A-Z blood sugar control Articles

What is Apple Cider Vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a tried, tested, and true folk remedy for centuries. Some people swear by its positive and broad spectrum of health effects. Made from apples in the process of fermentation by bacteria and yeast, the apples are first fermented into alcohol and then, left long enough, turn into vinegar. The word vinegar means sour wine… The end product contains primarily acetic acid. Although the USDA claims it has no vitamins and minerals, some say it has small amounts of amino acids, mineral salts, vitamins, and other acids. It is correct that it is a highly acidic liquid which may be the reason for its broad range of effects.

The challenge with ACV is that very little research has been done on human subjects. Most of its notoriety is simply from peoples’ experiences over the centuries. This is called empirical data because it is not research conducted as a double-blind placebo-based laboratory study. A few studies have been conducted on animals, but these studies have been limited. Despite the lack of formal research, people still claim organic apple cider vinegar has helped them with many health concerns.

What is Apple Cider Vinegar Used For?

Traditionally Apple Cider Vinegar has been used to treat just about everything…from Diabetes to high cholesterol to digestive complaints like acid reflux and weight loss.

Diabetes

Some formal research conducted on humans by the American Diabetes Foundation in 2004 tested Apple Cider Vinegar’s effects on type 2 diabetes. It showed that taking ACV before meals increased insulin sensitivity and lowered insulin and glucose spikes after meals. Another study conducted in 2007, quoted by WebMD, showed a 4-6 % decrease in morning fasting glucose in those who took 2 Tbsp of it before bed. These studies show promising results from using Apple Cider Vinegar in treating type 2 diabetes.

Cholesterol

Although people claim to have seen improvements in their cholesterol levels by taking Apple Cider Vinegar, no human trials have supported this. However, one study conducted in 2006 showed ACV decreased total cholesterol in one animal study. But again, many claim it helps reduce their LDL cholesterol.

Most people use Apple Cider Vinegar for healthy digestion and to help establish a neutral ph in their body.

ACV and Digestion

Furthermore, despite popular medical belief, acid reflux is more often caused by too low stomach acid, called hypochlorhydria. Increasing stomach acid by taking Apple Cider Vinegar will reduce symptoms of acid reflux because your food will be digesting properly with sufficient stomach acid.

Another benefit of this ‘acid tonic’ comes from normalizing stomach acid. As mentioned, normalizing stomach acid results in better digestion and absorption of minerals. This leads to an overall balance of ph in your body. A balance of ph is essential for numerous reasons. Your body needs to keep a narrow ph window, especially in the blood. When your body becomes acidic, your body uses Calcium from your bones to neutralize this acidity. This, over time, can lead to diseases like Osteoporosis. Your body operates ideally at a ph of 7, considered neutral. You can measure ph via saliva or urine using ph strips, readily found at health food stores.

So although your stomach needs to be acidic it is very important for optimal health that your body remains neutral ph.

How Does ACV Work Inside Your Body?

Theoretically, its claim to fame as a cure-all for so many symptoms could be related to the fact it is an ‘acidic tonic’ for your stomach. It contains acetic acid, lactic acid, citric and malic acids. How these acids benefit and work in your system is as follows:

• Your stomach secretes acid to kill organisms and break down your food when you eat.
• This acid also helps you absorb minerals and B12, which need an acidic environment for absorption.
• Proper acid levels in your stomach are necessary to break down food properly. Without adequate breakdown, food can ferment, leading to gas formation, indigestion and the growth of Candida yeast and other organisms.

So Apple cider vinegar aids digestion by its nature as an ‘acid tonic’ for your stomach.

Apple Cider Vinegar FAQs

How to drink apple cider vinegar?

Simply mix 1-2 tablespoons of ACV into one cup of water and drink up. Diluting the ACV with water will protect your esophagus.

What does it do?

ACV acts as an "acid tonic" that aids in digestion. It may also support healthy blood sugar as well as cholesterol levels.

How much should I take?

Most people benefit from 1-2 tablespoons each day, taken before meals.

Where can I buy apple cider vinegar?

You can find it at most health food stores. It is also available in chewable apple cider gummies.

Is apple cider vinegar safe?

It is safe to take up to 2 tablespoons of ACV each day. However, if you are taking medication for heart disease or diabetes, you may want to discuss taking ACV with your doctor.

Berberines are a particular type of constituent found in several different plants that give them a yellow colour. The most well-known of these are Barberry (Berberine vulgaris), Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium), and Goldenseal (Hydrastis Canadensis). These herbs have been used for over 2,500 years around the world to treat a variety of different health concerns. Traditionally, berberine was used as an antibiotic to treat bacterial, viral, parasite and Candida (yeast) infections. Current research has noted many benefits of berberines for diabetes, Alzheimer's, depression, cardiovascular disease, and unhealthy cell growth. Let's explore berberine supplements that you can shop for in Canada. 

Types of Berberine Supplements in Canada

There are quite a few herbs that contain large amounts of berberine's. Let's explore the most commonly known herbs and the health benefits each offers.

Barberry

Bayberry has been used around the world for centuries to treat infections and diarrhea. Recent research has also found that it benefits the cardiovascular and nervous systems (brain and nerves).

Goldenseal

This natural antibiotic is one of the richest known sources of berberines. It has long been established as a mucous membrane tonic and is known in the herbal community as the "king of the mucous membranes".

Oregon Grape

The root of this shrub has been used for hundreds of years to help treat diarrhea. It is particularly useful in treating multi-drug-resistant bacterial infections. It can also be applied topically in a cream to help treat psoriasis.

Phellodendron Amurense

Recent research has shown that P. amurense contains berberines. It is this constituent that researchers believe gives the herb its ability to inhibit unhealthy cell growth in the lungs.

Berberine Health Benefits

Antimicrobial Activity of Berberine

Berberines have been used for their antimicrobial activity for centuries, and much of their traditional use stems from this capability. Recent research has shown berberines to have antimicrobial activity against a large variety of organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. They also have antimicrobial activity against MRSA and can prevent their ability to stick to the epithelial cells and thus prevent MRSA from invading the body and causing infection. Berberines can also potentiate current antibiotics to allow them to once again be able to kill MRSA by bypassing their resistance ability.

In addition to this, berberines are strongly active against Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Enterococcus, and Clostridium. All of these are bacteria that are frequent causes of infection, particularly in hospitals. Berberines also show inhibitory effects on the growth and reproduction of certain microorganisms and viruses, such as Heliobacter pylori and hepatitis B virus that have been shown to cause unhealthy cell growth. There is also some evidence that berberines can help to eliminate Candida (yeast) infections.

Strong Antioxidant Abilities of Berberine Supplements in Canada

Berberines are extremely strong antioxidants that can inhibit the generation of reactive oxidative species (ROS). Because of their extremely strong antioxidant abilities, they can help to protect cells against unhealthy cell growth, and protect the blood vessels against cardiovascular disease. It is also this effect that helps berberines to combat Alzheimer's disease.

Promotes Healthier Cholesterol

Berberine's strong antioxidant ability helps it to protect LDL ("bad") cholesterol from being oxidized, which is one of the strongest contributing factors to the formation of atherosclerosis. Recent evidence suggests that berberine has beneficial effects on dyslipidemia (imbalanced blood fats and cholesterol) as well. By promoting a healthier cholesterol and blood fat profile, berberines can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Anti-Diabetic Affect of Berberine Supplements Found In Canada

The anti-diabetic effect of berberines has been well-established by research. Some interesting new research (2011) has found that this benefit may be due to the berberines helping to regulate the gut microbes and prevent inflammation. Interestingly, this implies that diabetes may be partially caused by an inflammatory state in the body. This is a relatively new way of viewing the origin of type II diabetes and has triggered a new direction for research.

Reduces Symptoms of Leaky Gut

Much of the earliest research on berberines surrounded their use for the treatment of diarrhea. This was also one of the original traditional folk uses in history. These compounds have been shown to help reduce immune-mediated damage of the endothelial tight junctions in the gut. This helps to restore the gut barrier function and reduce the symptoms of a leaky gut.

Protects the Brain and Mental Health

Berberine has been established as beneficial in the treatment of some central nervous system disorders. It can protect neurons and prevent their death while improving circulation to the brain. Research has shown a protective effect on Alzheimer's, cerebral ischemia, mental depression, schizophrenia and anxiety.

Shopping For Berberine Supplements in Canada

When shopping for an herbal supplement containing berberine, look for ones from trustworthy brands that use pure ingredients. When possible, look for formulas that use wild-harvested, fair-trade or organic herbs. It's important to follow the dosing directions found on the product label. If you are on any medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your healthcare provider prior to starting them.

While cinnamon may be a tasty addition to your morning oatmeal or daily coffee, cinnamon also offers exceptional medicinal properties, making it as effective as it is delicious. Let's explore how cinnamon tea, powder and supplements can support your health. 

Discover The Rich History of Cinnamon

The use of Cinnamon stems back to at least 500 BC, with Cinnamon verum coming from Sri Lanka and India, while Chinese cinnamon or cassia is cultivated in China, Indonesia and Vietnam. A cinnamon tree is a bushy evergreen that grows best in humid tropical forests. It has a reddish brown aromatic bark, which is eventually peeled off and removed from its outer covering, leaving an aromatic inner bark that is rolled together to form sticks (quills). The quills of true cinnamon (verum) and cassia are easily distinguished, but once powdered they are very hard to tell apart. In your typical grocery store or spice rack, you will most likely find the cassia form of cinnamon or commonly a mix of the two. Cassia is somewhat less expensive than the verum variety with basically identical pharmacological effects. 

Top Health Benefits of Cinnamon Tea & Powder

Cinnamon is a great nutrient for digestive complaints, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea. It is also a go-to herb in terms of regulating blood sugar.

Blood Sugar Support

Research shows that Type II diabetics can lower their fasting serum glucose significantly using cinnamon in doses of as little as 1 g/day. Cinnamon was found to reduce serum triglycerides and both LDL and total cholesterol in this population, as well. This has particular significance to individuals with diabetes, as the combination of high triglycerides, high cholesterol and diabetes leaves them much more likely to develop Metabolic syndrome, which in turn can lead to serious conditions such as atherosclerosis and heart disease. 

Antibacterial Properties For Cold & Flu Support

In addition to its properties as an anti-diabetic, anti-spasmodic and carminative, Cinnamon tea and powder supplements have both anti-fungal and antibacterial properties, as well. For this reason, it is used to treat colds and other respiratory infections. It is also a very warming herb. In terms of Chinese medicine, anyone suffering from cold or damp afflictions should increase their intake of herbs such as cinnamon and ginger – a great excuse to drink Chai tea!

Digestive Supporting Properties

As a digestive, cinnamon can have a great impact on the uncomfortable feelings that accompany IBS - especially the bloating. This is due to killing unhealthy bacteria healing infections that are present in the gastrointestinal tract and allowing the gastric juices to work normally.

Weight Loss Control

Some people believe that consuming cinnamon will make them lose weight. Currently, there is no evidence to support this theory. However, it is a "weight gain preventer". Coupled with a healthy diet and exercise, cinnamon tea may help to keep the pounds off. 

This is because cinnamon is said to keep you feeling full which leads to eating less. It is a natural digestive meaning that the food you eat is digested properly and your body will not need more food to keep it going. Cinnamon increases blood sugar metabolism meaning that it breaks down sugar for absorption and turns it into energy making the body produce less fatty acids to store. Lastly, some research has shown that cinnamon can keep you focused, alert and in a better mood. When you have more energy, you are more likely to get the exercise you need to lose weight.

