Another Weapon in Your Toolbox for Weight Loss

Weight loss can be tricky even downright difficult on a good day. Carbohydrate absorption is another weapon to consider for weight loss.

Eating excessive amounts of carbohydrates, particularly those with a high glycemic index, causes an insulin spike. Foods with a high glycemic index contain lots of simple sugars. Insulin increases amino acid absorption in your body, stops protein breakdown after a workout, and replenishes glycogen stores in your liver.

Carbohydrates are converted into glucose. The glucose is used by your cells for energy. Once your cells use up the glucose that is needed for energy, then the excess glucose goes back to your liver and is converted to glycogen.

Glycogen is stored then in your muscles for future energy use. Glycogen gives your muscles the energy to work. What happens when you fill up your muscles with glycogen? The excess glycogen is sent back to your liver where it is converted into triglycerides.

Most of these triglycerides are then stored as fat. Unlike your muscles, your body has an unlimited storage potential for fat. Some of the triglycerides remain in your blood vessels. Your blood can thicken if there is an excessive level of triglycerides. When this happens, you are a good candidate for a heart attack or stroke.

How can you prevent, or slow down this process? One way is to eat something that will absorb some of the carbohydrates and dampen the insulin surge caused by glucose.

Fiber is a good thing to eat before or during your meal. Fiber helps you in two ways. First, you may eat less because you have a feeling of being full. Second, it binds or disrupts the full impact of the glucose conversion in your body.

Many studies, in the United States and overseas, have shown positive effects of adding fiber to your diet on a regular basis – lower body weight and lower waist-to-hip ratios. It also has been noted in many of these study groups that markers for heart disease were reduced.

Are all fibers created equally? No. Fibers from oats and barley are called beta-glucans. Beta-glucans have been shown to be effective in slowing down the absorption of carbohydrates.

Another fiber for your consideration is glucomannan. It is a dietary fiber that is a water-soluble polysaccharide. Glucomannan is effective in reducing the insulin spike after eating high-glycemic foods. It is effective for constipation, high cholesterol, and obesity.

I have taken glucomannan (pill form) with me to meetings or events when I know that I will be eating pasta, bread, dessert, and more. I enjoy the meal without the full repercussions of knowing all those carbohydrates will be converted to blood sugar and maybe even stored fat.

Are there any other options besides fibers? There are things other than fiber that can interfere with or inhibit the breakdown of simple and complex carbohydrates. Oral anti-diabetic drugs called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are used to treat type-2 diabetes.

The alpha-glucosidase inhibitors prevent the digestion of carbohydrates. I always prefer and recommend natural solutions to prescription medicine solutions when they are available and safe.

The Maitake mushroom has a naturally occurring alpha-glucosidase inhibitor. The Salacia oblonga is a plant that has used in Ayurvedic medicine for over a thousand years. It is also a naturally occurring alpha-glucosidase inhibitor.

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors produce abdominal gas as a side-effect because many of the starches and glucose are not absorbed. Starches and glucose produce gas when left alone in your intestine react with normal bowel bacteria and yeast.

Prescription alpha-glucosidase inhibitor medicines such as acarbose (Precose) and miglitol (Glyset) list many side effects, such as gas, diarrhea, and stomach pain. As always, carefully read your prescription labels for side effects and possible contraindications with other food and drug products.

White kidney bean extract is an alpha-amylase inhibitor. It blocks carbohydrate absorption by blocking the enzyme, alpha-amylase which is used to break down carbohydrates in your digestive tract. The undigested carbohydrates process through your body without absorption.

White kidney bean extract is a dietary supplement that can be taken before each meal. You may also find dietary supplements containing both alpha-glucosidase and alpha-amylase inhibitors.

You are responsible for your own health. Just because you might choose to take carbohydrate blockers or inhibitors, you cannot expect to eat all the carbohydrates you want. You must eat and exercise in moderation.

It might be best to use a carbohydrate blocker or inhibitor for your biggest carbohydrate meal of the day.

Live Longer & Enjoy Life! – Red O’Laughlin – RedOLaughlin.com