Holistic Approach to Syndrome X - Essay Example

Syndrome X is a disease state which has been identified, not very long ago, along with the constellation of diseases it encompasses. The concept is an evolving one and is an all-important concept. Its importance is enhanced by the fact that a large population suffers from Syndrome X symptoms and has the fear of escalating into more disease states if one particular disease state is ignored or not adequately addressed. Thus, an enhanced understanding of the holistic conceptualization of syndrome X would bring about a much better approach to treatment approaches. A conventional approach is to treat only one of the disease states within the constellation of the disease states identified under syndrome X and focus either lifestyle-based or allopathy-based treatment on this particular approach. This makes the healthcare system ignore several other symptoms that might be aggravating elsewhere. As and when these symptoms grow noticeable these are again taken up with either of the above approaches for treatment. It is widely acknowledged that the usual approach is to focus on allopathic drugs with lifestyle contributions coming only in the form of supplementary advice. Even those lifestyle-focused approaches that may be available the temporary nature of these approaches may frustrate healthcare outcomes. For instance, in cases of obesity, Skouras (2006) states that “One of the most underrated problems many overweight people face is the blow the excess weight is to their self-esteem. The overwhelming message our society reiterates to the overweight person is that he simply "lacks willpower", and if he would just "buckle down" he could face the challenge. However many chronically overweight adults have addressed the issue (often many times in their life) through a change of diet, exercising, or following one of the thousands of quick-fix diets and eating plans available to the average British consumer.  Sometimes the struggle is too great and the success is limited to a few weeks.  Or the individual loses all his weight, only to regain it (and maybe more) back later. The feeling of failure and shame this causes is traumatic, and people resign themselves to just being fat”.

Thus a more permanent approach would be a holistic approach that focuses on the elimination of the root causes of all the disease states that form the constellation of disease states within Syndrome X. This holistic approach comprises combining the conventional approaches, as above with the new approach based on nutraceuticals. Nutraceuticals are developed from natural extracts and are not chemical-based. These are developed to focus on the elimination or reinforcement of a restraining or deficient factor. This approach when combined with lifestyle approaches, in particular, can bring about a long-lasting and permanent cure to the Syndrome X symptoms as this holistic approach seeks to reestablish the natural chemical balance in the human body through natural supplementation and maintain such balance through lifestyle prescriptions. Nutraceuticals are of recent origin. In many jurisdictions, they are hard to patent and commercially use. However, the availability of nutraceuticals has increased through multiplier factors in the markets. This makes it important for practitioners as well as students pursuing careers as dieticians and nutritionists to know in detail not only the marketed forms of nutraceuticals presented by various companies but also the research and development and the natural compounds and extracts that went on to form the basis of the nutraceuticals. Thus a wide-ranging R&D study in nutraceuticals becomes important if future dieticians are to apply such nutraceuticals in a pinpointed fashion for syndrome X patients. Combining these nutraceuticals with lifestyle prescriptions requires a great amount of experience and empirical backing. As Skouras(2006) talks about a  nutraceutical in the following words, “Coenzyme-A Technologies, Inc., has applied its innovative proprietary Coenzyme A Modulator Matrix ITM to the creation of a nutraceutical product that contains a balanced combination of active nutritional components that support the body's natural management of fat.  Coenzyme-ATM, in conjunction with proper diet and exercise, can produce phenomenal results in fat loss, reversing Insulin Resistance and high blood Cholesterol, while maintaining energy levels and preventing hunger and weakness…..Coenzyme-A Technologies Inc. is the world's first developer of effective Coenzyme-A and Acetyl Coenzyme-A products. Coenzyme-A Technologies, Inc. has applied new technology to the formulation and manufacture of a series of proprietary products that address nutritional deficiencies that result from the stress of modern-day living, chemical imbalances within the body, and the effects of ageing. "Coenzyme-A" is the first nutraceutical product to combine nutritional components that can be used by the body to support its manufacture and utilization of Coenzyme-A (The Master Coenzyme) with a specific set of substrates that are designed to assist the body in metabolizing fat.