Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic Syndrome is a collage of risk factors that are associated with an increased risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. About 30 million Americans suffer from the following symptoms:

• Central abdominal obesity
• Fasting glucose of greater than 100mg/dL
• BP greater than 130/85
• Low HDL
• Fasting triglycerides greater than 150mg/dL

Risk factors for developing Metabolic Syndrome include:

• Increased abdominal girth
• Insulin resistance
• Hypertension
• Hyperlipidemia
• Genetics
• Infections

In my 18 years of tick-borne illness practice, I believe that a Bartonella infection along with poor diet choices and genetic predisposition, may contribute to the onset of Metabolic Syndrome. Many patients with Bartonella infection gain a significant amount of weight around the middle and feel chronically bloated. Food Allergies and elevated cortisol may also contribute to this. This is particularly important in patients with Bartonella infection because the Bartonella organism is known to reside in the endothelium of vessels, and insulin (a hormone that regulates blood sugar), if elevated, can damage endothelial tissues as well. Chronic inflammation ensues and the beginning of disease occurs.

If you have a Bartonella infection, Dr. Marra can order the necessary blood work to determine whether or not you have Metabolic Syndrome. The good news is, with diet and lifestyle changes, Metabolic Syndrome can be reversed or managed, while the bacterial infection is removed. Patients generally feel much better once the problems have been identified and solutions are put in place.