How To Take Cinnamon Tea or Powder As A Supplement

A typical dose of cinnamon, depending on the concern you are looking to treat, ranges from 1 – 4 g/day. Cinnamon can also be used as an essential oil, in which case the dose ranges from .05 -.2 g/day. It's always important to follow labelling directions on your supplement and follow the manufacturer's guidelines. 

Potential Risks & Cautions To Consider

One important note when considering cinnamon as a supplement is the kind of cinnamon you're taking. Cassia is said to be safe during pregnancy, but verum is cautioned because high doses can potentially induce abortion. 

Also, the essential oil should never be ingested, unless it's a food-grade oil. The oil is much more concentrated than the powder or tea and is commonly used for baking. The oil should be used with more caution and it is not recommended for use in pregnancy.

Diabetes is becoming more and more common in North America every year. Diabetes usually requires medication after diagnosis. Natural diabetes management strategies can also help manage blood sugar and reduce diabetes risk.

Diabetes occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. The most prevalent form of the disease is TYPE II diabetes. In this type, the person’s pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to metabolize the amount of sugar that they are ingesting.

Refined carbohydrates and nutrient deficiencies increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Excess body weight, inactivity, and genetics also contribute.

Understanding Diabetes

What is Diabetes?

Insulin is essential for the proper metabolism of glucose. Glucose is one of the most essential fuels in the body, required for nearly all bodily functions. The pancreas releases insulin when blood sugar rises. Insulin moves glucose into the liver, muscles, and fat for storage. Diabetes develops when the body lacks insulin (Type 1) or resists its effects (Type 2).

Diabetes is often diagnosed based on symptomology, the classic triad including polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia (increased urination, increased thirst and increased hunger). There is usually some unexplained or unintentional weight loss observed in Type I diabetes, whereas Type II diabetics are often overweight. Lab work essential for the diagnosis of diabetes includes a marked elevation in blood glucose, both post prandial and fasting. Fasting blood glucose below 6.1 mmol/L is generally considered normal. Two-hour post-meal levels below 7.8 mmol/L are also considered normal. Healthcare providers use hemoglobin A1c to monitor long-term blood sugar control and treatment effectiveness. It is a long-term assessment of overall patterns of blood sugar regulation.

Who's At Risk of Developing Diabetes?

There is a genetic influence involved in the development of both Type I and II diabetes. In the case of Type I, many believe that a microbial infection may also play a part in the activation of the autoimmune reaction. Some infections may contribute to type 1 diabetes development. Thes inlcude:

• Pertussis
• Hepatitis
• Rubella
• Coxsackievirus
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Cytomegalovirus
• Human herpesvirus 6

What Causes Diabetes?

The World Health Organization has declared an apparent epidemic of diabetes throughout the world. There is a significant correlation between the development of Type II diabetes and obesity. An estimated 80-90% of individuals who develop Type II diabetes are overweight at the time of diagnosis. A poor diet, high in processed foods, is at the root of the problem. Prevention and often cure can be directly attributed to natural diabetes management tips like diet and exercise interventions. 

There is significant research to suggest that food sensitivities may play a role in the development of Type I diabetes, as well as the diabetic reaction of Type II diabetics. However, more research is needed.

In Type II diabetics, one theory suggests that specific food intolerances over time lead to inflammation that again destroys the insulin producing cells of the pancreas. Foods often at the root of these problems include corn, dairy, wheat and chocolate. Some studies have shown that eliminating the offending food(s) has resulted in decreased, if not total elimination, of diabetic reactions. People with prediabetes or diabetes may benefit from a hypoallergenic diet as part of natural diabetes management. First, get an assessment and eliminate the offending foods. This may be all that is needed to regulate blood sugar levels and prevent any need for medication or further dietary restrictions.

Complications of Diabetes

Long-term diabetes complications often cause greater concern than the initial symptoms. Poor blood sugar control increases these risks. Most of these complications are due to a dysfunction of the circulatory system, causing damage to the blood vessels that supply various organs and areas within the body. 

Diabetic neuropathy most often affects the feet and legs. It can cause pain, numbness, foot ulcers, and gangrene. The nerve and oxygen supply to the feet become so compromised that sometimes amputation is the only treatment option. Diabetics must be diligent about keeping their feet clean, dry and warm, as well as avoiding situations in which trauma to the foot can go unnoticed (due to nerve compromise), once again predisposing them to ulcers. Diabetic nephropathy results from damage to the small vessels supplying the kidney, eventually causing damage and kidney failure. Even a small amount of kidney damage can then have detrimental effects on blood pressure. Diabetics are more prone to stroke and heart attack due to damage to the vessels leading to the brain and heart, respectively.

Diabetic retinopathy is caused by the formation of fragile new blood vessels in the retina as a means to increase a deficient blood supply to that area. These new vessels are prone to breakage and often hemorrhage into the eye, causing damage if not treated.

More complications include the fluctuation between too much sugar in the blood and low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Hypoglycemia often creates seemingly uncontrollable and powerful cravings for sweet foods, which, when satisfied, cause low blood sugar to swing back to excess sugar. This yo-yo effect can create many serious secondary complications for the diabetic person. Often, these secondary health problems are of a more serious nature than the actual diabetes itself.

What Are The Typical Symptoms of Diabetes?

The symptoms of diabetes often sneak up on people over time, usually beginning mildly, then progressively becoming more severe. They include: 

• Fatigue or brain fog
• Thirst
• Constant hunger
• Excessive urination
• Weight gain
• General malaise

Natural Ways To Manage Diabetes

Diabetes is a controllable disease despite the challenges that it can pose. The first step is the diet, which is why diabetes can be supported through natural management in the early stages. Practitioners normally recommend the following dietary changes:

• Do not overeat; eat meals of equal size.
• Limit the intake of sugars.
• Eat more protein and healthy fats.
• Eat more fibre, as it helps to stabilize blood sugar fluctuations.
• Avoid coffee; caffeine speeds up the rate at which the body uses sugars, & hampers circulation.

These days, most diabetics have glucometers that help them to test their blood sugar throughout the day and to regulate their dosage of insulin accordingly. There are nutritional supplements and natural herbs that can help those with diabetes with blood sugar management in different ways by potentizing insulin, stabilizing fluctuations, slowing or blocking the release of sugars or reducing the ill effects of excess sugar in the system, as well as any secondary symptoms.

Diet & Natural Supplements For Diabetes Management

Dietary Tips For Diabetes Management

Following a fairly simple but strict diet is key to effective management of blood sugar levels for any diabetic. First and foremost, refined sugar needs to be avoided. Processed foods, cookies, pastries and sugar laden fruit juices cause major spikes in blood sugar. The goal of any diabetic is to regulate blood sugar levels, keeping them at a steady level throughout the day. 

Increasing fibre and lean protein, as well as making sure to eat smaller portions more often throughout the day, can go a long way in maintaining balanced blood sugar levels. Some medical professionals promote a diet consisting of 40-50 grams of fibre/day. The typical North American diet contains an average of 10-23 g/day. If you are starting low, make sure to increase your fibre gradually, all the while increasing water intake at an equal pace. Psyllium, ground flax seed, oat bran and konjac root (glucommanan) have all been studied and shown benefits for diabetics. Fibre also promotes healthy cholesterol levels, a concern for many diabetics on their way to metabolic syndrome. Vegetables and fruits can also be high in fibre, but beware of too much fruit, which can also be high in sugar. Limit your intake to 2 (max 3) servings/day. Focus on low glycemic vegetables, including sweet potatoes, yams, and green leafy vegetables. Diabetics do not need to cut out carbohydrates altogether, but simply focus on complex carbohydrates, which are digested more slowly. High fibre, low glycemic grain options include brown rice, oats, whole wheat and spelt, among others.

Protein helps to slow carbohydrate digestion and, once again, prevent unhealthy highs (or lows) in blood sugar. Limit red meat, which is high in saturated fat, and focus on lean poultry and fish, as well as quinoa, nuts and legumes.

Supplements

As far as supplements go, there are so many to choose from, making natural diabetes management possible. For the most part, most of these products are aimed at regulating blood sugar and, therefore, also preventing complications associated with poor glucose control. 

• B-complex supplements are a good place to start. Vitamin B6, specifically, drops significantly after the age of 50, when Type II diabetes is most likely to occur. 50 – 100 mg/day is recommended to support healthy blood sugar levels. A form of B1 called Benfotiamine, biotin, niacin (B3) and B12 can also support the regulation of blood sugar and prevent diabetic neuropathy by supporting nerve health. 
• Don't forget about your vitamin D. More and more research is supporting the use of vitamin D for the prevention and management of both type I and Type II diabetes. 
• Chromium is an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in sugar metabolism. Look for the picolinate form, as it is the most widely studied. 
• Gymnema is an herb that may stimulate insulin release from the pancreas. It may also help support pancreatic cell function in type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
• Magnesium deficiency is common in individuals suffering from Type II diabetes and has been associated with insulin resistance. Supplementing with magnesium is also helpful in supporting healthy nerve function. 
• Essential fatty acids, particularly omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil, have been shown to help improve glucose tolerance, reduce triglycerides and cholesterol levels and by supporting the overall health of the cardiovascular system, including the vessels to the eyes and kidneys, which can help to prevent retinopathy and nephropathy complications. 
• The last supplement worth mentioning is Alpha Lipoic acid (ALA). ALA is a powerful antioxidant that helps to support healthy glucose metabolism, as well as prevent complications.

Mulberry is the common name for plants in the Morus family. In North America, the most commonly used Mulberry to refer to the species Morus alba (White Mulberry) and Morus rubra (Red Mulberry). The fruit and the leaves have been shown to have very different health benefits. Mulberry fruit has been found to have potential benefits to both cardiovascular health. The leaf of the Mulberry bush, on the other hand, was initially discovered to help regulate blood pressure. Let's explore other ways a mulberry supplement can support health. 

Key Benefits of The Mulberry Plant

Benefits of Mulberry Fruit

The mulberry fruit is tart and sweet and also contains a rich content of phenolic flavonoids called anthocyanins. It also contains resveratrol, a strong antioxidant that can be used to protect against vascular damage. Mulberry fruit is a source of many strong antioxidants and also provides a rich dose of vitamin C and other nutrients.

Benefits of The Mulberry Leaf

Throughout history, Mulberry leaves have been cultivated around the world as food for the silkworm to further the production of silk. Later, it was discovered that the leaves could also have medicinal benefits for humans.

Exploring the Health Advantages of A Mulberry Supplement

Cognitive Health Benefits

Some preliminary research has suggested that Mulberry fruit may help to protect those neurons normally affected in people suffering from Parkinson’s Disease. Further research is required, but the initial results do look promising.

Cardiovascular & Cholesterol Management

In addition to being full of powerful antioxidants, Mulberry fruit extracts have also been shown to inhibit the oxidation of“bad” (LDL) cholesterol, and to prevent the formation of foam cells by macrophages, one of the major steps involved in the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Thus supplementing with Mulberry fruit extract can help to prevent atherosclerosis.

Healthy Blood Sugar Management of A Mulberry Supplement

Mulberry leaf is particularly useful in helping to regulate healthy blood sugar. Supplementation has been shown to slow the absorption of sugar in the digestive tract, which helps to stabilize and maintain blood sugar levels. Thus it can help diabetes sufferers to better manage their blood sugar when eating foods that normally have quick absorption.

Selecting A Quality Mulberry Supplement

Mulberries can be eaten fresh as a snack or as part of a meal. They can also be eaten dried and used in baking recipes in place of raisins. A mulberry supplement may also contain a powdered form of the fruit. The dosage has not yet been established by research, but doses within the range normally eaten in the diet are considered safe.

