How To Reduce Your Risk For Metabolic Syndrome

November 20, 2014

If metabolic syndrome, formerly known as syndrome X, is indeed a disease of insulin resistance—as it almost surely is—that’s good news for Atkins followers. Here’s why:

• High blood sugar (glucose) levels are a signal that the body may be having trouble processing carbs.
• High insulin levels usually go hand in hand with high fasting blood sugar.
• Eating too many carbs, particularly high-glycemic carbs, stimulates the secretion of insulin.
• The best way to control both blood sugar and insulin levels is to control carb intake.

Could it really be that simple? Yes, it is. The insulin resistance of metabolic syndrome is characterized by intolerance to carbohydrate. If you have lactose intolerance, you avoid lactose. If you have gluten intolerance, you avoid gluten. You get the idea.

Backed by Research

Not surprising, many studies of low-carb diets have shown that glucose levels improve significantly in subjects who follow them(1). Insulin levels also decrease, regardless of whether or not a person has a glucose metabolism disorder and even whether he has lost any weight(2). Reducing insulin levels throughout the day, even after meals, is crucial to enable fat burning. In this way, controlling carbs has an important effect on the way the body handles fat, and in turn positively affects cholesterol and triglyceride levels. (For a quick tutorial on insulin, see Insulin Made Simple.

Control Carbs to Burn Fat

Controlling carb intake and the resultant decline in insulin levels permits your body to use fat almost exclusively for energy, even when you’re exercising(3). Here’s how:

• During Phase 1, Induction, and Phase 2, Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL), body fat provides a large share of that energy.
• During Phase 3, Pre-Maintenance, and Phase 4, Lifetime Maintenance, your diet provides most of the needed fuel.
• Either way, keeping carb intake at or just below your individual carb threshold maximizes the metabolism of both dietary and body fat.

Many of the beneficial effects of the Atkins Diet on risk factors for metabolic syndrome and heart disease are extensions of burning primarily fat for energy. Physical activity compounds these benefits.

References:

1. Boden, G., Sargrad, K., Homko, C., Mozzoli, M., and Stein, T.P., “Effect of a Low-Carbohydrate Diet on Appetite, Blood Glucose Levels, and Insulin Resistance in Obese Patients with type 2 Diabetes,” Annals of Internal Medicine 142 (2005), 403–411.
2. Volek, J.S., Sharman, M.J., Love, D.M., Avery, N.G., Gomez, A.L., Scheett, T.P., et al., “Body Composition and Hormonal Responses to a Carbohydrate-Restricted Diet,”Metabolism 51 (2002), 864–870.
3. Phinney, S.D., Bistrian, B.R., Wolfe, R.R., and Blackburn, G.L., “The Human Metabolic Response to Chronic Ketosis without Caloric Restriction: Physical and Biochemical Adaptation,” Metabolism 32 (1983), 757–768.

Learn More About Low Carb Articles & Research

The Guide to Atkins Bars

Learn about Atkins most popular protein bars and how they can help support your low carb lifestyle or reach your weight loss goals. Between a busy work week or a hectic schedule at home, trying to reach your nutrition goals can feel like another chore on your to-do list. That’s why finding quality protein bars to

Read More »

35 Easy Keto Dinner Recipe Ideas

Keto Beef Recipes | Keto Pork Chop Recipes | Keto Chicken Recipes | Keto Shrimp Recipes | Vegetarian Keto Recipes | Keto Soup Recipes | Keto Crockpot Recipes | Keto Air Fryer Recipes | Keto Instant Pot® Recipes Whether you’re just getting started with keto or need some new additions to your recipe rotation, it’s

Read More »

20 Keto Breakfast Recipes & Ideas

Keto Breakfast Smoothie Recipes | Keto Breakfast Sandwich Ideas | East Keto Breakfast Recipes with Eggs | Keto Breakfast Casserole Recipes | Keto Breakfast without Eggs Following a ketogenic diet doesn’t mean you should skimp on a delicious breakfast or eat the same thing every day. In fact, Atkins’ take on keto diets emphasize optimal

Read More »