Posted by Bird Watcher on September 23, 2008, at 0:54:10
In reply to Re: Natural Weight Loss, Type 2 Diabetes, ED Cure, etc, posted by nolvas on September 22, 2008, at 16:34:36
Well, to start, I think that I am just one person who konjac root fiber has worked for. I have lost over 20 lbs. since taking it, and NEVER felt hungry (which is what ended my bulimia). I have never experienced this before. My blood sugar levels are now stable at below 100 most of the time (at one time they were up to 180-200). My cravings are gone, too. It turns out for me, that although my bulimia had an emotional component to it, there was also a physical cause, as well. I have tried to beat this addiction for years, with many therapists and drugs. Then I happen to stumble on Mark Hyman's book (below) and it changed my life.
Below is my answer to your request for more info on studies. If I took the time, I'm sure I could find much more than this, but with my own results combined with the info I have read thus far, I do not need any more convincing. I wish more doctors would research this, however.
I initially found out about this incredible health food when I was reading the book "Ultra Metabolism" by Mark Hyman. On page 94 of his book, he mentions that this root has been studied by researchers at the
University of Toronto, prepared in pills or powders that can be mixed with water and taken before meals. The results have been remarkable. This fiber blocks cholesterol absorption, reduces the production of HMG CoA reductase, the principal regulator of cholesterol in the body, and feeds the healthy bacteria in the gut that then produce special fats which reduce the production of cholesterol in the liver. Used in conjunction with the healthy diet outlined in the book and exercise, konjac fiber helps reduce blood sugar and cholesterol, and facilitates weight loss. See ultrametabolism.com for more info on where to find konjac root fiber.Here are several other resources from the internet (too many to count really - these just scratch the surface)
http://www.viable-herbal.com/Singles/herbs/s851.htm
Glucomannan is an all-natural, dietary source of 100% fiber obtained from the root of the Konjac plant in Asia. And Glucomannan contains zero calories, so it's an excellent addition to a sensible weight loss program. Additionally, this herb has been shown to help reduce cholesterol, relieve constipation and regulate blood sugar in several clinical studies.http://weight-loss.emedtv.com/glucomannan/does-glucomannan-work.html
Glucomannan Studies
Many studies have evaluated glucomannan for a variety of uses. In general, these studies have suggested that glucomannan is probably safe and effective for these uses. It has long been known that a high-fiber diet can help with weight loss. Fiber tends to help people feel fuller for a longer period of time. Small studies have suggested that glucomannan may be effective for weight loss, although more research is needed.
Additionally, studies have generally suggested that glucomannan is effective for treating constipation, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes. It is important to note that these studies were usually small and generally did not compare glucomannan to a placebo (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredient). While further research is needed to confirm these findings, it makes sense that glucomannan works for these problems, because it is a fiber supplement (and fiber is often helpful for these conditions).http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucomannan
Clinical and pre-clinical studies have shown several potential health benefits of glucomannan.
[edit] Constipation
Glucomannan is a soluble fiber, and as such, has been investigated for the treatment of constipation. Glucomannan may relieve constipation by decreasing fecal transit time.[2] In the treatment of chronic constipation, glucomannan significantly improved symptoms of constipation while being well-tolerated and free of relevant side effects.[3][edit] Obesity
Clinical evidence suggests glucomannan may be beneficial in weight loss.[4] Because it is a soluble fiber, it absorbs water to form a viscous gel-like mass. This mass may promote feelings of satiety while traveling through the gastrointestinal tract. In obese patients, taking 1 gram of glucomannan with 8 ounces (250 ml) of water 1 hour before each of 3 meals daily over 8 weeks resulted in an average weight loss of 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg).[5][edit] Cholesterol and other lipids
Glucomannan has demonstrated statistically significant improvements in the total cholesterol of obese patients.[5] In healthy men, 4 weeks of taking 3.9 grams of glucomannan decreased total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure; notably, triglycerides dropped by 23%.[6] Glucomannan has also been tested in children with high cholesterol in conjunction with a diet. Interestingly, greater decreases in total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein were observed in female children when compared to male children.[7] When used in conjunction with chitosan, glucomannan decreases serum cholesterol possibly by increasing steroid excretion via the feces.[8][edit] Type 2 diabetes
Glucomannan may be useful as a therapeutic adjunct for type 2 diabetes. It has been shown to improve the lipid profile and alleviate the fasting blood glucose levels of type 2 diabetics.[9]
[3]^ Passaretti S, Franzoni M, Comin U, et al (1991). "Action of glucomannans on complaints in patients affected with chronic constipation: a multicentric clinical evaluation". Ital J Gastroenterol 23 (7): 4215. PMID 1742540.
[4]^ Keithley J, Swanson B (2005). "Glucomannan and obesity: a critical review". Altern Ther Health Med 11 (6): 304. PMID 16320857.
[5]^ a b Walsh DE, Yaghoubian V, Behforooz A (1984). "Effect of glucomannan on obese patients: a clinical study". Int J Obes 8 (4): 28993. PMID 6096282.
[6]^ Arvill A, Bodin L (March 1995). "Effect of short-term ingestion of konjac glucomannan on serum cholesterol in healthy men". Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 61 (3): 5859. PMID 7872224.
[7]^ Martino F, Martino E, Morrone F, Carnevali E, Forcone R, Niglio T (June 2005). "Effect of dietary supplementation with glucomannan on plasma total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein cholesterol in hypercholesterolemic children". Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 15 (3): 17480. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2004.04.004. PMID 15955465.
[8]^ Gallaher DD, Gallaher CM, Mahrt GJ, et al (October 2002). "A glucomannan and chitosan fiber supplement decreases plasma cholesterol and increases cholesterol excretion in overweight normocholesterolemic humans". J Am Coll Nutr 21 (5): 42833. PMID 12356785.
[9]^ Chen HL, Sheu WH, Tai TS, Liaw YP, Chen YC (February 2003). "Konjac supplement alleviated hypercholesterolemia and hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetic subjects--a randomized double-blind trial". J Am Coll Nutr 22 (1): 3642. PMID 12569112.
poster:Bird Watcher
thread:853446
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20080612/msgs/853564.html