Metabolic syndrome: understand, prevent and act naturally

What is metabolic syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a combination of several metabolic disorders linked to an accumulation of visceral fat (deep fat around the organs of the abdomen).

For this diagnosis to be confirmed, the patient generally needs to have a high waist circumference (over 94 cm in men, 80 cm in women), as well as at least two of the following imbalances (1):

• high fasting blood sugar levels
• high blood pressure
• high triglyceride levels
• low levels of 'good' HDL cholesterol

This clinical picture is increasingly frequent, and particularly affects urban populations in developed countries (2). It reflects a profound disruption of the metabolism, encouraged by a chronically sedentary lifestyle, an unbalanced diet or excessive stress.

If left unchecked, this syndrome can lead to an increase in cardiovascular problems, persistent blood sugar imbalances, liver or kidney disease, sleep disorders and gynaecological problems. Hence the importance of taking action at the very first signs!

How can metabolic syndrome be prevented or reduced naturally?

The good news? Metabolic syndrome is not inevitable. Its symptoms can be reversed by adopting a healthy lifestyle, with the priority being to lose visceral fat.

Get moving regularly

Physical activity is a fundamental pillar in the management of metabolic syndrome. And there's no need to set over-ambitious targets!

Gentle but regular endurance activity (brisk walking, swimming, cycling, dancing) helps to:

• mobilise fat stored in the stomach area
• reduce insulin resistance
• improve cardiovascular parameters (3)

The recommended target: get moving for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week.

Eating better every day

A balanced diet also remains a key factor in preventing and reducing the symptoms of metabolic syndrome.

To adopt a healthy, balanced diet, we recommend you:

• limit fast sugars, saturated fats and ultra-processed foods
• prioritise dietary fibre, vegetable or lean proteins and healthy fats (particularly omega-3s)
• split meals to stabilise blood sugar levels

Diet should also aim to reduce low-grade inflammation, which is often implicated in metabolic syndrome (4).

Sleep and stress management

Insufficient or poor quality sleep is associated with metabolic syndrome and visceral weight gain (5).

Similarly, chronic stress raises levels of cortisol, a hormone that promotes the storage of abdominal fat (6).

Breathing techniques, yoga or meditation, digital pauses... There are a number of natural solutions to help you better manage your sleep and stress on a daily basis, and keep your weight stable.

Complementary natural support

In addition to a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle, a number of natural substances can provide valuable support in weight control and the management of metabolic syndrome.

Some can act on sugar or lipid metabolism, others on low-grade inflammation. They can thus help to rebalance several parameters of metabolic equilibrium.

Supplements that naturally support metabolic balance

Reducing fat absorption and glycaemic peaks, limiting oxidative stress, supporting liver health... Taken in the form of food supplements, several active ingredients can help rebalance the major metabolic functions.

To support the cardiovascular system

Blond psyllium is a soluble fibre with a high water-holding capacity and effects on the body's absorption of cholesterol.

It forms a gel in the digestive tract, trapping some dietary fat and encouraging its elimination via the faecal route.

Discover Psyllium Husk, a pure, well-tolerated formula to accompany a high-fibre diet and reduce fat absorption.

Red yeast rice is a microscopic fungus traditionally used to maintain normal LDL ('bad cholesterol') cholesterol levels.

It contains lovastatin, a statin that helps combat excess cholesterol (it blocks an enzyme involved in the synthesis of cholesterol in the body) (7).

Discover Cholesterol Complex Formula, a complete supplement combining red yeast rice, artichoke extract and policosanols.

Black garlic (or mature garlic) contains high levels of S-allyl-cysteine, a protective compound studied for its effects on blood circulation, cardiovascular health and oxidative stress (8-10).

Discover Organic ABG10+®, a dietary supplement standardised to 0.1% S-allyl-cysteine.

Curcumin, the main pigment in turmeric, has been studied for its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also thought to help protect liver cells and regulate cholesterol (11-12).

Discover Super Curcuma, an antioxidant food supplement rich in curcuminoids and curcumin.

EPA and DHA, marine omega-3 fatty acids, are known to contribute to normal heart function, normal blood pressure and normal blood triglyceride levels.

They provide genuine support for cardiovascular health and can be a valuable ally in the management of metabolic syndrome.

Discover Super EPA, a supplement formulated from top-quality fish oil, with an optimal dose of EPA.

To help control blood sugar levels

Berberine is a plant alkaloid which, according to research, may help regulate fasting blood sugar levels, promote insulin sensitivity and reduce blood sugar spikes after meals (13).

Discover Berberine Max Bioactivity, an enhanced natural berberine supplement that helps regulate blood sugar and maintain normal cholesterol levels, with optimal bioavailability.

Chromium, an essential trace element, contributes to the normal metabolism of nutrients (food) and the maintenance of normal blood glucose levels.

Discover GLP-1 Booster Formula, a dietary supplement designed to naturally support the production of GLP-1, a hormone known to reduce appetite and blood sugar levels. It contains chromium and Metabolaid®, clinically tested to increase GLP-1 production.

Banaba extract, derived from the plant species Lagerstroemia speciosa, is also the subject of several studies. 

Banaba is thought to have an effect on blood sugar levels, helping to regulate glycaemia, control weight and reduce metabolic syndrome (14).

Discover Glucofit Banaba, a banaba extract standardised to 18% corosolic acid, which helps control blood sugar levels.

For an 'anti-fatty liver' detox action

Antrodia camphorata is a Taiwanese medicinal mushroom traditionally used to cleanse, protect and regenerate the liver.

The subject of numerous studies, it is thought to help combat the excessive accumulation of fat in the liver and support liver health (15).

Discover Antrodia Liver Health, a concentrated antrodia formula to support liver function and detoxification.