The statistics are alarming. Between 60 and 75 million people in the United States exhibit signs of Metabolic Syndrome, also known as insulin resistance syndrome, and Syndrome X.

Metabolic Syndrome hinders a person’s ability to effectively metabolize simple dietary carbohydrates (such as sweets, pastas, breads, and many highly processed foods).

Due to the chronic over-consumption of refined sugars, simple carbs, and trans fats, the body’s cells develop a resistance to insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body’s cells convert glucose to energy). When the body’s cells reject insulin, the body cannot convert glucose to energy effectively. This results in high blood sugar levels, a precursor for type 2 diabetes. In addition, Metabolic Syndrome sufferers tend to have high LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), high triglycerides (blood fats), high blood pressure, and excess body fat around the mid section — all of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke.