The term chronic disease is something that can be frightening to aging Americans. Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis, among many others, can start to be more apparent as we get older. When discussing metabolism and chronic disease, understanding metabolic syndrome is essential.
Dr. Brian Fertig is a master of metabolism and chronic disease as outlined through his 35+ years of medical practice and research. As the author of Metabolism & Medicine, Dr. Fertig demonstrates an acute understanding of the relationship between metabolism and chronic illness. As a practicing endocrinologist, Dr. Fertig leverages considerable experience with metabolic disorders and general health to guide patients through their diagnosis, optimize treatment protocols, and offer advice for managing the condition.
Metabolic syndrome is increasingly common, and up to one-third of U.S. adults have it. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of some of the leading life-threatening diseases today, such as stroke, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. These conditions can cause an increase in blood pressure, high glucose levels, high body mass index (BMI), and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Having just one of these conditions means you have a greater risk of severe disease. If a person develops more of these conditions, the chance of complications, such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, rises.
Metabolic health is one of the most crucial aspects of a person’s overall health and well-being. Metabolism is a process that everyone needs to understand to achieve and maintain a healthy existence. It’s how our cells change the food we eat into the energy we need to breathe, move, think, and function in our daily lives. If you have metabolic syndrome, aggressive lifestyle changes can delay or even prevent the onset of severe health problems.
With metabolism and chronic disease, there are several metabolic pathways to consider. A metabolic pathway is a linked series of chemical reactions occurring within a cell. Each metabolic pathway consists of a series of biochemical responses connected by their intermediates. Metabolic pathways are often considered to move in one direction. Although all chemical reactions are technically reversible, conditions in the cell are often such that it is thermodynamically more favorable for flux to proceed in one response direction.
When it comes to metabolism and chronic diseases, such as diabetes or heart disease, how metabolism works becomes imperative to understand. The importance of exercise linking molecular mechanisms to cancer prevention and treatment has been well documented. The benefits of exercise for cancer patients are becoming increasingly evident. Physical activity has been shown to reduce cancer incidence and inhibit tumor growth. Additionally, exercise has a role in controlling cancer progression through a direct effect on tumor-intrinsic factors, interplay with whole-body exercise effects, alleviation of cancer-related adverse events, and improvement of anti-cancer treatment efficacy.
How we think about aging is changing as new technologies and advancements in clinical research continue. Aging is becoming viewed as a disease rather than a naturally occurring event. The aging process changes how the metabolism works depending on the person’s age. Metabolism changes as we age and can be monitored best by decade. After 40, the average person loses an estimated one percent of muscle mass each year. This makes the metabolism meaningful and redefines it. By the time a person is 50, they’ve reached a 30 percent drop in the metabolism.
When facing metabolism and chronic disease, a strong metabolism can be achieved with the proper diet and exercise. There are no substitutions for a well-balanced, clean diet and a good mix of physical activities. An active lifestyle mentality will serve the body well. Additionally, when thinking about metabolism and chronic disease, vitamins and medications can support overall health and wellness and help treat various medical indications. Whether you take vitamins, supplements, or prescribed medications, if you suspect your metabolism may be hampered, research, learn and speak with your physician.
Patients and healthcare experts globally can buy Dr. Fertig’s book, “Metabolism & Medicine,” through Amazon to learn more about metabolism and chronic disease.