How to Reverse Metabolic Disorder Naturally
Most people don’t realize they have metabolic disorder until it’s too late. It often starts with low energy, stubborn weight gain, cravings, and brain fog—but over time, it can lead to diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
At Intentional Wellness, Inc., I take a functional medicine approach to health, meaning I focus on getting to the root cause of metabolic issues rather than just managing symptoms. The good news is, metabolic disorder is reversible—and it starts with understanding what’s really happening in the body.
What is Metabolic Disorder?
Metabolic disorder (also called metabolic syndrome) is a collection of imbalances in the body that increase the risk of serious diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and dementia. It’s not just about weight gain—it’s about how well the body processes energy and maintains balance.
A person is typically diagnosed with metabolic disorder if they have three or more of the following:
🔹 High Blood Sugar (Insulin Resistance)
The body struggles to properly regulate blood sugar, leading to chronically high glucose levels. This is an early sign of insulin resistance, which I’ll explain in detail in a future article. This rather complex topic of how blood sugar levels fluctuate in advance of when we get a diabetes diagnosis deserves its own post.
🔹 Excess Belly Fat (Visceral Fat)
Fat stored around the abdomen and organs is particularly dangerous because it increases inflammation, hormone imbalances, and cardiovascular risk. Even if someone isn’t overweight, excess belly fat is a warning sign.
🔹 High Blood Pressure
Blood vessels become stiff and inflamed, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively. This increases the risk of stroke, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
🔹 Abnormal Cholesterol and Triglycerides
Rather than focusing on “good” or “bad” cholesterol, I help clients look at cholesterol patterns and inflammation levels. People with metabolic disorder often have high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol, which raises heart disease risk. But, if your doctor has just been telling you that your HDL cholesterol is “good” and that your LDL cholesterol is “bad,” they have truly oversimplified things. In functional medicine we look beyond these markers to determine if your cholesterol is dangerous or not.
🔹 Chronic Inflammation
Metabolic disorder creates a state of chronic, low-grade inflammation, which damages cells, increases oxidative stress, and contributes to joint pain, autoimmune conditions, and brain fog.
How Do We Develop Metabolic Disorder?
Metabolic disorder doesn’t happen overnight—it develops gradually due to modern lifestyle factors that disrupt the body’s natural ability to maintain balance.
🔹 Insulin Resistance from a High-Carb, High-Sugar Diet
When we eat processed carbs, sugar, and refined grains, blood sugar spikes. The body releases insulin to lower it, but over time, cells become resistant to insulin’s signals. This leads to higher blood sugar, increased fat storage, and hormonal imbalances.
🔹 Chronic Stress and Poor Sleep
Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which raises blood sugar and promotes belly fat storage. Lack of sleep makes insulin resistance worse, increases cravings for junk food, and slows metabolism.
🔹 Nutrient Deficiencies
The body needs magnesium, omega-3s, B vitamins, and antioxidants to regulate metabolism properly. A diet low in these nutrients can worsen blood sugar imbalances, increase cravings, and slow fat-burning processes.
🔹 Sedentary Lifestyle
Movement isn’t just about burning calories—it directly affects insulin sensitivity, fat metabolism, and circulation. Sitting too much and not engaging in regular strength training or movement can make metabolic disorder worse.
The Functional Medicine Approach to
Reversing Metabolic Disorder
Instead of using medications that only mask symptoms, my approach at Intentional Wellness, Inc. focuses on restoring metabolic balance naturally.
🔹 Balance Blood Sugar with Whole Foods
- Focus on healthy fats, quality proteins, and fiber-rich vegetables instead of processed carbs and sugars.
- Reduce refined grains like bread, pasta, and cereals that spike blood sugar.
- Incorporate low-glycemic foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, and leafy greens.
🔹 Support Insulin Sensitivity with Key Nutrients
- Magnesium – Helps regulate blood sugar and relaxes blood vessels. Found in spinach, almonds, and pumpkin seeds.
- Chromium & Berberine – Natural compounds that improve insulin sensitivity.
- Omega-3s – Reduce inflammation and improve cholesterol balance. Found in wild-caught fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
🔹 Move the Body to Improve Metabolism
- Strength training builds muscle, which increases insulin sensitivity.
- Daily walks or movement after meals help regulate blood sugar.
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves fat-burning and heart health.
🔹 Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep
- Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep to regulate metabolism and repair cells.
- Practice stress management with deep breathing, meditation, or nature walks.
- Avoid eating late at night, which disrupts blood sugar control and fat metabolism.
Take Control of Your Metabolic Health!
Metabolic disorder isn’t just about weight—it’s a sign that the body isn’t processing energy efficiently. The good news? It’s reversible! By balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and supporting metabolism naturally, you can regain energy, lose stubborn fat, and lower your risk of chronic disease.
At Intentional Wellness, Inc., I help clients:
✔️ Identify and reverse the root causes of metabolic disorder
✔️ Create a sustainable nutrition and movement plan for metabolic health
✔️ Support hormone balance, digestion, and overall well-being
🚀 Want to take a functional medicine approach to restoring your metabolism? Sign up for health coaching with Shannon today!
