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KONJAC GLUCOMANNAN: BLOOD SUGAR SUPPORT & WEIGHT LOSS
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Konjac/Glucomannan is a dietary fibre commonly added to many foods as an emulsifier and thickener. It comes from the Konjac root, a perennial plant primarily grown in Asia. It has been shown to have one of the highest molecular weights and is one of the most viscous of any dietary fibres. |
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GLUCOMANNan konjac root |
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Those wishing to loose weight or with constipation will benefit from Glucomannan. |
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Simply put, (konjac) glucomannan absorbs water as it travels through the digestive tract, increasing the bulk of the stool and making the stool easier to pass or move through the colon. For individuals prone to constipation, this means less straining and a decreased risk of fissures or hemorrhoid formation. Many use glucomannan as a weight loss aid, in that it helps to get rid of excess water weight.
Super Fibre
It also promotes regular and healthy elimination and is an effective method of getting rid of excess toxins and hormones, including cholesterol, in the body. Efficient removal of these substances may give an individual more energy, make them less sluggish and fatigued (common side effects of toxic overload) and more apt to increase their exercise and eat a healthier, more well balanced diet, further contributing to weight loss. Studies have also shown that taking a glucomannan supplement one hour prior to eating can reduce caloric intake and keep individuals satisfied longer when compared with placebo.
Konjac Root Glucomannan Blood Sugar Support
(Konjac) Glucomannan, much like any fibre, is also helpful in regulating blood sugar levels and can be beneficial for individuals with diabetes. Diabetics need to be cautious when taking glucomannan, as it may interfere with insulin and other blood sugar medications. This product needs to be taken 2-3 hours away from any medication and blood sugar levels should be monitored closely in case there is a need to adjust dosages for prevention of hyper or hypoglycemic states.
Konjac root is particularly useful for reducing the glycemic index of foods. "Glycemic index" refers to how quickly a carbohydrate is metabolized by the body. When a food is described as having a lower glycemic index, this means that it will cause a lower increase in blood sugar than foods with a higher glycemic index (GI). Taken with food, konjac / glucomannan effectively slows the release of the sugars in the food down, allowing the body more time to burn the calories they contain off as energy instead of storing them as body fat. This is part of the reason why konjac is recommended as a weight loss supplement.
It also helps to reduce the fluctuations in blood sugar that can occur when you eat unhealthy carbs that can lead to cravings and subsequent poor food choices and weight gain.
Konjac is available under a variety of trade names such as PGX, GO4Trim, FiberFlow, as well as simply konjac and glucomannan.
Health Canada has put out an advisory on (konjac) Glucomannan supplements in any form, stating that individuals need to take each gram of glucomannan with at least 8 oz of water to reduce risk of choking or developing a blockage in the throat, esophagus or intestines. For these reasons it is also recommended that these products be taken 2-3 hours before bed. Glucomannan can be taken on its own in capsule or powder form or is often combined with other forms of dietary fibre. |
Konjac Glucomannan –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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Konjac root. |
| APPLICATIONS
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Constipation, obesity/weight gain, diabetes, high cholesterol |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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1-2 grams/3 x day one hour prior to meals.
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WORKS WELL
WITH
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Water, digestive enzymes, probiotics. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
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Glucomannan must be taken with at minimum of 8 oz of water per gram of fibre. In general, one should increase their water intake throughout the day when increasing fibre.
· Do not take glucomannan within 2-3 hours of bedtime
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As with any fibre, take 2-3 hours away from medications and other supplements to ensure proper absorption. |
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For
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All articles
copyright National Nutrition 2001
- 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
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