Metabolic Syndrome in a Thimble

Metabolic syndrome is a term that sounds so neutral, yet is such a pernicious concept that
it could be called "death markers." In fact the ominous term Syndrome X is used to describe
Metabolic Syndrome in some circles.
I recently met with a cousin, now 75, who was an athlete and coach and who was in relatively good shape until 5 years ago when I last saw him. He had noticeably gained weight and particularly around his middle. He announced that he had recently been diagnosed with several diseases --diabetes, high cholesterol and other blood lipids, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. I don't know that he mentioned elevated blood pressure but it is likely. I asked him Did your doctor call it "metabolic syndrome?" "No", he said, he had "never heard of that one."
I was distressed to see my cousin resigned to his conditions and displaying the six classic factors of Metabolic Syndrome: 1) excessive fat tissue around the waist, 2) blood fat disorders (high lipids), 3) high blood pressure, 4) insulin resistance (type II diabetes), 5) elevated risk of blood clot formation, and 6) inflammatory conditions such as arthritis.
What can be done about this X Syndrome? I revert to my Formula for Wellness www.rocklinchiro.com .
The formula is 5-part: 1) chiropractic care, after all I am a chiropractor, 2) physical therapy including massage, 3) nutrition including supplements and herbs, 4) exercise, and 5) good sleeping habits. The first 2 are important, yet passive for the most part.
Nutrition, exercise, and sleeping habits are active and the responsibility of the individual.
NUTRITION I will make one comment about nutrition that is not often addressed, that is digestion and assimilation. We can eat the best foods in the world and we can take the most expensive vitamins, herbs and supplements BUT if they are not absorbed "they can go right through you." I have heard reports and seen xrays that show undigested "pills."
*Key= enzymes in our foods and as supplements are essential.
EXERCISE Like nutrition, volumes and a plethora of books have been written on this subject. So let me refer you to one of those for suggestions and let me say incorporate exercise in your activities of daily living. Basically I am saying move people. If the gym is not your thing- if competitive sports are not your thing --make your home, your yard, your garden, your grocery shopping, your pleasure trips --your exercise. Walk those few extra steps to the store of your choice, park some distance away. Take the stairs rather than an elevator. Why not mow your own lawn, clean your own house? In the mornings imitate your cat ---stretch-- no, I don't have a cat either.
Some mild activity before bed can help you sleep. Don't forget sex is exercise.
SLEEP I heard a "celebrity doctor" recently on a morning television show advise shifting gears downward an hour before bed, then at bedtime turning out all lights even LCD lights on clocks and electronic devices should be screened. If you can't break the habit of leaving TV on when you go to sleep, use your sleep-timer feature. I took this TV doctor's advice and it worked! I have slept more soundly.
I have omitted the obvious dicta regarding nutrition "eat healthy foods, avoid unhealthy foods" and sleeping preparations -"don't drink coffee before bed", "use a good mattress and pillow", as I hope the reader knows and follows that good advice which is widely available.