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Clarifying the Complex World of Nutrition Science

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Reverse Syndrome X, Slow Down Carbohydrate Absorption and Lose Weight Naturally!

Reverse Syndrome X, Slow Down Carbohydrate Absorption and Lose Weight Naturally!

Salacia Reticulata— Supports Healthy Blood Lipids

This herb has been traditionally used in Indian medicine to treat diabetes. It has potent antioxidant properties, 21, and triglyceride- and LDL cholesterol-lowering effects that aid in weight loss. Salacia contains mangiferin, which enhances the body's sensitivity to insulin, and also contains inhibitors of sugar digestion and absorption.22

Banaba— Effective in Supporting Healthy Body Weight

Banaba is a botanical extract that comes from the leaves of banaba trees and is traditionally used in the Philippines as an herbal medicine for diabetes. Corosolic acid, a triterpenoid in the leaves, acts as a glucose transport stimulator. It also appears to have strong antioxidant properties. Animal studies have shown it to be effective both for treating diabetes and obesity.23

Momordica— A Powerful Pancreas Protector

Also called bitter gourd or bitter melon, Momordica is used as a vegetable in India. Its extract improves glucose metabolism, protects the pancreas, slows carbohydrate absorption, and decreases gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose in the liver from other foodstuffs. It has also been shown to improve insulin resistance 24; protect and regenerate insulin-producing pancreas cells 25; and lower both blood lipids and glucose.26

Coccinia—Supports Normal Glucose Oxidation

Also called Ivy gourd, this Indian herb is related to bitter gourd and is used for similar purposes as Momordica. It decreases the liver's own production of blood sugar, and increases glucose oxidation in the liver.27

How to Eat a Low-Carb Diet and Still Enjoy Eating

Variety is the Spice of Life

One of the common complaints we hear from people on low-carb diets is that there's not enough variety, that it gets monotonous, or that there's nothing to eat. Actually, there's tons to eat and once you get into the swing of things, you'll start feeling so much better than you have in years, that you'll want to continue eating this way. The key is to spice things up by including lots of fresh herbs and veggies.

What if I'm a Vegetarian?

Typical vegetarian protein sources, such as beans, can increase symptoms of Syndrome X because they raise blood sugar and insulin levels significantly higher than meat (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 1997, vol. 66). Try to include eggs, high-protein dairy foods such as cottage cheese, and tofu in your diet. However, you don't have to pig out on protein - the important thing is to restrict the carbohydrate.

And be sure to take a supplement with anti-X nutrients.

What About Dietary Fat?

The important thing is to restrict the carbohydrates. Fats are not the problem and you need not restrict your intake. In fact, dietary fat stimulates your metabolism and causes satiation of the appetite. So live it up, but make sure that the fats you eat are high quality such as coconut oil (which is high medium chain triglycerides and increase thermogenesis--fat-burning metabolism), olive oil, canola oil, whole avocado, butter, and flax oil. Don't eat processed fats such as hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

Get moving. Exercise!

Daily exercise is an important key to weight control. Exercise raises your all-important metabolism, enabling your body to burn calories more efficiently and at a faster rate. Exercise is also a mood, mind and memory enhancer. So, get out there and move!

  • Walk instead of ride. Or get into a routine. If it's been a while since you've worked your muscles, start out with an easy walk for 20 minutes, 3 times a week. Gradually increase the time, frequency and tempo until you're up to at lest 30 minutes, 3 to 5 days a week.
  • Dance the night away. Folk, ballroom, tango, disco, ballet, jazz, square, and country line are some of the popular dance forms that have become permanent elements of the American cultural and social scene. Dance is a wonderful way to exercise without watching the clock. It's also a terrific way to meet people! If you're feeling shy, then put on a CD in the privacy of your home and boogie with a partner or yourself.
  • Hike into the wild, blue yonder. Whether you live in the southwest desert, southeast wetlands or northeast mountains, there's bound to be a hiking trail nearby. Put on a pair of sturdy shoes, sun block, and get out and enjoy nature. It'll clear your mind and boost your energy.
  • Most importantly, remember to drink plenty of water before and after exercise!

10 Anti-X Diet Tips that will help you lose weight!

  1. Take Carbo Defense (see ad) to help you slow down carbohydrate absorption and improve insulin regulation in your body.
  2. Be sure to avoid refined carbohydrates, including white flour, rice (white and brown), plus other caloric sweeteners.
  3. Cut down on starchy vegetables and grains including (surprisingly) carrots, peas, potatoes, rice, and corn due to their high glycemic index. (see Glycemic Index chart)
  4. Include nonstarchy vegetables as your main source of carbohydrates (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, spinach, chard, kale, lettuce, arugula).
  5. Get at least 25 grams of fiber every day from vegetables or flax seeds.
  6. Avoid soft drinks, fruit juices, alcohol and other highly processed drinks.
  7. Eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in deep-fried foods, margarine and foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils.
  8. Focus on healthy fats. Get your omega-3 fatty acids from cold water fish. and/or flax seed or oil. Use coconut oil or olive oil for cooking. (Contrary to popular thought, coconut oil is good for you! It contains significant amounts of a type of fat called medium-chain triglyceride, that reduces body fat, reverses arteriosclerosis, improves glucose metabolism and even lowers serum and liver cholesterol while raising HDLs—"good" cholesterol.)
  9. Include plenty of wholesome, organic protein sources, i.e. free-range meats and poultry, eggs, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese and/or soy products, nuts, and nut butters, at every meal and snack.
  10. Drink at least eight 8-ounce glasses of purified water every day.

*Note: Non-starchy vegetables such as leafy greens, sprouts, and broccoli are not listed due to their extremely low rating. Meat, poultry, fish, eggs, cream, fats and oils, which are extremely low carbohydrate foods, are not rated.

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Editor's Note:

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This article is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a physician before embarking on a dietary supplement program.

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