fatty acids such as gamma-linolenic acid found in herbs oils like Black Currant Oil, Borage Oil or Evening Primrose oils has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, while helping with the function of alpha lipoic acid. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids both help with the cellular sensitivity to insulin, reduce cholesterol and encourage weight loss.

Vitamin C is manufactured from glucose in nearly all mammals beside humans. This evolutionary accident is at the foundation of the glucose intolerance for both Syndrome X and diabetes. Too much glucose, which in most mammals is converted into vitamin C, overstimulates insulin production and generates large amount of free radicals. Current evidence suggests that due to the evolutionary ‘similarity’ of glucose and vitamin C, insulin also aids in transporting vitamin C into the cells. This means with an increase of glucose in the blood stream, vitamin C has a more difficult time getting to the cellular level, due to increased competition. Insulin resistance may very well be vitamin C resistance also.^1,8 The good side of this equation is that Vitamin C lowers insulin and the response of insulin to glucose in the first place. Both are desired to reverse Syndrome X. Vitamin C has been shown in many studies to reduce cardiovascular problems by decreasing total cholesterol; lowering LDL cholesterol; raising HDL cholesterol; enabling blood vessels to relax; lowering blood pressure; controlling free-radical activity and damaging and reducing the risk of blood clots.

Vitamin E aids in the management of glucose and insulin in many ways. It helps protect the cells from the toxic effects of glucose by reducing free-radical damage. This vitamin can offset some of the effects of elevated insulin, again by apparently squelching free-radical function of the insulin. In Italy two research groups have shown that vitamin E can improve glucose tolerance and insulin function in both diabetic and healthly people. Vitamin E is well known for protecting the cardiovascular system in many ways. Current research shows that it can also be beneficial in several other age related health issues such as Alzheimer’s disease, cancer and others.

Chromium is by far the most important mineral to prevent insulin resistance and Syndrome X. This is very important because 90 % of the North American public don’t receive enough Chromium in their diet. Chromium helps insulin function more efficiently.⁹Responsible for glucose tolerance factor, chromium will reduce radical changes related to both diabetes and hypoglycemia. Chromium has been used in the last several years to encourage weight loss, reduce blood lipids and to lower blood pressure.

Zinc also plays a critical role in glucose regulation, proper function of insulin and weight control. The low levels of zinc in the average person’s diet has increased the risk to Syndrome X, with an increase in coronary artery disease, diabetes and glucose intolerance.^10,11 Blood lipid levels and insulin production are partially controlled by zinc. Zinc is also responsible for the production of insulin receptors sites at the cellular level. Zinc levels seem to be involved in the development of obesity because it affect blood levels of leptin, a hormone that influences appetite, energy expenditure and possibly body composition.

Magnesium levels are below the RDA in 50% of North Americans, which has been shown to be an increased risk factor for type II diabetes, which is insulin resistance at its worse. Magnesium is necessary for the production and release of insulin and is required for the maintenance of insulin sensitivity at the cellular level and the production of insulin receptor sites. Low levels of magnesium have also been indicated in cardiovascular problems.¹

Devil’s Club (Oplopanax horridum) is specific for adult onset diabetes. We have also been using it for hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) for some twenty years in our clinic. One of the most useful things we have noticed is its ability to stop the lust for sweets and binge eating. We have found this very beneficial for diet management in weight loss clients and Candida yeast patients. Devil’s Club also aids in general stress (mind or body) and gives a person a feeling of well being.

Being a member of the ginseng family, Devil’s Club has many of the same uses and is considered a local panacea to First Nations Amerindian people.

Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has been shown to regulate sugar metabolism. It also works to lower blood cholesterol, blood pressure and to strengthen the heart. We often employ it to work on the nervous system both calming it down and aiding in insomnia. Reishi is one of the best herbs used for asthma, allergies and auto-immune diseases like cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It is considered the herb of longevity in the Orient.

Bitter Melon ( Momordica charantia) has been used for centuries in the Orient for blood sugar related problems. In has been shown to lower blood glucose levels in diabetics, by improving the utilization of the glucose, not by increasing insulin.^1,12

Garlic (Allium sativum) has a modest effect on glucose metabolism, but strongly effects blood lipid levels. It has been shown to reduce cardiovascular problems by decreasing total cholesterol; lowering LDL cholesterol; raising HDL cholesterol; enabling blood vessels to relax; lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of blood clots.

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) has been shown to directly block the toxic effect of glucose on the kidneys. It has also been shown dramatically reduce insulin resistance and reduce diabetic symptoms. Milk Thistle aids Syndrome X by reducing glucose levels, sugar in urine, glycosylated hemoglobin, insulin requirements, insulin resistance, free radical levels and liver enzymes.^1,13

Gymnema sylvestre also known as gurmar is an Ayurvedic herb from India that has been used for centuries to reduce blood sugar levels. It does this by increasing the efficiency of insulin. Other research says that Gymnema promotes the regeneration of the pancreatic beta cells, which produce insulin.

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Syndrome X may be the largest pandemic facing North Americans in the next several years, but this silent killer can be overcome. With the proper combination of diet, lifestyle, herbs and nutritional supplements, it can be reversed. The best thing to do is to consult a nutritionally minded health practitioner who understands Syndrome X and start a program tailored for you.

References

1. Challen, Berkson B, Smith M D; Syndrome X; John Wiley & Son; New York; 2000

2. Reaven G; Syndrome X: Overcoming The Silent Killer that can give you a Heart Attack

3. Reavan GM, Laws A Editor; Insulin Resistance: The Metabolic Syndrome X; Humana Press: Totowa, New Jersey; 1999

4.Al-Habori M, Raman A; Antidaibetic and Hypocholesteroaemic Effects of Fenugreek; Phtutherapy Research 12:233-242, 1998.

5. Sharma RD, Sarkar DK et al; Hypolipidaemic Effect of Fenugreek Seeds: a Chronic Study in Non-insulin Dependent Diabetic Patients; Phytotherapy Research Vol 10:332-334 1996.

6. Jacob S, Henriksen E et al; Enhancement of Glucose Disposal in Patients with type 2 diabetes by alpha-lipoic acid; Arzneimittel-Forschung Drug Research; 1995;45:872-874

7. Jacob S, Henriksen E et al; The Free Radical scavenger alpha-lipoic acid enhances insulin sensitivity in patients with NIDDM: A placebo-controlled trial; presented at Oxidant and Antioxidants in Biol, Santa Barbrar, Cal Feb 26 - Mar 1 1997

8. Johnston CS, Yen MF; Megadose of Vitamin C delyas insulin response to a glucose challenge in normoglycemic adults; Amer. J. of Clinical Nut; 60:735-38 1994

9. Anderson RE, Chen N, et al; Elevated intake of supplemental chromium improves glucose and insulin variables in individuals with type 2 diabetes; Dibetes; 46:1786-91 1997

10. Singh RB, Mohammed AN et; Currant zinc intake and risk of diabetes and coronary artey disease and factors associated with insulin resistance in rural and urban population of India; J of American Col. Of Nut. 1:11-18 1998

11. Singh RB, Mohammed AN et; Currant zinc intake and risk of diabetes and coronary artey disease and factors associated with insulin resistance in rural and urban population of India; J of American Col. Of Nut. 1:11-18 1998

12. Sarker S Prasnava M, et al; Demonstration of hypoglycemic action of Momordica charantia in validated animal models of diabetes; Pharm Research; 33:1-4 1996

13. Wenzel S, Stolte H, et al; Effects of silibinin and antioxidants on high glucose-induces alteration of fibronectin turnover in human mesangial cell culture; J of Pharmacology and exper. Therapeutics; 279:1520-1526; 1996