When I think of poor metabolism, or insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, I think of problems caused by years of too much sugar, and a poor diet. I also think of high A1C which is a sign that you may be pre diabetes or in a diabetic state. RFK Jr. in his recent book talked about metabolic health which is how well or poorly the body stores and uses energy. When this works poorly, weight gain and other problems continue to develop which causes inflammation in the body and many of the diseases commonly treated by doctors. According to a recent NY Times article, Metabolic syndrome is defined as having at least three of the following: high waist circumference, high triglycerides, low levels of “good” cholesterol, high blood pressure and high blood sugar. These conditions increase the risk for heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. The American Heart Association has estimated that 90 percent of American adults have some degree of cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic syndrome, an umbrella term the organization defined in 2023 as a health disorder caused by connections among obesity, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and cardiovascular disease. Too much fat is a major culprit Metabolic health starts when we are young, and how we eat and feed the gut,. Starting children with cheerios and juice boxes filled with sugar is not helpful. Activity and sports help the system. Sedentary lifestyles do not and years later show up as metabolic dysfunction. The message here is that metabolic health is a result of lifestyle, diet and activity. Genetics may play a part as well but so will how we are raised so the nature or nurture idea can play a part here. As the NY Times article suggests, prevention is the best sure and health is a lifestyle, so healthier living reduces metabolic based diseases. How our lymphatic system works also plays a part ins clearing metabolites through the liver out of our bodies. Medically, they see it clinically and have a treatment that may help us stay less unhealthy medicinally with side effects and other potential issues. Healthier diets and lifestyles may be the best cure. Check out the article below. What Is ‘Metabolic Health,’ and Why Does It Matter?