Carb Blocker Diet

The Carb Blocker Diet, also known as the Starch Blocker Diet, employs the use of carb blocking supplements that inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates, thus decreasing the ability of the body to store excess carbohydrate calories as fat. The pills suppress the digestive enzyme alpha amylase, causing unused carbohydrates to be eliminated through the body's waste.

Process

According to Dr. Steven Rosenblatt, author of the Starch Blocker Diet, the proper dose of a carb blocker should be taken before a starchy meal. Dr. Rosenblatt suggests one dose per day; however, it is best to follow dosing instructions indicated on the particular product's packaging, as a plethora of types are available. Consideration should be taken to reduce overall caloric intake and to increase level of fitness through exercise.

Pros

According to Dr. Steven Rosenblatt using carb blockers contribute to substantial fat loss and aid in weight management. Taking a starch blocker will also enhance an already low carb diet by allowing the dieter to still consume high starch carbohydrates, such as pasta or rice, making popular diets like Atkins or South Beach more user friendly.

Cons

According to a 2004 University of California, Berkeley Wellness Letter, starch blockers, commonly referred to as carb blockers, lack scientific evidence based on human studies. Additionally, starch blockers are expensive and pose mild to moderate intestinal and digestive side effects such as gas, bloating and diarrhea.

Evidence Against Carb Blockers

A study performed by the Cosmetic Research Center found that subjects eating a high-carb, 2,000-calorie diet showed significantly greater reduction of body weight, BMI, fat mass, adipose tissue thickness, and waist/hip/ thigh circumferences while maintaining lean body mass compared to subjects receiving a placebo.

Caution

Seek medical advice before beginning any diet or taking any dietary supplements. The University of California Berkeley urges avoiding over the counter carb blockers, especially if you are a diabetic. Carb blockers impact blood sugar levels, which can significantly impact diabetics that are already on a program to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.