Find Metabolic Specialists near you

FAQs:

What is a Metabolic Specialist?

A metabolic specialist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating metabolic disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol, and other diseases. Their job duties involve diagnosing patients, checking their heart rate and blood pressure, prescribing medicine, and recommending ways to have a healthier life. Career qualifications for a metabolic specialist include a medical degree and licensure from the state in which you intend to practice.

What is Metabolism?

Metabolism refers to all the chemical reactions taking place in the body to convert or use energy. A few major examples of metabolism include:

- Breaking down the carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in food to release energy.

- Transforming excess nitrogen into waste products excreted in urine.

- Breaking down or converting chemicals into other substances and transporting them inside cells.

Metabolism is an organized but chaotic chemical assembly line. Raw materials, half-finished products, and waste materials are constantly being used, produced, transported, and excreted. The "workers" on the assembly line are enzymes and other proteins that make chemical reactions happen.

Why is Metabolic Health Important?

While weight can indicate certain health risks, metabolic health provides a more complete picture of the body's internal processes, particularly how it manages fats, sugars, and insulin response. Although related, weight and metabolic health don’t always align; a person may be at a healthy weight but still have poor metabolic health or be overweight and yet metabolically healthy. Metabolic health, like weight, can change over time. Even if it's good now, it may worsen, but the reverse is also possible. Taking steps to improve poor metabolic health can reduce disease risk, offering a pathway to overall better health.

What is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that together increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and stroke. It can lead to other health problems as well, like conditions related to plaque buildup in artery walls (atherosclerosis) and organ damage. Other names for metabolic syndrome include Syndrome X, Insulin resistance syndrome, or Dysmetabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is common in the United States. About 1 out of every 3 adults have it.

What are the Lesser-Known Signs of Poor Metabolic Health?

Detecting early signs of poor metabolic health is crucial for preventing metabolic syndrome and its related health complications. While common symptoms include high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, and elevated blood sugar, subtler indicators often go unnoticed. These lesser-known signs include unexplained fatigue, linked to the body's inefficient energy production, and brain fog, characterized by difficulties in memory and focus due to blood sugar imbalances. Cognitive challenges such as poor decision-making and memory issues may also indicate disruptions in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Recognizing these symptoms and pursuing metabolic health testing can facilitate early detection and proactive management.

Can Metabolic Health Be Restored?

Yes! You can restore and enhance your metabolic health with lifestyle changes. Adopting healthier dietary patterns, increasing exercise, and other lifestyle modifications have substantially improved various metabolic parameters.

How is Mental Health Linked to Metabolic Health?

There is ample evidence that mental health and metabolic health are interconnected, as patients with psychiatric conditions are at a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome. The cause is probably multifactorial: it may have links to the side effects of the medications used to treat psychological disorders, the lifestyle of people experiencing conditions like depression, and the adverse effects of mental health problems on the body's metabolic processes. For example, people with depression may find it more challenging than those without to stay motivated to maintain a healthy diet or stick to an exercise routine.

How Does the Gut Microbiome Affect Metabolism?

The gut microbiota significantly contributes to human metabolism by providing enzymes not encoded in the human genome, facilitating the breakdown of complex dietary components such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, and the synthesis of essential vitamins. Evidence of its metabolic role and health impacts comes from studies on germ-free versus microbiota-bearing organisms, and in vitro experiments using human fecal samples or advanced gut models. Observational comparisons between healthy and diseased individuals suggest that gut microbiota plays a key role in conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colon cancer, and antibiotic-related diarrhea. Recent research also links gut microbiota to obesity and diabetes, further underscoring its systemic influence on health. These findings have prompted research to pinpoint specific microbial species and their metabolic functions, especially those involved in dietary metabolism, highlighting microbiota's essential role in human health and disease.

How Does Living with Metabolic Dysfunction Feel Like?

The symptoms of metabolic dysfunction can develop over time. But, if left unaddressed, this condition can significantly increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. High blood pressure, high “bad” cholesterol, and high blood sugar levels can also lead to conditions such as plaque buildup (atherosclerosis), blood clots, coronary heart disease, heart failure, erectile dysfunction, stroke, organ damage, and chronic inflammation. Fortunately, it is possible to manage metabolic dysfunction and reverse some of the conditions it causes by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, quitting smoking and consuming alcohol, and eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, legumes, and fiber.

Factors that Influence Your Metabolism

Your metabolism depends on many different factors. Some of them you can change, but others you can't. These include:

1. Genes. How much energy your body needs is determined by a handful of genetic factors. Larger people have more muscle mass and usually need more calories. Men tend to have less body fat and more muscle mass, so they need more calories.

2. Age. A common myth is that age causes your metabolism to slow. But age isn’t the main problem. As you get older, you may not be as physically active, you may have less muscle mass, and your diet may not change to suit your body’s needs. All of these things lead to a slower metabolism.

3. Diet. While no single food or diet can guarantee an optimal metabolism, specific dietary habits can help support it. Balanced carbohydrate intake, appropriate calorie consumption, and consistent meal timing provide necessary energy. Intermittent fasting, which typically involves eating within an 8-hour window followed by a fasting period, can boost metabolism by encouraging fat usage for fuel. This approach may promote weight loss, heart health, and blood sugar management. However, as intermittent fasting methods vary, it is essential to select one that aligns with personal health needs and consult a healthcare provider before starting.

4. Sleep. Adequate sleep is key to maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and overall energy. Poor sleep disrupts glucose regulation, often causing fatigue. Adopting healthy sleep habits—like a consistent sleep schedule, avoiding stimulants, and reducing evening screen time—improves sleep quality and supports metabolism. Combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, good sleep habits boost energy, metabolism, and overall well-being.

5. Exercise. An important piece of the puzzle is exercise. Moving your body uses the most energy and burns calories. Moving regularly, even a walk around the block, can boost your metabolism to help you use excess energy, burn fat, and improve your heart health. Muscle-strengthening exercises are also important to make sure you have a healthy amount of muscle. More intense strengthening exercises will help reduce the signs of common metabolic diseases.

5 Markers of Metabolic Health

Metabolic health is defined by optimal levels of 5 clinical markers. Both the standalone values and the variability of these markers play crucial roles in deciphering your metabolic health. Here are these 5 markers:

1. Blood glucose levels 

Blood glucose reflects the sugar present in your blood, primarily from the food you consume. A healthy range for blood glucose levels typically lies between 70 and 100 mg/dL (3.9 and 5.6 mmol/L, respectively) when fasting. Numerous factors like diet, exercise, sleep, and stress can influence glucose levels — and are what Veri considers to be the Four Pillars of metabolic health. Maintaining stable blood sugar has a range of benefits, from better mood and energy levels to improved hormone health.

2. Triglycerides

Triglycerides are a form of dietary fat found in the bloodstream and stored in fat tissue. Ideal levels measured in blood are less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Heart health and metabolic health are tightly connected, and high levels of triglycerides are related to cardiovascular disease. Alcohol consumption, smoking, low physical activity levels, high sugar intake, obesity, and untreated diabetes can elevate triglyceride levels.

3. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol

Cholesterol is a hot topic in heart health and metabolic health and can be confusing. Put simply, HDL cholesterol is the "good" cholesterol, which carries away LDL, the "bad" cholesterol. A good level of HDL is 40 mg/dL and an optimal level is 60 mg/dL or higher. Factors such as smoking, a sedentary lifestyle, and a diet high in processed saturated fats can negatively influence HDL levels.

4. Blood pressure

Blood pressure measures the force exerted by blood against arterial walls, given in two measurements — systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the higher of the two numbers and measures the force when the heart beats and contracts to pump blood to the body. Diastolic pressure, on the other hand, is the lower number and represents the force when the heart is at rest between beats. Healthy blood pressure is generally considered to be at or below 120/80 mmHg (systolic of 120 mmHg and diastolic of 80 mmHg), whereas high blood pressure is higher than 130/80 mmHg. Stress, excessive salt intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, poor sleep, and genetics are common factors that can increase blood pressure.

5. Waist circumference

Waist circumference gauges abdominal fat, which is an indicator of the fat around vital organs (visceral fat) and under the skin (subcutaneous fat, or “visible” fat). A healthy waist circumference is considered to be less than 40 inches for men and less than 35 inches for non-pregnant women. Genetics, diet, and physical activity are determinants of waist circumference.

Common Types of Metabolic Disorders

Genetic mutations cause hundreds of genetic metabolic disorders passed down from generation to generation. The most common metabolic disorders are:

1. Type 2 diabetes: This illness affects about 30.3 million people in the United States. The disease occurs when blood glucose is too high. If not properly managed, long-term high blood glucose leads to other health problems such as nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease.

2. Gaucher's disease: This disease prevents the body from breaking down certain fats, which then accumulate in the liver, spleen, and bone marrow. As a result, individuals with Gaucher's disease experience pain and bone damage. The condition can be fatal if not properly treated.

3. Hemochromatosis: This disorder causes the body to absorb too much iron. Over time excess iron can damage tissues and organs and contribute to heart problems, arthritis, and liver damage.

4. Phenylketonuria (PKU): Individuals with this medical condition can't produce the enzyme phenylalanine hydroxylase, which ultimately helps produce neurotransmitters. PKU leads to organ damage, mental retardation, and troubled posture if not treated.

5. Mitochondrial disorders: These are genetic, long-term conditions that occur when mitochondria (parts of a cell that produce energy) don't produce enough energy for the body to function normally.

Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of metabolic abnormalities such as high blood pressure, obesity, and insulin resistance. Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing diabetes, stroke, and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Causes of Metabolic Disorders

Most people with metabolic disorders have an enzyme deficiency or a missing enzyme. The missing or defective enzyme means that toxic chemicals may build up in the body or an essential product needed is not produced.

Common causes of metabolic disorders are:

1. Genetics: Metabolic disorders are caused by genetic defects commonly inherited from both parents. Gaucher's disease and phenylketonuria (PKU) are examples of inherited metabolic disorders.

2. Organ dysfunction: When someone experiences organ dysfunction, the organs involved in metabolism don't function properly. These organs include the gut (large intestine), liver, adipose tissue, pancreas, kidney, and muscles. With diabetes, for example, the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin to balance blood glucose levels.

3. Mitochondrial dysfunction: Mitochondria are the parts of a cell that produce energy for the body. Mutations of the mitochondria affect how well they do their job.

Being overweight or obese plus a sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome can lead to a risk of developing cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

Symptoms of Inherited Metabolic Disorders

The symptoms of genetic metabolic disorders vary widely depending on the metabolism problem present. Some symptoms of inherited metabolic disorders include:

- Lethargy

- Poor appetite

- Abdominal pain

- Vomiting

- Weight loss

- Jaundice

- Failure to gain weight or grow

- Developmental delay

- Seizures

- Coma

- Abnormal odor of urine, breath, sweat, or saliva

The symptoms may come on suddenly or progress slowly. Symptoms may be brought on by foods, medications, dehydration, minor illnesses, or other factors. Symptoms appear within a few weeks after birth in many conditions. Other inherited metabolic disorders may take years for symptoms to develop.

How to Detect Metabolic Disorders

Some inherited metabolic disorders may be diagnosed before birth. Others can be diagnosed by routine newborn screening tests done at birth. Others are identified only after a child or adult shows symptoms of a disorder.

To find out if you or your child has an inherited metabolic disorder, you may have:

1. Physical exam. You may have a physical exam and talk about your or your child's symptoms and medical history. You also may be asked about any family history.

2. Tests. Blood and urine tests check to see how the metabolism is working. Sometimes other types of tests may be recommended.

3. Genetic testing. Genetic testing can identify the type of inherited metabolic disorder you or your child has. If one person in the family has an inherited metabolic disorder, specialists often recommend genetic testing and counseling for other family members as well.

- In some cases, future parents may choose to have carrier testing before pregnancy, also called preconception screening. This test can identify some gene changes in parents that may increase the risk that future children will have certain types of inherited metabolic disorders.

4. Genetic counseling. Genetic counseling can include discussion of newborn screening or other genetic testing. Counseling also can include information on the risk of an inherited metabolic disorder for future children.

5. Specialist exams. Certain inherited metabolic disorders may increase the risk of other conditions, such as heart, vision, or hearing problems. You may be referred to other specialists as needed.

Foods that Help Prevent Metabolic Syndrome

When it comes to metabolic syndrome and encouraging good health in general, you want to focus on consuming whole, real, high-quality food and drinks. Some of the top foods to help prevent or recover from metabolic syndrome include:

1. Fish & Omega-3 Foods

The omega-3 fatty acids found in wild-caught, cold-water fish have been found to help regulate heartbeat, reduce blood pressure, decrease blood clot formation, and reduce overall inflammation, all of which decrease the risk for heart attacks and strokes. Omega-3 foods are also cholesterol-lowering foods that help reduce triglycerides and LDL cholesterol. Other omega-3 foods include walnuts, flaxseeds, natto, and grass-fed beef.

2. Vegetables

Dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, avocado, broccoli, cabbage, and carrots are just a few of the many options when it comes to your daily intake of vegetables, which are loaded with disease-fighting and anti-inflammatory antioxidants and phytonutrients. Eating avocados in particular is clinically associated with lower metabolic syndrome in U.S. adults because avocado benefits your gut. Think of a rainbow as you make your daily vegetable choices (red bell peppers to pumpkin to yellow squash to arugula to purple eggplant). This way, not only do you keep your meals interesting, but you also obtain all of the great vitamins and nutrients vegetables can offer you.

3. Fruits

Similar to vegetables, there are so many options that not only taste good but help you ward off metabolic syndrome. You can opt for apples, bananas, oranges, pears, or prunes if you need some ideas that are easy to consume quickly or on the go. In moderation (so you don’t overdo it on natural sugar), daily fruit consumption is an easy and therapeutic habit to develop if you haven’t already. Pomegranate and pomegranate seeds in particular have been shown to help ameliorate metabolic syndrome. Research published in Food & Nutrition concluded that pomegranate creates hypoglycemic effects, including increased insulin sensitivity, inhibition of glucose, lowered total cholesterol, improvement of blood lipid profiles, plus anti-inflammatory effects.

4. Legumes

Some delicious legumes to try include kidney beans, lentils, chickpeas, black-eyed peas, and lima beans. Rich in fiber and protein, legumes are an excellent daily choice for keeping blood sugar stable and your waistline trim. And they’re particularly useful in preventing metabolic syndrome. A study examined the effects of legumes on metabolic syndrome. A validated 48-item food frequency questionnaire was used to assess the dietary behaviors of 2,027 individuals pulled from the Isfahan Healthy Heart Program. Researchers found that “all MetS components were less prevalent among subjects with regular legume intake.”

5. Whole Grains

High-fiber foods, like quality whole grains including oatmeal and brown rice, not only have proven benefits for diabetes and heart health, but studies indicate that they also help keep your waistline in check and help prevent metabolic syndrome. As such, whole grains are a part of a balanced, healthy metabolic syndrome diet treatment plan.

Foods to Avoid to Prevent Metabolic Syndrome

The term “metabolic” refers to the biochemical processes involved in the body’s normal functioning. When you have metabolic syndrome, your body is in a state of serious malfunction.

There’s hope for getting your body metabolically back on track as well as keeping it on track throughout your entire life. Some of the best ways to avoid metabolic syndrome include maintaining a healthy weight, regularly exercising, and eating a plant-centric diet while avoiding foods that may slow the metabolism.

1. Fake and Processed Foods

Avoid processed foods as much as possible. These frozen, bagged, and boxed items are typically devoid of nutrients and loaded with unhealthy additives and preservatives that do nothing good for your health. A study found that fast food consumption, some of the most unhealthy processed foods on the planet, increases the incidence of metabolic syndrome in both children and adults. In addition, researchers in Brazil found that high consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with metabolic syndrome in adolescents.

2. Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial sweeteners have been directly linked with the occurrence of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Accumulating evidence suggests that frequent consumers of sugar substitutes containing aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin may also be at an increased risk of excessive weight gain as well as the development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

3. Diet Sodas

Since diet sodas contain artificial sweeteners as well as other unhealthy ingredients, you will want to avoid these drinks. Studies show that the consumption of diet soda is associated with significantly greater risks of select incident metabolic syndrome components and type 2 diabetes. According to one 2009 study, daily consumption of diet soda was associated with a 36 percent greater risk of metabolic syndrome and a 67 percent greater risk of having type 2 diabetes.

4. Trans Fats (Trans Fatty Acids)

Trans fats are found in foods made with hydrogenated oils and fats, such as margarine; baked goods like cookies, cakes, and pies; crackers; frostings; and coffee creamers. They raise LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which is bad news for your waistline, heart health, and metabolic disorders.

5. Refined Carbohydrates and Sugar

Consumption of these two are major culprits when it comes to high blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, and the development of diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Sugar, especially when used to sweeten beverages, is a major culprit, as are refined carbs. A study conducted in Korea, where metabolic syndrome incidence is high, looked at the effects of refined carbohydrates on this metabolic disorder. What the researchers found was that “the percentage of energy from carbohydrates in men and intake of refined grains, including white rice, in women were associated with metabolic syndrome.”

6. Alcohol

Limiting alcohol intake is essential for reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome and supporting overall health. Excessive alcohol consumption can elevate blood pressure, increase triglyceride levels, and add extra calories, leading to weight gain. However, studies suggest that very light alcohol consumption, such as a small amount of red wine, may offer health benefits and reduce metabolic syndrome risk. The recommended daily limit is up to two drinks for men and one drink for women, where one drink equates to 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of liquor.

How to Boost Metabolism

Your metabolism is complex and won't change quickly or at will. If you want to increase your metabolism, consider talking to a doctor, dietitian, nutritionist, or other specialist about factors or habits you can change that may help you speed up your metabolism. Some things that may boost metabolism include:

- Exercising more

- Eating less fat and more complex carbs

- Planning your meals

- Eating at regular times

- Limiting alcohol and sugar

- Getting enough sleep

How to Find the Best Metabolic Specialist Near Me

It’ll take some time and effort, but with a little patience, careful thought, and research, you can find the right doctor for you.

1. Determine what kind of specialist you need. Find out which specialist treats the issue you’re dealing with and compile a list.

2. Determine which doctors are in your area. Visiting your health insurance company’s doctor directory is a good way to find specialists local to you who are also in the network. It may also offer important cost information.

3. Determine your preferences. Do you want a specialist who’s affiliated with the same hospital as another doctor you see? Do you need a doctor who speaks a foreign language? Do you have a gender preference?

4. Research the doctors’ backgrounds. Once you’ve narrowed the list down, assess the doctors’ credentials. Are they board-certified? Read their bios online and check out whether they have a social media presence – you can learn a lot about a doctor’s style by reading what he or she writes.

5. Make an appointment. Score the doctor and the office staff on courtesy, helpfulness, and how long you had to wait to get the appointment.

6. Arrive prepared for the appointment. Take some time before the visit to write down all the questions you have, and bring a list of all medications you’re taking, your medical history, and insurance information. Ask lots of questions and assess how the doctor responds to your concerns. Did the doctor listen to you? Did he answer your questions thoroughly? Did she make you feel comfortable?

7. Get a second opinion. If you have any reservations, see another doctor. As noted, there are many specialists out there. If you don’t find a good fit on the first try, keep searching.

Sources:

Zip Recruiter

Cleveland Clinic

NYP

Veri

WebMD

Nutrisense

Bupa

NIH

Mayo Clinic

Dr. Axe

Relatyv