One of the popular diet recommendations to help people lose weight is to increase their consumption of dietary fiber. Unfortunately, to fully achieve the appetite-stabilizing effects of fiber, very large quantities must be consumed—higher quantities than most people would ever eat. Most North Americans consume 5–15 grams of fiber per day. And, while some diets recommend 35 grams of fiber to promote weight loss, the reality is that it is estimated that 75–100 grams or more of fiber per day would be required in order to have highly significant effects in producing weight loss in overweight individuals. Because a fiber intake of this level is just not practical for most Americans, a great deal of research has been going on to develop “super fibers” that can be easily added to the diet without taking away from the enjoyment of eating.

The most thoroughly researched and best example of these super fibers is PolyGlycopleX or PGX—an entirely new complex produced with three natural fibers. Sophisticated analysis has shown that PGX is a novel, revolutionary type of fiber. When taken before or with meals, the PGX complex increases both the volume and viscosity of food because it is able to bind water more effectively than any other known fiber. When consumed, PGX expands in the stomach and thickens to form a gelatinous mass that slows stomach emptying and prevents the rapid digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, resulting in a lower and more stable blood sugar response. It also produces a tremendous sensation of being full by reducing the level of compounds that stimulate appetite while at the same time increasing the level of compounds that block appetite. As a result, PGX works to promote a feeling of appetite satisfaction (satiety) and thereby reduces caloric intake making achieving your ideal body weight nearly effortless.

PGX Is Clinically Proven
Detailed clinical studies published in major medical journals and presented at the world’s major diabetes conferences have shown PGX to exert the following benefits:
• Reduces appetite and promotes effective weight loss.
• Stabilizes blood sugar control.
• Increases insulin sensitivity.
•  Reduces the glycemic index of any food, beverage or meal by 35–50%.
• Lowers blood cholesterol and triglycerides.
Research at the Canadian Center for Functional Medicine has shown that people who have difficulty controlling their appetite spend much of their day on a virtual “blood sugar roller coaster.” Specifically, by using new techniques in 24-hour blood sugar monitoring, this ground-breaking research has now documented that excessive appetite and food cravings in overweight subjects are directly correlated with rapid fluctuations in blood glucose throughout the day and night. Furthermore, it has now been documented that by utilizing PGX these same subjects can dramatically restore their body’s ability to tightly control blood sugar levels and that this accomplishment is powerfully linked to remarkable improvements in insulin sensitivity and reductions in appetite.

How to Use PGX
Fact: the key ingredient to successful weight loss is the ingestion of 2.5–5 grams of PGX at major meals and perhaps at least twice more for those with an appetite more difficult to tame. PGX is available in capsules (either hard or soft gelatin), as a zero-calorie drink mix, as granules to be added into food and beverages and in a sophisticated low carbohydrate, very low-glycemic index meal replacement drink containing undenatured whey protein, natural flavors and sweeteners along with vitamins and minerals.

PGX Is Safe
Detailed studies in both humans and animals have shown that PGX is very safe and well tolerated. There are no specific drug interactions, but it is advised that it is best to take any medication either an hour before or after taking PGX. Since PGX is a super fiber, in the first few days or so of use it may lead to increased feelings of fullness and gassiness. That said, in a human tolerance study the frequency of these complaints were just as high in the placebo group. Nonetheless, the super fiber can be found complexed with medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) from coconut oil along with a blend of fennel, anise and caraway in a convenient soft gelatin capsule. In addition to increasing the ability of PGX to disperse and bind water when the capsule comes into contact with gastric acid, MCTs are noted for their ability to help burn fat while the herbal extract blend will help prevent any gastrointestinal issues. To take advantage of the weight loss promoting and blood sugar stabilizing effects of PGX, simply take three to six capsules 15 to 20 minutes before meals. Be sure to drink at least eight ounces of water per three capsules.
For more information, visit www.hungerfreeforever.com.

Michael T. Murray, N.D. is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading authorities on natural medicine. He is a graduate, former faculty member and serves on the Board of Regents of Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. He is the author of over 30 books on health and nutrition with his latest release, What the Drug Companies Won’t Tell You and Your Doctor Doesn’t Know.

Published in WholeFoods Magazine February 2010