Hunger Free Forever?

[MountainGirl]

Hey y'all!

Two very-well respected drs and researchers have a program that sounds amazing!! I have been reading Dr. Michael T. Murray's natural health and nutrition books for many years, he has written over 30!

Anyway, I'm ordering this book and thought I'd share! Has anyone heard about this?

You can see a short video here:

HUNGER FREE FOREVER

[MountainGirl]

Well, I ordered the book and can't wait to see it. As I said Michael T. Murray is one the natural medicine and foods most respected author and researcher.

Anyway, the program calls for a fiber supplement called PGX that keeps you full. I got it at the health food store last night and started it before bed and WOW, it worked wonders for my night-time hungries!

I'm going out to lunch today and I'm excited to use the PGX before lunch so I don't eat as much.

[Diana]

I would be curious to read more on this... What exactly does PGX have in it other then Fiber?

Edited... Here we go...

But currently, PGX appears to be the most powerful fiber in the world. Why? It attracts water like crazy -- 200 times its own weight.

So with just half an ounce you can add about six pounds of food volume to your diet without adding any additional calories, So you can well imagine six pounds of food would be a lot of fullness in your stomach, and it's easy to eat a lot less.

[ceceee8935]

Even though I have a very small appetite now, I would still be interested in reading his book. I have family members that this may help. Cool post

[pegbord]

This is sold at my local health store. I think I'll buy some today and give it a try - can't hurt. Thanks for the info! I'll keep you posted.

[MountainGirl]

WOW! I took the PGX this morning and the only thing I can see that might be a problem is that I may not want to eat! As a diabetic, I NEED to eat, but this has truly cut my hunger.

I have a HUGE appetite (even on low carb), and it has been the bain of my existence. This is the first thing I've tried (and I've tried LOTS of things) and really buts my hunger and keeps me feeling full.

The thing I have to remember is that it MUST be accompanied by good quality, lc, REAL food for the best results for health and weight loss.

But, I am impressed! I got it on sale at my health food store last night and I'm thinking of stocking up. I save $8.00 a bottle!

BTW, the don't sell it at Netrition, I already checked.

Can't wait to get the book! I ordered it last night from Amazon

[Moretta]

This sounds amazing. I am thinking of ordering the book.

Thanks for sharing the information.

[Diana]

Please continue to share your experience for everyone

[doxielvr]

PGX is the ingredient in the SlimStyles drink that some (including me) were/are using. I found it worked at first, but after a while the PGX was not a miracle. Hope it works for you.

[AnnaV]

How many caps of the PGX are you taking? I've worked my way up to four with a meal but find it doesn't fill me. I might have to move up to six and I'm thinking that the size of the caps alone + the gallon of water required to swallow them would fill me up regardless of the fiber! LOL!

BTW, Costco sells them up here (Calgary Canada) and you get double the caps for the same price as in most health food stores. Wish I hadn't been so quick to buy them when I saw them....

[deb3]

Okay, I need Fawn or JuliaL to weigh in on this, please. I'm very easily swayed by a good pitch- it's very evident by the amount of money I've spent over the years on this stuff! Is it going to work? With gas prices the way they are, I can't afford it if it's not!

[Gr82bthin]

I bought a bottle of 150 at the Vitamin Shoppe at lunch for $24.99 and the clerk said that was the last bottle they had and those flew off the shelves in the past few days. She said she uses them and they really do keep the hunger away and help with regularity.

[AnnaV]

I took six just after I posted in this thread and I'm thinking that's the quantity that works for me. I took it before I made myself lunch (egg salad) and by the time I finished dressing it I was not interested in eating. I ate some anyway but I barely got through half. I'll stick with this and see if it helps.

I did notice with the 4 caps that while I didn't feel FULL I wasn't craving anything either. I'm doing this with Paul McKenna's program (finally got it yesterday!) and am hoping it's the combo I need. The only worry I have is his stance on eating what you WANT, not what you think you should. I know where that will land me....

[hummingbird11]

I agree!

Originally Posted by deb3

Okay, I need Fawn or JuliaL to weigh in on this, please. I'm very easily swayed by a good pitch- it's very evident by the amount of money I've spent over the years on this stuff! Is it going to work? With gas prices the way they are, I can't afford it if it's not!

[AnnaV]

I would suggest going to the PGX website and read up on the science and research behind the product. I'm not suggesting that the opinions of Fawn or JuliaL won't help but I would hesitate putting your decisions on the shoulders of other people. And I don't mean that in a bad way by any means.

PGX®

Blurb:

(PGX) PolyGlycoplex is a proprietary blend of natural viscous, non-starch polysaccharides that act synergistically to develop a higher level of viscosity than other dietary viscous fibres known. This blend forms a unique gel matrix that moves slowly through the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike many fibre-containing natural health products, PGX does not lose its gel-like viscosity in the acidic environment of the stomach or the alkaline intestinal environment.

The effectiveness of fibre on reducing appetite, blood sugar, and cholesterol is well known and is directly proportionate to the amount of water the fibre is able to absorb (water holding capacity) and the degree of thickness or viscosity it develops in the stomach and intestine. For instance, oat bran lowers cholesterol and controls blood sugar better gram for gram than wheat bran because it absorbs more water. PGX combines several fibres that work synergistically to multiply each others’ effects and exert health effects equivalent to much larger quantities of any other fibres.

PGX is the most viscous and soluble fibre ever discovered. With its higher level of viscosity and extraordinary gel-forming properties, PGX is able to absorb hundreds of times its weight in water, resulting in a volume and viscosity three to five times greater than other highly soluble fibres like psyllium or oat beta glucan. A five gram serving of PGX in a meal replacement formula, or on its own, produces a volume and viscosity equal to as much as 20 grams of some other fibres , or 4 bowls of oat bran! Small quantities of PGX can be added to foods or taken before meals to have an impact on appetite and blood sugar.

[Califrog]

I am the opposite - I am quite skeptical of the "flavor of the month" diet aids that wing around.

If it works for folks, super. For me, I'll stick with Dr. A. He's not steered me wrong yet!

[AnnaV]

BTW, this PGX is the same stuff in the SlimStyles drink.

[Diana]

Originally Posted by Califrog

I am the opposite - I am quite skeptical of the "flavor of the month" diet aids that wing around.

If it works for folks, super. For me, I'll stick with Dr. A. He's not steered me wrong yet!

I agree... add this to the Meat only, Egg cream, Coconut oil, and other pill threads. I did all these "flavors" my first time around, lost a bunch of money falling for it. I do hope it helps some, but I don't think everyone should try it as their miracle

[MountainGirl]

Originally Posted by AnnaV

BTW, this PGX is the same stuff in the SlimStyles drink.

Yes, it is, it is listed on the information. It s the proprietary blend ingredients that works. Same company makes it. Just check the ingredients and the mgs. The same company also makes 500 mg, 750 mg and granules, or the drink. It is whatever you choose.

Check this article out as well:
PGX

[MountainGirl]

You know, people are different.
Atkins has never worked for me, and I'm not on Atkins, I am on an organic, balanced LC diet.

Anyway, someone won't know if it works for them unless they try it.

As I said, I usually am very skeptical of "miracle pills" and some I have tried and they never did a thing, but anyone that knows natural medicine and nutrition will tell you that Michael T. Murray is a leading authority on both, as is Dr. Lyon. If anyone knows about Dr. Murray (who is an Naturopathic Doctor) they know that he is a well-respected authority.

It is HIS recommendation and reading the science behind the PGX that prompted me to try it. And it is WORKING for me! Whoooo hooooooo!

I encourage people to read Dr. Murray's articles and watch the videos to see if this will work for you.

[AnnaV]

Originally Posted by MountainGirl

Yes, it is, it is listed on the information. It s the proprietary blend ingredients that works. Same company makes it. Just check the ingredients and the mgs. The same company also makes 500 mg, 750 mg and granules, or the drink. It is whatever you choose.

Check this article out as well:
PGX

Great article!!


I don't see this as a "miracle pill" in the empty promises, lose weight without effort sort of way. This is like supercharged fibre and I see absolutely nothing wrong or strange with the claims they are making. I'm very comfortable taking this type of supplement....

[MountainGirl]

Originally Posted by AnnaV

How many caps of the PGX are you taking? I've worked my way up to four with a meal but find it doesn't fill me.

Hi Anna,

Today I started off with one for breakfast. It really worked. Very well.

This afternoon I took two and again, it's working well.

For supper, I plan on taking one. I don't know if or when it will stop working, according to Dr. Murray, PGX is a fabulous supplement, so I'm just trying it to see if it works for me. As long as it does, I'll use it.

Are you drinking water WITH the PGX and then eating a LC meal? It's the food and water that makes the difference I believe.

Dr Lyon states in the article I linked above:

There's another benefit to PGX besides the sheer volume.

"It also creates a situation where it mixes with food and it creates a very thick sort of gel so the food doesn't digest as quickly and blood sugar doesn't surge after your meals. Blood sugar tends to rise more slowly and not as high," Lyon said.

[AnnaV]

I drink a lot of water with the pills then a little more after to ensure they're all washed down. Then I eat my meal and drink water during. Maybe I just need to be more patient and pay attention to how my stomach is feeling. I think I've lost understanding the feeling of satiety.

[MountainGirl]

This is from the book, Hunger Free Forever
You can see charts and graphs here:
Hunger Free Forever excerpt

Frequently Asked Questions About PolyGlycoplex (PGX)

Appendix D: Excerpt from: Hunger Free Forever Book, by Michael T. Murray

What is PGX?

PolyGlycoplex (PGX) is a proprietary blend of three natural viscous, nonstarch polysaccharides that act synergistically to develop a higher level of viscosity greater than other dietary viscous fibers known. This blend forms a unique gel matrix that is maintained in the gastrointestinal tract. Unlike many fiber-containing natural health products, PGX does not lose its gel-like viscosity in either acidic stomach or alkaline intestinal environments.

PGX is produced in a sophisticated process-induced viscosity technology via the EnviroSimplex method-in a conditioned chamber that collides the ingredients in an extract and precise proportion. The entire processing is pharmaceutical industry-based and strictly adheres to principles of good manufacturing practices (GMP). Every polysaccharide complex of PGX is an entity on its own and with its perfect composition and particle sizes contribute to maximum viscosity.

What Are The Physiological Benefits Of PGX?

The physiological benefits exerted by PGX relate to its nature as a highly viscous nonstarch polysaccharide (fiber) with a very high water-holding capacity. When consumed with food, PGX absorbs significant quantities of water, this increasing the volume of gastric content and promoting an early sense of satiety even when food portions are decreased. PGX also increases good viscosity, thus slowing the rate at which food is digested and absorbed. This leads to beneficial effects such as prolongation of after-meal satiety and normalization of post-prandial blood glucose and insulin excursions. This effect is in keeping with research demonstrating that the greater a fiber’s viscosity, the more effective it will be in reducing the glycemic response to foods.

In the colon, PGX is highly “prebiotic” in that is promotes growth of health bacteria and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), substances that are vitally important to colon health. The primary SCFA produced by bacterial action on PGX is propionate, which has been shown to increase production of bifidobacteria, suppress the growth of undesirable microbes such as Candida albicans, and lower stool pH. Propionate is also taken up by the liver and may help decrease production of cholesterol and free fatty acids. As a viscous polysaccharide, PGX also increased excretion of bile acids. With lower levels of bile in the bloodstream, additional bile acids are produced by the liver from blood cholesterol, lowering blood cholesterol levels.

graph

Figure D.1. The three polysaccharides of PGX bind together at side bonds to form an interlocking matrix. PGX is unique in that it represents proper blending and combining of the polysaccharides so that the side bond of the coils will link with the side bonds from other polysaccharides coils, thereby working together to form a stable gel matrix with exceptionally high viscosity.

Why Should I Incorporate PGX Into My Diet?

PGX is an excellent source of dietary fiber, In 2004, the average person in the United States and Canada consumed about 13 grams of dietary fiber per day. The dietary reference intake of fiber for those 19 to 50 years old is 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men. Unfortunately, to achieve the greatest benefit, the additional dosage required (e.g. 20 grams or more) is often difficult to achieve with other fiber supplements. Moreover, it is difficult to obtain highly viscous fibers from our day-to –day good choices. In contrast, PGX is an easy and convenient way to add viscous soluble fiber to your diet, as it can be added to any meal or snack by mixing it into any beverage or sprinkling it onto moist food.

What Are The Clinically Proven Health Benefits Associated With PGX?

PGX and its prototype compositions have been studied for over fifteen years at the University of Toronto and Risk Factor Modification Centre at St Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Canada, by Dr. Vladimir Vuksan and his research group. (Previous names used in Dr. Vuskan’s publications include konjac-mannan, konjac-mannan polysaccharide mix, viscous fiber blend, and viscous polysaccharide blend.) This polysaccharide blend has now been further developed and refined into a commercially applicable product under the PGX logo. It is important to note that its mechanisms of action, properties, and health benefits remain, and continue to be supported with further laboratory research and clinical investigations. The Canadian Center for Functional Medicine has been using PGX extensively in various weight-loss programs and other medical interventions in regular medical and dietetic practice in order to investigate further its potency and the practicality of its application as learned from a clinical research setting.

Area Under the Curve Glucose Response

graph
Nonstarch Polysaccharides

Post-Meal Plasma Glucose Response
graph
Time (minutes)
Control = 50g glucose; Fibers = 3g/50g glucose

Figure D.2. Effects of adding 3g of different soluble nonstarch polysaccharides on postprandial glycemia when added to a 50g oral glucose load. Control is a 50g oral glucose load done alone.
Note: Viscous Fiber Blend (VFB) was the prototype for PGX.

Research surrounding the health effects of PGX, has been done on healthy, overweight, and obese individuals, as well as people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Reported benefits include:

* Reduced postprandial blood glucose levels (lowering the glycemic index of foods when consumed with PGX) and insulin concentrations.
* Increased insulin sensitivity and reduced body fat.
* Lower blood cholesterol levels.
* Reduced appetite and food intake.
* Healthy weight loss of 0.5 to 2 pounds per week.
* Reduced risk factors associated with metabolic syndrome.

Improved bowel regularity

Who Should Add PGX To Their Diets?

Against the backdrop of rising rates of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes, everyone would benefit from PGX, including those who want to:

* Reduce their risk of developing diabetes and or/cardiovascular disease.
* Minimize their potential for metabolic syndrome or pre-diabetes.
* Lower insulin resistance.
* Better manage blood glucose levels, especially in type 2 diabetes.
* Moderate high cholesterol levels, whether or not they are on cholesterol-lowering medication.
* Achieve healthy weight loss (0.5 to 2 pounds per week).
* Cut food cravings and reduce their intake of extra calories.

Dietary supplementation with PGX improves cardiovascular disease risk factors and reduces relative risk of cardiovascular disease in three population groups: healthy individuals and those with metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes. This conclusion is based on three studies that involved PGX, from which the relative risk for cardiovascular disease was calculated using the Framingham equation. Results showed that PGX reduced cardiovascular risk by 11 percent in type 2-diabetic subjects, by 21 percent in subjects with metabolic syndrome, and by 31 percent in healthy subjects.

How Much PGX Should I Take Per Day?

To take full advantage of the health benefits associated with PGX, a recommended 2.5 to 5 grams should be taken with healthy snacks or smaller meals throughout the day.

What Are The Common Side Effects of PGX?

When people first begin taking PGX, they may experience some gas, loose stools, transient diarrhea, abdominal bloating, or even some constipation. Others start on the full dose (10 to 15 grams per day) and experience no side effects, depending on the tolerability of their gut and micro flora already existing in the colon. Overall, it can take the body and digestive tract from three to five days to adjust to the addition of higher quantities of PGX to the diet. To minimize side effects, 2.5 grams once or twice per day is recommended as a starting dose, which can be gradually increased to target levels. For those following a low-fiber diet, it is recommended they start in PGX slowly and increase the amount very gradually.

When enough water is consumed (between 8 and 12 ounces (375 and 500 ml) per 5 grams), side effects are greatly minimized. It is important to drink a sufficient quantity of water with or immediately after each PGX serving.

Are There Any Contraindications With Common Medications?

PGX can slow the rate of absorption of foods and therefore it can theoretically do the same with medications. It is recommended that any oral medication be taken one hour before PGX and two to three hours after consuming the product. People with diabetes must monitor their blood sugar and may need to adjust medication accordingly, as PGX helps control blood sugar and may lessen the need for medications or insulin over time. It is recommended they consult a physician prior to adjusting their own medication. In some cases with those on medications for diabetes, with higher intakes of PGX blood glucose could drop below baseline and cause hypoglycemia.

If a person needs to take their medication in the morning with breakfast, they can take PGX with a midmorning snack, at lunch, and at dinner time. If a person is taking an array of medications, it may be appropriate to recommend that they consult their physician prior to taking PGX.

Who Should Not Use PGX?

* Anyone who cannot compensate for a large intake of water, such as individuals with renal disease and congestive heart failure

* Anyone on a large number of medications that need to be taken with food/and or without food, unless advised by physician.

* Persons with gastrointestinal disorders who have difficultly swallowing, esophageal stenosis, or preexisting bowel abnormalities such as gastrointestinal strictures or impaired mobility, as they may be at risk for throat or esophageal blockage or bowel obstruction. Individuals with any gastrointestinal diseases or who have undergone gastrointestinal surgeries should consult their physician before taking PGX.

* Pregnant or lactating women should discuss PGX use with their healthcare professional.

Does Taking PGX Lower Mineral Bioavailability?

Research regarding the effects of PGX on mineral bioavailability is currently unavailable. Nonetheless, there is little or no evidence that PGX could cause mineral deficiency. Only in studies using insoluble dietary fibers have reductions in the bioavailability of some minerals been shown. In fact, some health experts have concluded that absorption is improved through the gastrointestinal tract with the consumption of high nonstarch polysaccharides or high-fiber diets. As supportive evidence to their conclusions the following points can be made:

* Current evidence suggests that moderate fiber intake does not cause nutrient deficiencies, especially when consumed with a well-balanced diet.

* Research on glycomannan, one of the main ingredients of PGX, reports no reductions in mineral absorption.

* Phytic acid from cereal fibers or insoluble, nonviscous dietary fibers has been found to depress the absorption and retention of several minerals. Since PGX does not contain phytic acids, it is unlikely to affect mineral bioavailability. Fermentable fibers such as PGX have been shown to be non-digestive by human enzymes in the small intestine. In the large intestine they are fermented into short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to increase mineral absorption.

In summary, it would appear that dietary supplementation of PGX for extended periods does not adversely affect mineral balance.

How Is PGX An Improvement Over Other Fiber Supplements/Products On The
Market?

Some fibers on the market are non-thickening and thus offer none of the benefits associated with viscosity. Those that are viscous are less palatable since they develop viscosity and thicken very fast, making food and beverages unpleasant for consumption. Others have a bad taste, color, and/or grainy texture that make them less palatable. PGX is easy to use, natural, colorless, and has no distinctive odor or taste. Also, unlike some soluble fibers that thicken immediately upon contact with liquids, PGX granules develop viscosity at a much slower rate, so it is easy to mix into foods and beverages. This slower development reduces concerns of PGX expanding and obstructing the throat or esophagus because thickening likely occurs lower down in the gastrointestinal tract, such as in the stomach and small intestine.

Is PGX Simply A Weight-Loss Diet Product Or Food Fad?

Definitely not. PGX is a volumetric and viscous fiber that can be easily incorporated into a wide number of eating patterns and lifestyles. PGX is easy to apply and can be used as a healthy supplement at home, on vacation, in a restaurant, or at a friends for dinner. Eating a healthy balanced diet is always recommended, but for successful weight loss, many people need simple and practical help. Although there are many key considerations in a healthy weight-management program, including portion control and increased physical activity, PGX may assist with reductions in appetite, increased satiety, stabilization of blood glucose and cholesterol levels.