Dietary recommendations for patients with metabolic syndrome (Part 2)

Low in carbohydrates

Features: Focuses on protein intake and some non-starchy vegetables. This generally limits cereals, legumes, fruits, bread, sweets, pasta, starchy vegetables, and sometimes nuts and seeds.

Advantages

1. Weight loss due to the decrease in calories consumed.

2. Helps reduce the risk of developing complications in type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Disadvantages

1. Constipation

2. Headache

3. Muscle cramps

4. Increased production of ketone bodies, which can cause: bad breath, headache, fatigue, and weakness

5. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies

Mediterranean diet

Characteristics: It has fewer meats and carbohydrates than a typical American diet. It also has more plant-based foods and monounsaturated (good) fat. In this abound:

• Plant-based meals, with only small amounts of beef and chicken.

• More servings of whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables, nuts, and legumes.

• Foods that in their natural form are richer in fiber.

• Fish and shellfish.

• Olive oil is mainly used to prepare food. This oil is a healthy, monounsaturated fat.

• Food is prepared and seasoned simply, without sauces or meat juices.

Although the Mediterranean diet has given excellent results in the management of metabolic syndrome, more studies are still required to know for sure which eating pattern is more effective, including low-fat diets.

Still, making dietary changes is a positive and an individual work. The tastes, habits, lifestyle, and culture of the patient are taken into account. Consult with your Nutritionist-Dietitian to make these changes gradually, so that they become part of your lifestyle and you can keep them.

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Author: Carmen R. Cabrera Rodríguez, Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics