You may have heard a lot about the miracle that carb blockers claim to be, but, do carb blockers work keto? In this article, we will take you through what carb blockers are, how they work on the keto diet, and more importantly, do you need carb blockers on keto? Read on to find out more.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning that we may earn a small commission if you click through using our link and make a purchase. Please be assured that this will not cost you any extra money. Also, please be assured that we either use the products we recommend personally, or have been recommended by trusted friends who currently use them.
What Are Carb Blockers?
Carbohydrate blockers, also known as starch blockers, or carb blockers, suppress the enzymes essential for carbohydrate breakdown.
They consist of alpha-amylase inhibitors, found naturally in a variety of foods. Others come in the form of prescription drugs for type 2 diabetics who have excessive blood sugar.
They render the starches indigestible, converting a molecule that would normally provide a few calories and boost blood sugar into a static material that passes through our digestive tract.
A lot of people praise carb blockers claiming that they assist in rapid weight loss when combined with a balanced diet and exercise routine.
Do Carb Blockers Work On Keto
If you’re new to keto and want a bit more information, check out our guide on keto for beginners.
As a quick summary, if you need it, the keto (also known as the ketogenic diet) is a low-carb, high-fat diet (LCHF).
The whole concept of the keto diet is that your body transitions from burning glucose, in simple terms, sugars or carbohydrates, to burning fat as its primary fuel source.
For a keto diet, people will restrict their macros to eating;
- 70% of their calories are from fat
- 25% from protein
- 5% from carbohydrates
Sticking to these macros for a period of time will put your body into a state of ketosis.
Ketosis is when your body has transitioned from burning carbohydrates as its primary fuel source to burning fat for fuel. It is at this point that you will start to see and feel the benefits of the keto diet. Check out our guide to knowing whether you are in ketosis.
There are a lot of new terms and abbreviations that you may come across, sometimes it can feel like a new language that you need to learn. In order to help you out and keep you on the right track, we have created keto terms and keto abbreviations guide, bookmark these to make your keto journey easier.
Some people can be put off the keto diet because of the common side effects, however, these are only short-lived and the health benefits of keto far outweigh the side effects.
One of the main benefits which attract people to the keto diet is that it can cause significant reductions in insulin levels (by up to 75%) and blood sugar levels, which can be attractive to those that struggle with diabetes, amongst other health complaints. That is one of the main reasons that people turn to carb blockers.
However, what we always need to consider when we change our eating habits, regardless of whether it’s the keto diet or any other diet, is whether we are still getting all of the vitamins and minerals we need in order for our bodies to function.
What are your keto goals? Check out our article on setting keto goals and find out why we prefer NSV to weight loss as a goal.
So, let’s get into it, do carb blockers work on the keto diet?
So, How Do Carb Blockers Work On Keto?
Since digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal system cannot break down carb blockers, they behave as resistant starch in the body. Carb blockers, like fiber, pass through the digestive system undigested and help with gut health.
For more on maintaining a healthy gut, check out our article on probiotics and the keto diet.
White bean extract can also assist in lowering the glycemic index of high-GI foods like white bread. It is because carb blockers regulate some hormones that influence your hunger.
Can Carb Blockers Help?
You are already limiting your carbohydrate intake (to 20 grams of carbs or fewer) if you’re on the keto diet.
Some ketogenic dieters and individuals on conventional diets supplement with carb blockers to increase their carbohydrate restriction.
If you don’t digest your meal carbs, they won’t boost your blood sugar and will not store the calories as fat.
Carb blockers are not the same as vitamins that help you enhance your insulin sensitivity or control your body’s carbohydrate reaction.
Do I Need Carb Blockers On Keto?
You are already on a low-carb diet if you are following a keto program. There is no special need to use a carb blocker on a diet.
However, carb blocker medications can help you delay carb absorption, lower blood sugar levels, and improve insulin sensitivity.
Best Carb Blocker For Keto
Firstly, let’s make it clear that you should have no need for a carb blocker on a keto diet.
However, if you are going to do so, your carb blocker must have specific ingredients to be successful; We have compiled a list of the components to assist you in choosing the best.
- Berberine is a plant-derived molecule extracted from a variety of sources. It boosts weight loss by lowering insulin resistance and sensitivity. It also lowers blood sugar levels, which is essential for a healthy lifestyle.
- Fenugreek is an herb that has been used in alternative medicine for decades and helps with blood sugar control. It’s well-known for its numerous health benefits.
- Cinnamon can lower blood sugar levels and reduce insulin resistance. It has antioxidants with anti-inflammatory qualities.
- Another highly powerful ingredient discovered in carb blockers is Gymnema Sylvestre. It can assist in lower blood sugar levels, curb sweet cravings, and even aid weight loss.
Keeping the ingredients in mind, we have a few carb blockers suggested for you.
- Utilize
Huge Nutrition’s carb blocker pills are among the best on the market. It will boost fat loss, metabolism, and insulin sensitivity as well.
- ADA-Load
ADA-Load by Steel Supplements can help block carbs and partition nutrients with just two pills per day. It is a great product with noticeable results.
- GlycoLog
Blackstone Labs’ GlycoLog is for athletes who want to improve weight reduction, insulin use, and metabolism. GlycoLog has seven substances that work together to get optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions: Keto And Carb Blockers
Can I have a cheat meal on keto if I use carb blockers?
Keto carb blocker supplement prevents carbs from being converted to sugar and fat. You won’t acquire any additional weight because your body won’t fully digest the carbs when you take this supplement. They will flow through the body, causing none of the harm that carbs can cause if you don’t take this supplement. Cheat days are not advocated on the keto diet. Please do not go on a carb binge and then try and correct this with carb blockers.
Do keto carb blockers cause itching?
Keto rash is a rash caused by a protein deficit. It happens when your diet is too low in protein, not because it is ketogenic. However, an allergy could cause a rash. Thus, we recommend using a carb blocker only under the supervision of a doctor, if itching does occur please seek medical advice.
What are the side effects of carb blockers?
The gases released when bacteria digest carbs in the large intestine can cause unpleasant side effects. Diarrhea, bloating, gas, and cramping are some of the symptoms. However, the side effects are normally mild and fade over time.
Check out this article for more on vitamins and supplements on the keto diet.
There you have it. You certainly do not need carb blockers on the keto diet. As you are already eating a low-carb diet, your carb intake is restricted. There is no need to be getting rid of ‘excess carbs’ as they are not there in the first place. You can achieve a healthy weight without the need for consuming these supplements.
