Xanthan gum-based fluid thickener can help decrease blood glucose levels

Medical Xpress / Tokyo Medical and Dental University / Journal of Functional Foods ^ | Dec. 27, 2022 | Yuki Nagasawa et al

[ConservativeMind]

Type 2 diabetes mellitus can often lead to such as diseases of the heart, and increased risk of death, but preventive measures, such as a healthy diet, can reduce these risks. Now, a study has shown that xanthan gum-based fluid thickener can lower blood glucose levels after eating.

Studies have shown that heart diseases and metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, are associated with blood glucose levels after eating. However, certain foods are reported to help decrease these levels if eaten with a meal. Another food product that produces a similar effect are dietary fibers. These fibers are also known to increase insulin response, improve fat metabolism, and have positive effects on the gut microbiome.

One such soluble fiber, xanthan gum, is used in a range of foods, including fluid thickeners.

The rats were divided into two groups; those that were administered liquid thickened with a xanthan gum-based fluid thickener or saline for 5 weeks. Oral glucose tolerance test was performed 4 weeks after beginning the experiment. The blood glucose levels of rats were measured before glucose was given and at set intervals afterwards.

Results showed that blood glucose levels at 60 and 90 minutes after being given glucose were significantly lower in rats given thickened liquid (Fig.2A). "The mechanism by which this happened is very interesting. Giving thickened liquid decreased blood glucose levels associated with Glp1 and Glp1r expression in the ileum (Fig.2B,C)," says author Haruka Tohara. Furthermore, comprehensive analysis revealed that cholesterol homeostasis, fatty acid metabolism, and glucose metabolism were enriched in the ileum.

Gut microbial composition was also altered after drinking the said thickened liquid. There was an increase in the numbers of two 'good' intestinal bacteria, