What are carb blockers?

Carb blockers (also known as starch blockers) are supplements which claim to keep your insulin levels stable by preventing the rapid absorption of starch.

They are formulated to inhibit the body’s production of the starch-digesting enzyme, alpha-amylase. With less alpha-amylase, the body converts a smaller amount of starch into glucose for further digestion. This consequentially reduces the calorie intake, but more importantly for us, it causes a less extreme spike in blood glucose, which happens when we eat refined, high glycemic carbs. A rapid glycemic response (this “spike”) will cause an immediate over-production of insulin.

Carb blockers are helpful for anyone who wants to limit carbohydrate absorption, so it makes sense that we insulin resistant folks would benefit especially from something specifically formulated to target our number 1 enemy and stop its negative effects on our bodies. Carb blockers are often made from white kidney bean extract, a natural and safe supplement.

Please understand that they are not a license to over-indulge.  You should still follow a low carb meal plan but a supplement like this is useful for those times when you have starchy carbohydrates in your meal and want to avoid any possible absorption.

Most carb blockers are tablets or capsules that you take before a meal - only if that meal has starch in it.  You don’t need them if you are just eating protein, fat and non-starchy vegetables.  They will not only prevent the carbohydrates from being rapidly absorbed, they will also act as an appetite suppressant.

What type of carb blockers should you buy?

If you’re looking to try or buy carb blockers, below are some I have sourced on Amazon. Just click on the images to find out more information about the individual products.  Just so you know, I may receive a small commission for referring you – of course you are free to buy carb blockers elsewhere but do go ahead and check out some of these great offers! Amazon has a huge range and of course you can read reviews there as well, which helps when you make your choice.

Update: I have bought some…. I don’t have many high-carb meals these days, so I think they will last a while. You take 2 capsules about 30 minutes before a meal. I took them the other night before having pizza and can report that I did not gain weight. However, I don’t eat much of the pizza base anyway! I just wanted the extra “control”. I intend to continue to use them on these occasions!

Carb blockers info video

I also found this video on YouTube which supports the use of carb blockers.  The information comes about 3 minutes in, but the doctor is worth listening to, as he explains why they are particularly useful for long-term weight loss success.