Dietary supplements with probiotics, essential role in the prevention of metabolic syndrome

Metabolic syndrome, as it is, actually refers to a combination of diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity and can have a significant negative impact on health, increasing the risk of serious chronic diseases in Central Europe, about 25% of the population being affected by it.

Although many of the conditions and manifestations associated with metabolic syndrome have no obvious symptoms (high blood sugar can cause symptoms such as fatigue and blurred vision, and high blood pressure can cause headaches and dizziness), prevention is essential to maintaining good overall health.

In this material, we will explain not only what metabolic syndrome means and what are the causes of its occurrence, but above all we will highlight an effective and non-invasive way of prevention: the introduction into the diet of food supplements with probiotics.

What is metabolic syndrome?

The metabolic syndrome, “Raven’s syndrome” or “X syndrome” as it is also known in the specialized literature, is defined by affecting the carbohydrate metabolism (diabetes, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance) and is a complex disorder characterized by the presence of the at least three of the following:

abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, high triglyceride levels and low HDL cholesterol levels. This combination of risk factors increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, type 2 diabetes and other serious health complications.

What can trigger the onset of metabolic syndrome?

Researchers have exposed several risk factors that can lead to the development of metabolic syndrome:

· Hereditary, genetic factor

· Smoking

· Getting older

· Obesity

· Menopause

· Lack of physical activity

· Excessive alcohol consumption

· Incorrect diet

· Poor cardiorespiratory fitness

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· Atypical use of antipsychotic drugs

· Using large amounts of table salt

· Prolonged exposure to stress

Probioticsessential role in the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome

In addition to adopting a healthy lifestyle, exercising regularly, monitoring your weight and blood pressure, recent studies have shown that food supplements with probiotics have a beneficial role in the prevention and management of metabolic syndrome.

Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that live in the intestinal tract and can influence the body’s metabolic and immune health. These have been associated with reduced inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels.

Probiotics can thus help maintain a healthy balance of gut flora, which can reduce inflammation and improve carbohydrate and fat metabolism. They can also help manage body weight and reduce the risk of abdominal obesity, a major risk factor for metabolic syndrome.

Recent studies have shown that taking probiotic supplements has the following results for patients with metabolic syndrome:

· After 6 months of administration of carefully selected beneficial strains (4 g per day, with a total of 1 x 1010 CFU), a significant reduction in waist-hip ratio and a clinically significant improvement in resistance to insulin, determined by the HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) index.

· After 6 months of using the carefully selected beneficial strains, a significant improvement in glycemic parameters was observed in the form of a reduction compared to the beginning of the treatment.

· Endotoxin levels in the group of patients with beneficial bacteria were significantly lower compared to those at the start of treatment.

· Probiotic therapy led to a significant improvement in glycemic profile, evidenced by a reduction in mean glucose level (p<0.05) and insulin level (p<0.05). There was also a significant reduction in insulin resistance (p < 0.01).

· After 12 weeks of high-dose good bacteria administration there was a 20.14% decrease in both patients’ LPS levels and hip circumference (1.7%), fat percentage (3.44% ), total cholesterol (7.32%), triglycerides (7.05%), subcutaneous fat (22.91%) and serum uric acid concentration by 11.13%, as well as LDL (lipoproteins with low density; 3.99%), glucose (7.92%) and insulin (22.4%).

Through all of the above it is clear that metabolic syndrome is a serious condition that requires prompt attention and intervention. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, a balanced diet, regular exercise and taking food supplements with probiotics however, they can be effective ways to prevent and manage this condition.