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Glucomannan is derived from the konjac plant that grows mostly in
Asia. Each konjac plant produces one large tuberous root very
similar to a beet. Unlike most plants with roots that extend from
the bottom of the tuber, konjac’s roots grow from the top of the
tuber, which also puts out a thick stem. Each konjac stem in turn
has only one leaf and a single foul-smelling flower may bloom before
the leaf appears. Konjac plant is sometimes called snake plant
because its bark resembles snake skin. The tubers of the konjac
plant can each weigh over 10 pounds.
Glucomannan is water
insoluble, but forms a thick, gooey gel when exposed to fluids. The
body does not digest glucomannan, so the resulting large soft mass
moves through the intestines and may trigger intestinal muscle
contractions. Consequently glucomannan promotes a larger, bulkier
stool that passes through the colon more easily and requires less
pressure and straining to expel.
Since glucomannan can take
up to 12 hours to make it through the intestines, it delays stomach
emptying, leading to more absorption of dietary sugar which is
believed by many to reduce the level of blood sugar levels that are
typical after a meal. It is also believed that this phenomenon holds
true for people with diabetes. When given glucomannan-enriched
diets, overall diabetic control is improved.
It has also been
suggested that glucomannan may be helpful for women with
pregnancy-related diabetes. Results of one study reported that
glucomannan (8-13 grams per day) helped to stabilize blood sugar in
people with the insulin resistance syndrome. It was also shown that
2.6 or 5.2 grams of glucomannan added to a meal possibly prevented
hypoglycemia in adults that had recently undergone stomach
surgery.
Some studies have demonstrated that glucomannan can
be used in the management of obesity. In an eight-week double-blind
study, 20 obese subjects received 1 gram of glucomannan or placebo
daily. Subjects were instructed not to change eating or exercise
habits. Glucomannan-supplemented subjects had a significant mean
weight loss of 5.5 pounds. Serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol
were significantly reduced in the group. Glucomannan may help weight
loss by occupying space in the stomach, thereby making a person feel
full.
Dosage and Administration
Since
glucomannan tablets have been associated with occasional blockages
of the throat, if you decide to use this supplement, take
glucomannan as capsules and swallow them with plenty of water or use
a glucomannan powder that can be mixed into a drink. Glucomannan
should always be taken with 8 ounces or more of water or other
fluid.
Doses of glucomanna used in studies have included:
- Laxative - 3,000 mg to 4,000 mg (3 grams to 4
grams) Once. Repeated after 12 hours, if necessary
- Diabetes - 3,600 mg to 7,200 mg (3.6 grams to
7.2 grams) Once a day
- High Cholesterol - 3,900 mg (3.9 grams) Once
a day
- Weight loss (Adults) - 1,000 mg (one gram)
Three times a day
- Weight loss (Children) - 700 mg to 1,000 mg
(0.7 grams to one gram) Three times a day
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