The Carb Blocker Diet is a weight-loss plan that incorporates the use of diet pills referred to as carb blockers. Carb blockers work by preventing the absorption of carbohydrates into the bloodstream, which decreases weight gain from eating excess carbs, or simple sugars. There is limited evidence as to the effectiveness of these pills however, and they should not replace a healthy diet and exercise regimen. Consult with a physician prior to initiating this diet or taking any dietary supplements.
Carbohydrates In The Diet
The Carb Blocker diet is based on the premise that carbohydrates contribute to increased fat storage and weight gain. Carbohydrates are an essential nutrient needed in the body, as they provide the body and brain's main source of energy. However, not all carbs are created equally. The majority of people today, including those who are overweight, take in simple carbohydrates that are primarily composed of sugar and starches. Such refined foods offer little nutritional value and cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate, increasing hunger cravings. When sugar molecules broken down in the body are not used for immediate energy purposes, they will be stored as fat.
What Are Carb Blockers?
According to PhenForum.com, carb blockers are derived from wheat germ or white kidney beans. They act to inhibit a digestive enzyme called alpha amylase, which serves to digest carbohydrates that could interfere with weight-loss efforts. These carb blocker pills claim to prevent as much as 30 g to 45 g of carbs from being absorbed into the body. However, these pills induced side effects, including bloating, gas, nausea and diarrhea. The NYTimes.com reported that the FDA, or Food and Drug Administration, concluded they were ineffective after several studies, causing their removal from the market back in the early 1980s. However, since then they made their way back into the market and are typically available as weight-loss supplements in the United States.
Do They Work?
According to PhenForum.com, studies conducted by the Mayo Clinic revealed that the bean and wheat extracts present in carb blockers may indeed slow the absorption rate of carbohydrates. However, significant effects only occurred with high doses of around 4,000 to 6,000 mg of the extracts, which far exceeds the average dosages of approximately 500 mg sold on the market. Diet-Pill-That-Works.com reports that these pills should not replace a low-carb diet. Furthermore, some manufacturers claim they are about 60 percent effective, leaving around 40 percent of carbs eaten to be absorbed into the body.
Diet
The Carb Blocker Diet specifically focuses on the use of carb blocker pills and is designed for people who possibly eat excess carbs or have trouble managing their carb intake. However, taking pills does not give dieters the ability to eat what they want. Rather, a healthy diet is essential to weight-loss and good health. According to Phlaunt.com, slowing down the digestive rate of carbs could be accomplished by eating a diet rich in fiber, such as green leafy vegetables. Fiber is the undigested part of plant food that aids in digestion and provides a steady source of energy to keep blood sugar levels steady.
References
- PhenForum: Do Carb Blockers Work For Weight Loss?
- "International Journal of Medical Sciences": A Dietary Supplement Containing Standardized Phaseolus Vulgaris Extract Influences Body Composition of Overweight Men and Women; L Celleno et al.; January 2007
- Diet Pill That Works: Carb Blocker Review
- Blood Sugar 101: Do Starch Blockers Work?
- Weight Loss Information.com: Starch Blockers For Weight Loss
- The New York Times: Ideas & Trends In Summary; FDA Outlaws 'Starch' Blockers
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