Uptake
And Absorption
The
principal sites of dietary carbohydrate digestion are in the mouth
and intestinal lumen. This digestion is rapid and usually completed
by the time the stomach contents reach the junction of the duodenum
and jejunum. Monosaccharides (simple sugars) are present in low
concentrations mainly in a diet of mixed animal and plant origin.
Disaccharides present the majority of carbohydrates found in the
human diet, being of either animal (such as glycogen) or plant origin
(starch, composed of amylase).
Digestion
of carbohydrates begins in the mouth where, during mastication (chewing),
salivatory glands produce the enzyme alpha-amylase that acts quickly
on the bonds between the carbohydrate rings, resulting in formation
of smaller, molecules of the sugar. Carbohydrates are the only dietary
component for which degradation begins in the mouth. Upon entering
the stomach, digestion of carbohydrates halts temporarily due to
inactivity of enzymes in the acidic environment of the stomach.
When acidic stomach content enters the small intestine, they are
then neutralized by bicarbonate secreted by the pancreas and now
pancreatic alpha-amylase continues the process of digestion. The
final digestive process occurs in the inner layer of the small intestine
(upper jejunum) with several enzymes being secreted by intestinal
wall. The duodenum and upper jejunum absorb the majority of the
dietary sugars. The mechanisms needed for such absorption differ
for each sugar. Insulin is not needed for the uptake of glucose
by the intestinal cells.
Since
predominantly monosaccharides are absorbed through the intestinal
wall, any defect in the enzyme structure of its activity causes
the loss of undigested carbohydrates into the large intestine. Most
common defects are lactose intolerance, isomaltase-sucrase intolerance,
as well as a variety of intestinal diseases, malnutrition, drugs,
injuries etc.
Sources
Of Carbohydrates
Although
many monosaccharides have been identified in nature, only a few
have metabolic significance in humans. Glucose is the most common,
along with fructose and galactose, which occur in significant amount
and contribute to energy metabolism of the body. About 15% to 20%
of the calories, or around 100 grams per day, contained in the western
diet are supplied by fructose alone, derived from sucrose (table
sugar) that breaks into equal amount of fructose and glucose. Fructose
is also found as a free monosaccharide in many fruits and vegetables
and in honey. Unlike glucose, fructose metabolism is fully insulin
independent. High-fructose diets can adversely affect liver metabolism.
A
constant source of blood glucose is an absolute requirement
for human life. Glucose is the preferred source of energy
of the brain and many other tissues of the human body, especially
in exercising muscle. Blood glucose can be obtained from three
primary sources:
~ Diet
(sucrose - table sugar)
~ Degradation of glycogen (sugar stored in cells)
~ Gluconeogenesis (synthesis of glucose)
|
The
major dietary source of galactose is lactose obtained from milk
and milk products. Galactose can also be obtained by degradation
of complex carbohydrates. Like fructose, galactose entry into cells
and its metabolism is not insulin dependant.
Dietary
intake of glucose and its precursors, such as starch, monosaccharides
and disaccharides, is often insufficient and sporadic. Therefore,
the human body has developed mechanisms for storing a supply of
glucose in a rapidly mobilized form such as glycogen. In the absence
of a dietary source of glucose, glucose can be quickly released
from liver glycogen, and similarly, in working muscle. When glycogen
stores (400 grams in muscles and around 100 grams in healthy liver)
are depleted, specific tissues synthesize glucose from the body’s
proteins in the pathway called gluconeogenesis.
CARB
ELIMINATOR™
Carb
Eliminator™, with its unique Triple Action Formula, has been
designed to serve as a carbohydrate blocker, appetite suppressant
and stimulant-free energizer, acting on several paths of carbohydrate
metabolism.
Carbohydrate
blocking
Carbohydrate
blocking has been achieved by a proprietary blend contained of Phaseolamin
2250™, Glucosol™, Gymnema Sylvestre Leaf, Fenugreek
Seed and Zhi Shi.
Phaseolamin
2250™
Phaseolamin
2250™ is a standardized, clinically studied, all-natural ingredient,
developed to delay starch digestion. By possibly causing a temporary
malabsorption of dietary starches, it also enables undigested dietary
starches to pass the digestive system without converting to glucose,
or energy. Phaseolamin, discovered in 1975, is derived from kidney
beans, Pheaseolus Vulgaris, and contain a proteinaceous inhibitor
of alpha-amylase. By binding with the enzyme alpha-amylase, pheaseolamin
destructs this enzyme temporally inhibiting its functions (described
earlier).
Pharmachem
Laboratories, Inc. performed in vitro quantitative tests that demonstrate
that one (1) gram of this powerful standardized extract “neutralizes”
over 560 grams of dietary starch, or over 2,250 starch calories.
Other lab based tests are equally compelling. The material survives
in undiluted gastric and intestinal solutions in laboratory tests.
Preliminary results of a European clinical study are very promising,
demonstrating an average weight loss of eleven (11) pounds in healthy
adults, without changes in diet and exercise, and reduction of the
conversion of dietary starch to glucose by an average of 57%.
Glucosol™
Glucose
transport is one of the most important and required parts of any
cell metabolism needed to acquire energy. Several different types
of glucose transporters are known in cell membranes of mammalian
tissues. Modifications of the activity of glucose transport would
cause several physiological effects, including lowering blood glucose
level. Only a few compounds have been known to affect glucose transport
activity. Several human hormones, primary insulin and glucagons,
are closely involved and present an essential part of carbohydrate
metabolism. Glucagon is known as a mobilizing hormone, while the
primary function of Insulin is storage of metabolic fuels.
Corosolic
acid, a main active ingredient of Glucosol™, is derived from
Lagerstroemia speciosa L. concentrate that is prepared
by boiling powder of sliced dry leaves in distilled water. Corosolic
acid shows significant glucose transport stimulating activity at
very small concentration. A recent study indicates that oral administration
of corosolic acid can result in hypoglycemic effects. Stimulation
of glucose transport from blood into tissue cells is an essential
part in the metabolic process needed to convert dietary components
into useful body energy. This hypoglycemic effect of Glucosol™
was studied in hereditary Type II diabetic mice, in which plasma
glucose levels increased in the control group. This increase was
completely suppressed in the mice given Glucosol™. The results
indicate large oral doses of Lagerstroemia speciosa L. produced
blood sugar reduction similar to that produced by two units of insulin.
The peak reduction occurred two hours after the administration and
repetition of the dose. After two hours, Lagerstroemia speciosa
L. caused the blood sugar level to remain low (or even lower than
the first effect) for more than 4 - 5 hours.
Gymnema
Sylvestre Leaf
Long
known in Indian medicine, Gymnema Sylvestre has been used for centuries
as an efficient therapeutic for the treatment of non-insulin dependent
diabetes mellitus and obesity. Alcoholic extracts of Gymnema Sylvestre
leafs have a direct effect on pancreatic islets of Langerhans and
several beta-cell lines, which among other functions produce insulin.
Gymnema Sylvestre has stimulatory effects on insulin release indicating
increasing cell permeability without long-term changing of regular
pathways.
Gymnemic
acid, a mixture of glycosides extracted from the leaves of Gymnema
Sylvestre, is also known to inhibit the intestinal absorption of
glucose in humans by inhibiting the absorption of oleic acid in
the intestine and in a dose dependent and reversible manner. The
extent of inhibition and the recovery progress are similar to the
response of the human body after glucose absorption.
Clinical
studies from Japan evaluated the effects of Gymnema Sylvestre on
plasma and liver lipids. Extract of Gymnema Sylvestre leafs induced
apparent fat digestibility, though not the protein digestibility.
Results showed that Gymnema Sylvestre extract also was efficient
to reduce the levels of plasma triglycerides and cholesterol influencing
over a wide range of lipoid metabolism, as well as to suppress body
weight gain, and accumulation of fat drops in kidney and other tissues.
It is found that Gymnema Sylvestre has similar results to those
of chitosan, even if they are given together.
Zhi
Shi
Zhi
Shi (in traditional Chinese medicine) is also known as green orange,
sour orange and bitter orange in other parts of the world. Synephrine,
that is the main active compound found in the fruit of a plant called
Citrus aurantium, is chemically very similar to the ephedrine and
pseudo-ephedrine found in many weight loss and energy supplements
which contain Ma Huang, but with significantly fewer side effects.
Because
synephrine is a stimulant, similar to caffeine and ephedrine, it
is thought to have similar effects in terms of providing an energy
boost, suppressing appetite and increasing metabolic rate and caloric
expenditure. In traditional Chinese medicine, Zhi Shi is used to
help stimulate the Qi (energy force). Although synephrine and several
other compounds found in Zhi Shi are structurally similar to ephedrine
and are known to act as stimulants by increasing adrenergic activity,
Zhi Shi does not appear to have the same negative central nervous
effects of Ma Huang. Through its stimulation of specific adrenergic
receptors, Zhi Shi is theorized to stimulate fat metabolism without
the negative cardiovascular side effects experienced by some people
with stimulation of all adrenergic beta-receptors by Ma Huang.
The
most likely explanation for weight loss effects attributed to citrus
aurantium supplements is the amphetamine- like effects of the alkaloids.
Although this effect is likely to be somewhat less dramatic that
effects induced by Ma Huang, the human body can still expect variable
effects including reduced appetite and heightened feelings of energy
very similar to those of caffeine - both of which are likely to
result in weight loss.
Fenugreek
Seed
The
last (but not least) ingredient of the Carb Eliminator™ proprietary
carbohydrate blocking blend is Fenugreek Seed, T. foenum graceum.
Another traditional Asian medicinal plant, Fenugreek seed has several
effects in carbohydrate metabolism. It has also been traditionally
used in treatment of diabetic subjects but its bitter taste prevented
any wide spread use. Today’s availability of extracted fenugreek
seeds allows us to use them in powder form.
Fenugreek
has a direct effect on glutathione increasing its plasma levels,
as well as on glutathione s-transferase enzyme in the liver, increasing
its activity. Fenugreek treatment also showed a small but consistent
increase in erythrocytes. An active amino acid found in fenugreek
seeds is 4-hydroxysoleucine, which also shows interesting effects
on increased insulin production and can also mimic insulin, restoring
the normal levels of sugars in the blood.
Appetite
suppression
Another
important part in achieving desired effects of carbohydrate elimination
is suppression of the appetite. Such has been achieved by a proprietary
blend containing Yerba Mate Leaf, Korean and Siberian Ginseng root,
and Green Tea Leaf Extract.
Yerba
Mate Leaf
One
of the foremost beverages of South America is ilex paraguariensis,
or yerba mate. In current practice in industrialized, modern Argentina
and Paraguay, maté tea is made from the leaves steeped in
hot water. A large quantity of ground leaf is first soaked in cold
water, then the hot water is added, over and over again, until all
the parts have been extracted. In between each addition of hot water,
the tea is ingested through a special wood or metal straw.
Among
the native Peruvian tribe Guarani, the natural use of maté
for healthful purposes has persisted. They use it to boost immunity,
cleanse and detoxify the blood, tone the nervous system, restore
youthful hair color, retard aging, combat fatigue, stimulate the
mind, control the appetite, reduce the effects of debilitating disease,
and so forth.
Several
attempts to characterize part or all of the constituents of maté
have been made during the last few decades. The one thing that unites
the various assays is the consistent detection of numerous vitamins
and minerals. There is the usual array of resins, fiber, volatile
oil and tannins that characterize many plant substances. But then
there is the growing list of vitamins and minerals, including carotene,
vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B complex, riboflavin, nicotinic acid,
pantothenic acid, biotin, vitamin C complex, magnesium, calcium,
iron, sodium, potassium, manganese, silicon, phosphates, sulphur,
chlorophyll, choline, and inositol to name a few.
Korean
and Siberian Ginseng Root
The
main component in this unique blend of two different kinds of very
potent ginseng roots is a diverse group of steroidal saponins known
as ginsenosides. There are over twenty-five known ginsenosides that
have been separated and detected based on their sugar units. The
ginsenosides demonstrate the ability to target a myriad of tissues,
producing a range of responses quite different from one another.
A single ginsenoside can initiate multiple or opposing actions in
the same tissue, making the effects of ginseng complex. Such effects
include:
Ginseng
decreases blood sugar through glucose metabolism related to adrenergic
receptors, improving psychophysical performance, and reducing fasting
blood glucose and weight.
In
traditional Chinese medicine, Ginseng has been used for centuries
for loss of appetite, and control of gastric disturbances and vomiting.
The blend in Carb Eliminator™ of Korean and Siberian ginseng
is designed to give greater response in this field, while minimizing
other effects ginseng has on the human body.
Green
Tea Leaf
Natural
green tea extract is made from the leaves of Gamellia sinensis,
whose major active compounds are the tea polyphenols. The primary
polyphenols found in green tea are the catechins: epicatechin, epigallocatechin,
epicatechin-3- gallate, epigallocatechin-3-gallate. Of all the catechins
found in green tea, epicatechin-3-gallate is known to be the most
powerful. Recently, green tea has been the focus of much scientific
and biomedical research. This research combined evidence from traditional
and epidemiological sources that support its preventive health capabilities.
The polyphenols from green tea have long been known to have multifunctional
properties including their effects on carbohydrate metabolism.
Many
important enzymes are involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates
(as previously described). All of these enzymes contribute to the
digestion of carbohydrates at different points in the digestive
tract as well as after sugars enter the blood. Studies have shown
the inhibitory activity of green teas polyphenols on alpha-amylase.
Similar studies have shown that tea catechins could also inhibit
the activities of sucrose and alpha-glucoidase. The administration
of various amounts of tea polyphenols suppresses both plasma glucose
and insulin levels after starch ingestion. It was also found that
tea polyphenols could prevent carbohydrate digestion in the small
intestine.
In
regulating human metabolism, green leaf tea extract also has several
effects on lipid metabolism, decreasing plasma total cholesterol,
and increasing total fecal excretion of lipids and cholesterol.
Proprietary
Digestive Enzyme Blend
The
third portion of the Triple Action Formula of Carb Eliminator™
is the proprietary digestive blend, which contains bromelain, papaine,
and peptizyme, some of the numerous enzymes essential in the metabolism
of carbohydrates in the human body. As described earlier, from ingestion
each step is accompanied with several enzymes that are essential
to catalyze the chemical reaction needed to complete that step of
metabolism. Enzymes improve, and significantly increase speed of
many reactions, making them a functional, vital part of living organism.