The health benefits of Mulberry leaf depend greatly on the quality of the extraction process used. As with most herbal supplements, be sure to use a manufacturer that you trust. Mulberry leaf can be taken as a tea or in powder or capsules. Tea can be taken in a dose of between 4.5 and 15g daily. The recommended dosage for concentrated extracts, like those found in capsules, is 1000mg (1g) three times daily before meals.

Dr. Oz featured several Weight loss "must haves" on one of his shows, PGX being one of them. It is a supplement he and his family have found effective in achieving and maintaining weight loss and a healthier lifestyle.

PGX As A Source of Fibre

Simply put, PGX is a fibre supplement. Fibre has many benefits for overall health. But sadly, most people rarely reach the recommended daily amount of fibre.

The average adult should be getting anywhere from 25-30 g of fibre, a mix of soluble and insoluble, a day. The average North American probably gets about half this amount. Due to the unique combination and types of fibre contained in PGX, it contains in only 5 grams the equivalent action of close to 20 grams of other fibre sources. Although it is still necessary to maintain a diet high in both soluble and insoluble fibre, using a supplement like PGX helps to significantly increase your fibre intake each day.

Discover How PGX Helps With Weight Loss

PGX stands for PolyGlycopleX, a unique blend of 3 different polysaccharides, the most abundant of which is Konjac Root or Glucomannan. Sodium alginate and xanthan gum are the other polysaccharides that make up the PGX combination.

The ingredients all have one very important action in common with each other, they absorb water as they travel through the intestinal tract. In doing so these fibres expand, not only does this make you feel full sooner, but for longer as well (increasing satiety). For this reason, PGX is considered an appetite suppressant, reducing overall caloric intake without leaving you feeling deprived. This is not the only way in which these supplements help to reduce weight, however. 

The Importance of Blood Sugar Regulation

Fibre, like that contained in PGX, helps to regulate blood sugar by slowing down how quickly the sugars in your diet are broken down and absorbed. Similarly, when taken with or before a meal, PGX can lower the glycemic index of a food altering how quickly it is digested and therefore how quickly it gets to the bloodstream.

A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars (and low in dietary fibre) causes constant and quick blood sugar spikes followed by a quick and large release of insulin causing a 'crash' or low in blood sugar. This low is a signal to your body that you need more sugar for energy and often causes cravings for high-sugar snacks or baked goods, perpetuating the cycle all over again.

Blood sugar regulation may be especially indicated for individuals who are already diabetic or have been told they are pre-diabetic, meaning that if something doesn't change, a diagnosis of diabetes is soon to follow. That being said, we can all benefit from better blood sugar regulation, both for the prevention of diabetes, as well as for overall weight loss and health maintenance.

High or fluctuating blood sugar levels can suppress the immune system, for several hours, impairing your ability to fight infection, leaving you more susceptible to what should be easy to kill bacteria and viruses. Once insulin is released into the bloodstream causing a rapid decrease in blood sugar, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which can decrease cognitive function and if chronically high can lead to many other health concerns, including unhealthy weight gain. High or constant fluctuating blood sugar levels can cause damage to kidney cells, impairing their ability to filter waste products from the blood. Long-term this can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis.

Lastly, there is a strong correlation between high or constantly fluctuating blood sugar and high blood pressure. High blood pressure is extremely common in the diabetic community and can significantly increase the risk of several other cardiovascular problems. Fluctuating blood sugar levels can also wreak havoc on mood and energy levels. Simply put the body functions most optimally when there is balance. A diet high in both soluble and insoluble fibre is one very important step in ensuring a healthy and even blood sugar balance.

Taking PGX Supplements

PGX can be purchased in capsule or powder form. The powder can be sprinkled on food or combined with liquid/water. Natural factors recommend that individuals increase their water intake by 8 oz. for every gram of PGX consumed. It is also recommended that individuals do not take PGX within 2-3 hours of bed.

*Dr. Oz has no affiliation with NationalNutrition.ca