PGX....WHAT IT IS AND QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON PGX

by Michael T. Murray, N.D.

WHAT IS PGX ?

PGX (PolyGlycopleX) is a unique complex of highly purified, water-soluble dietary fiber developed using advanced EnviroSimplex8 technology. This technology combines these natural compounds in a very specific ratio making PGX an effective weight loss aid and dietary supplement. PGX was invented by researchers at InovoBiologic Inc., Calgary after many years of extensive research. PGX is available in a variety of forms including capsules, soft gelatin capsules, granules, meal replacement powders, and pre-meal drink mixes.

WHERE CAN I BUY PGX ?

PGX products are available under a variety of brand names, in stores throughout North America that sell natural health products. Visit pgx.com and select "Where to Buy" under the "About PGX" main menu, enter an address, and click the "Find Nearest" button to see the nearest locations.

WHAT IS THE PGX DAILY ULTRA MATRIX TECHNOLOGY?

PGX technology has produced PGX Daily Ultra Matrix Softgels - an advanced delivery system for optimum results. "Ultra Matrix" refers to PGX granules suspended in a matrix of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) — healthy fats from purified coconut oil. PGX Daily disperses and becomes viscous slowly in the stomach and digestive tract. Most other fibers do not become as viscous as PGX", become viscous too quickly, or do not become viscous at all. PGX maintains its viscosity throughout the entire digestive tract (including the colon) which means that the glycemic index and subsequent blood sugar regulation is greater. Also, thanks to the thermogenic properties of the MCTs in the capsule, PGX Daily can result in an extra 25-50 calories burned daily.

HOW DO I USE PGX ?

To enjoy the full benefits of PGX, try to take some before each and every meal. Be sure to drink at least 250 ml (8 oz) of water per 2.5 gram serving of PGX. Start with 1-2 softgels of PGX Daily before each meal and increase by 1 softgel per meal every 2-3 days. If you are prone to digestive upset, increase the dose at a slower rate to give your body time to adjust. Some people find 2-3 softgels or 2.5 grams of PGX granules to be effective. Others require the maximum dose of 6 softgels of PGX Daily or 5 grams of PGX granules in order to reduce portion size. Continue to increase the dosage until you experience a significant reduction in hunger and between-meal food cravings. Do not exceed 6 softgels or 5 grams up to three times per day.

DOES PGX HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?

PGX is a highly concentrated and highly effective form of fiber. It can take time for your body to adjust. To avoid minor side effects, such as increased gas, bloating, loose stools or constipation, it is best to start with small amounts of PGX and then gradually increase your intake as your body adjusts. If you take PGX consistently, and increase the dose gradually, it is likely that you will be able to consume a highly effective dose, without these effects, within a few days to a week. To decrease any possible side effects, it is important to drink a large glass of water with each dose of PGX.

HOW FAST CAN I EXPECT TO LOSE WEIGHT?

Participants in a study who exercised and followed a 1,200 calorie/day diet lost on average 1—2 lbs per week. This is considered healthy weight loss. For some people weight loss is not immediate, while many people lose more weight depending upon their consistent use of PGX and other lifestyle factors. PGX makes following a calorie-restricted diet easy because it controls appetite due to its water solubility (absorbs many times its weight in water) and its ability to reduce and diminish cravings for starchy and sugary foods.

It is important to differentiate between weight loss and fat loss. As fat weighs less than muscle tissue, many people actually experience weight gain when they begin a reducing regime. Also, for some people, the additional water they drink with PGX can temporarily add weight, since a liter of water weighs 1 kg or 2.2 lbs. While fast weight loss may seem ideal, it is important to remember that we gain weight gradually over a period of time. Losing weight the same way is "healthy weight loss" and will help reduce the risk of regaining the lost weight.

HOW DO I KNOW PGX IS WORKING?

HOW MUCH DO I HAVE TO USE TO LOSE WEIGHT?

It is recommended that you start with a lower dose of PGX8 for the first 3-7 days to see how your body adjusts to the increase in fiber intake. An increased amount of PGX, to its active dosage (10-15 grams per day or 2.5-5 grams per meal) will produce noticeable reductions in appetite and cravings. Many people who have just started taking PGX feel energized and notice their clothes fit better even though they have not changed anything else except taking PGX everyday.

CAN PGX BE TAKEN WITH MY MEDICATION?

PGX can slow the rate of absorption of food and therefore it can theoretically do the same with medication. It is recommended that any oral medication be taken 1 hour before PGX and/or 2-3 hours after consuming PGX products. People with diabetes must monitor their blood glucose carefully as they may need to adjust medications accordingly. As PGX helps control blood glucose, it may lessen the need for insulin or other medications over time. If you are on any medication consult a health care practitioner prior to using dietary supplements or changing your nutritional regimen.

CAN I TAKE PGX WITH OTHER SUPPLEMENTS?

There is no problem taking PGX along with supplements including essential fatty acids (EFAs) and multivitamins/multiminerals. A 21-day double-blind, placebo-controlled human tolerance study where 10 g of PGX were given per day showed no statistical difference between levels of minerals and fat- and water-soluble vitamins in the test and control groups.

DOES PGX® CONTAIN GLUTEN?

PGX softgels and PGX granules are wheat and gluten free. PGX meal replacement and pre-meal drink mix products cannot be considered gluten or wheat free.

IF PGX® IS FIBER HOW CAN I GET CONSTIPATED?

PGX can only cause constipation if your water intake is not adequate for the amount of PGX you are consuming. PGX expands to hold many times its weight in water. You need to drink at least 250 ml (8 oz) of water per 2.5 grams (2-3 softgels). It is also important to eat smaller amounts of food regularly and take PGX according to label directions. Be sure to take in adequate fresh water - not drinks such as coffee or alcohol that can cause you to lose water. During the day you may want to drink non-caffeinated herbal teas, vegetable juice, or diluted fruit juice (watch the sugar content of juices). Also, be sure to take PGX consistently. Do not skip days and, if you are prone to constipation, take PGX at the same time every day.

WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT GAS AND BLOATING?

Reduce the amount of PGX you are taking and once you feel comfortable (no gas or bloating) gradually increase the amount over a few days (3— 7 days). These side effects are temporary with most people and completely subside after a week or more of use. You may also want to take probiotic supplements (friendly intestinal bacteria) to enhance the health of your gastrointestinal tract.

AFTER TAKING PGX IS IT POSSIBLE TO STILL BE HUNGRY?

For some people, yes. One explanation is that when blood sugar has been out of control or imbalanced for a long time, and the body has not been using insulin properly, the brain can still send out powerful messages to eat. When you take PGX every day these strong messages become weaker. The inappropriate messages to eat are no longer needed when blood sugar becomes balanced and the brain is satisfied it will get the glucose required to function.

I'VE TRIED OTHER DIETS. HOW IS PGX DIFFERENT?

PGX isn't a diet, but it can make any weight loss plan or diet work better. Research has shown that people who gain weight and have difficulty losing weight, often spend much of their day on a "blood sugar roller coaster" with blood sugar alternately surging and plummeting, leaving them tired or irritable and leading to frequent and unhealthy food cravings. PGX helps re-train your body and eliminate the blood sugar roller coaster so you don't crave "bad foods" and so you can better control your appetite. With PGX you can achieve lasting results.

HOW DOES PGX CONTROL CRAVINGS?

Often blood sugar levels can make our bodies crave sugar and starchy foods. Blood sugar levels rise and fall naturally, but rapid changes are harmful and create many of the cravings we experience. When blood sugar levels drop, our brain tells us to eat and often we look for foods with lots of sugars, fats, and starches in order to raise sugar levels. By balancing blood sugar levels, the brain is no longer demanding fast energy and you will be less likely to crave food.

DOES PGX CONTAIN CAFFEINE OR OTHER STIMULANTS?

No. PGX is a natural, non-addictive dietary supplement containing no caffeine or other stimulants.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY BLOOD SUGAR IS "OUT OF BALANCE"?

Your doctor can do tests to determine whether or not your blood sugar levels are within normal range. The indicators you can see and feel yourself include:

Cravings - especially sweets and carbohydrates. Feeling tired and irritable for no apparent reason.

Gaining weight in spite of an unchanged diet or lifestyle.

Feeling hungry again shortly after eating.

HOW DOES PGX LOWER THE GLYCEMIC INDEX OF MEALS AND WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?

Glycemic Index (GI) is a way of indicating how fast a particular food is turned into energy by the body. High GI foods are digested quickly and raise blood sugar fast. Low GI foods are converted to glucose more slowly. PGX slows down the rate at which all food is digested, lowering after-meal blood sugar and virtually lowering the glycemic index of any food. Clinical studies show that high after-meal blood sugar levels are a major factor for heart disease risk.

HOW LONG DOES A PERSON HAVE TO TAKE PGX ?

After initial weight loss goals have been achieved, a lower "maintenance" dose of PGX can effectively help control weight, appetite, blood sugar, and cholesterol for life. PGX is non-habit forming but many people find that its effects - increased self esteem, a healthy weight, and more energy - are quite "addictive".

WHAT RESEARCH IS THERE TO SUPPORT THE BENEFITS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF PGX ?

PGX is the result of many years of intensive clinical and laboratory research with universities from around the world and specialized research organizations in collaboration with the Canadian Centre for Functional Medicine. After years of research involving thousands of participants it is clear that adding PGX to meals can: balance blood sugar, reduce the glycemic index of foods, restore insulin sensitivity (a key factor in weight control), curb food cravings, and lower cholesterol levels.

IS PGX® SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN?

Yes. Half the adult dose is recommended for children 9 years of age and older, or 1-3 softgels before each meal until the child notices a reduction in hunger and between-meal food cravings. However, children have unique developmental nutritional requirements. PGX suppresses appetite and you should consult a qualified health care practitioner before giving PGX to your child.

WHO SHOULD NOT USE PGX ?

Anyone who cannot compensate for a large water intake, such as someone with renal disease or congestive heart failure.

STRESS, ANXIETY, AND INSOMNIA

Anyone taking a large number of medications that must be taken with food and/or without food, unless advised by a health care practitioner.

Anyone who has difficulty swallowing, including people with gastrointestinal disorders and those with esophageal stenosis, or pre-existing bowel abnormalities, may be at risk for esophageal or intestinal blockages or obstruction and should consult a health care practitioner prior to use.

Pregnant or lactating women should discuss PGX use with a health care practitioner prior to use.

Anyone under 18 years of age should discuss PGX use with a health care practitioner prior to use.

If you have any concerns, consult a health care practitioner.

For more information on PGX visit pgx.com

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IF  YOU  ARE  GOING  TO  WORK  UP  TO  6  PGX  TABLETS  A  DAY,  FOR  LOOSING  WEIGHT,  IT  WILL  COST  YOU  IN  CANADIAN  DOLLARS  AS  OF  JULY  2018,  ABOUT  $45  A  MONTH.  BUYING  LARGER  QUANTITIES  WILL  SAVE  YOU  SOME  FEW  DOLLARS  LESS - Keith Hunt