[Health Tip] Solution for Metabolic Syndrome: "Improve Lifestyle Habits Rather Than Relying on Medication"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Myunghwan] Metabolic syndrome is accompanied by various metabolic-related diseases. It is diagnosed as metabolic syndrome when a person has three or more of the five risk factors that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Globally, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome among adults reaches 20-25%, and in Korea, the prevalence is known to be about 27.9% for men and 17.9% for women. The exact cause of metabolic syndrome is unclear, but the medical community estimates that it is related to 'insulin resistance,' a decreased response of the body to insulin, a hormone that lowers blood sugar.

Improvement of metabolic syndrome requires lifestyle changes rather than medication. Specifically, weight control, smoking cessation and moderation of alcohol intake, dietary therapy, exercise therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and management of blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, and blood sugar are recommended. For obese patients, it is advisable to reduce body weight by 7-10% over 6 months to 1 year and maintain the weight until the target body mass index is reached.

Metabolic syndrome can be overcome with a low-fat diet and moderate exercise. A low-sodium, low-carbohydrate, and low-fat diet is necessary. On the other hand, it is recommended to refrain from processed foods and carbonated beverages. At least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise such as brisk walking or light swimming, or 75 minutes or more of high-intensity exercise is also beneficial. Additionally, aerobic exercise six times a week for at least 30 minutes per session is recommended.

In Korean traditional medicine, preventive medicine aspects are emphasized for metabolic syndrome. Recently, the herbal medicine Gonpo (kelp), which is also used as food, has been attracting attention. Professor Go Seokjae of the Department of Korean Internal Medicine at Gangdong Kyung Hee University Korean Medicine Hospital explained, "Gonpo has shown efficacy against obesity, type 2 diabetes, and arteriosclerosis through mechanisms such as reducing oxidative stress in blood vessels and blocking the movement of substances that reduce vascular elasticity."

Metabolic syndrome is often associated with an imbalance in the intestinal microbiota. Professor Go stated, "Gonpo has been reported to increase beneficial intestinal lactic acid bacteria and aid digestion," adding, "In Korea, seaweeds such as dashima (kelp), miyeok (wakame), and gim (laver) are widely consumed, and the developed fermentation culture with foods like gochujang and doenjang creates favorable conditions for the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which also contributes to longevity."