Integrative Therapies in Metabolic Syndrome

The incidence of metabolic syndrome is rising worldwide, and an estimated 40% of adults are affected by the condition. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of connected cardiometabolic conditions including obesity, impaired fasting glucose, hypertension, decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and elevated serum triglycerides. Metabolic syndrome increases the long-term risk of both type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. This condition is driven by insulin resistance and generally results from a combination of overnutrition and sedentary lifestyle, which serve to increase adiposity and cause metabolic abnormalities. As such, lifestyle change forms the foundation of metabolic syndrome treatment. This article reviews diet and exercise interventions that form this foundation, along with natural substances that have evidence of benefit in people with metabolic syndrome, including curcumin, melatonin, vitamin D, berberine, and fish oil.