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Information on PGX

People scramble for products that promise a quick and easy method to lose weight. PGX---or Polyglycoplex---is a popular weight-loss supplement. It was discovered by Dr. David Jenkins and a team of scientists in Canada.

  1. Ingredients

    • Several active components make up Polyglycoplex. The three most important are konjac root, which contains soluble fiber; sodium alginate, a gum extracted from brown algae; and xanthan gum, produced from the action of the Xanthomonas campestris bacterium on glucose or sucrose. Some formulations include mulberry extract and calcium.

    How It Works

    • The active ingredients have one important thing in common: they rapidly take up water or fluids upon exposure and swell up. Together, in the form of GPX, they swell and may take up water weighing 600 times more than their weight. Having been ingested and arriving in the gastrointestinal tract they cause a "full" feeling, lessening the sensation of hunger and diminishing the urge to eat more.

    How to Use

    • The two most-utilized forms of PGX are the soft gel capsules and granules. The recommended dose for soft gel capsules is to start with two per meal, gradually increasing to three to six capsules if desired. For granules, consumers can begin with 2.5 g per meal, subsequently increasing the dose until 5 g is reached. You can take the granules or the capsules 30 minutes before eating or during the meal itself. Drink a glass or two of water with every dose, since PGX rapidly absorbs water in the stomach.

    Side Effects

    • Even though PGX has been established to be effective and safe, you may experience several unwelcome effects when using it. Because it inhibits nutrient absorption, PGX use must accompany a proper diet with adequate vitamin intake. PGX in higher doses can completely suppress appetite, especially in people who are on the heavier side. A few cases of mild diarrhea have been reported.

    Other Benefits and Information

    • GPX formulations are free of artificial sweeteners and other high-caloric components. Aside from promoting weight loss, GPX lowers cholesterol levels in the blood and regulates blood sugar levels after a meal. The fiber provided helps to regulate bowel movement.

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