PGX

PGX is an abbreviation for PolyGlycopleX®. This product is a blend of polysaccharides or plant fibers that are water-soluble. This product claims to suppress the appetite and promote the feeling of fullness in an individual. PGX fiber is also said to slow the rate of carbohydrate absorption, which prevents the post-meal blood sugar spikes that are primarily responsible for hunger pangs between meals and late-night snack cravings. Ingredients : As per the information from the company, PGX comprises Mulberry Leaf Extract, xanthum gum, Sodium Alginate, Amorphophallus Konjac k root and one gram of dietary fiber. The company also claims that there are no artificial colors or preservatives in PGX Fiber.

Special Precautions of PGX

• Constipation : PGX fiber can cause constipation if you do not consume the proper amount of water with the supplement. If taking PGX fiber, you need to drink a lot of water to be sure to flush the supplement out of your system. Because water consumption is necessary, diuretics, such as coffee and alcohol, should be avoided because they dehydrate the body. Vegetable juice and diluted fruit juices are also appropriate to consume, though you should limit your sugar intake. Smaller meals will also reduce the chance of constipation.
• Gas : Like many fiber supplements, PGX fiber can cause an increase in gas. This especially applies to those who have just recently begun taking the supplement. Their bodies often have not had time to adjust to the new regime. That is why, according to PGX.com, users should begin their regiment with a small dosage and work their way up as their bodies adjust.
• Bloating : Many fiber substitutes cause bloating. PGX fiber is no exception. Newer users are likely to experience increased incidents of bloating as their bodies adjust to the supplement. It is best to start taking PGX fiber in small doses and gradually work your way up as your body becomes more acclimated. Drinking lots of water to flush the supplement through the digestive system will also reduce incidents of bloating.

The benefits of PGX are

PGX is made of non-starch and natural soluble fibers. It is claimed that these fibres develop high viscosity once in the stomach and hence move slowly. Manufacturers claim that this substance does not lose its viscosity in the stomach or intestines. This fiber also claims to enhance the volume of the meals which helps in decreasing the portion size of the actual meal. It is also said to help in decreasing insulin resistance for people who are trying to lose weight. So far, research on the health effects of PGX is fairly limited. However, there's some evidence that PGX may offer some benefits. Here's a look at key findings from the available studies:

• PGX and Weight Loss : PGX may influence certain hormones involved in controlling satiety (the feeling of fullness), according to a 2010 study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. For the study, 54 healthy adults took either PGX or a placebo for 21 days. By the study's end, members of the PGX group showed a significantly greater increase in levels of satiety-related hormones (compared to members of the placebo group). However, the study's authors noted that PGX may have a different effect on overweight people.
• PGX and Diabetes : PGX may aid in blood-sugar control (a key element of diabetes management), suggests a 2010 study in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In a series of experiments involving 10 participants, researchers found that PGX helped reduce post-meal spikes in blood sugar. PGX is also said to fight diabetes by regulating blood-sugar levels and protecting against insulin resistance.A 2011 study in Frontiers in Pharmacology indicated that PGX showed promise in diabetes management. In tests on diabetic rats, the authors found that eight weeks of treatment with PGX led to a significant reduction in insulin resistance and blood-sugar levels. In addition, PGX appeared to help lower cholesterol levels, body weight and food intake.
• In addition to using PGX for weight loss, some consumers take PGX supplements to keep their cholesterol in check. Proponents claim that taking PGX can lower your levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol.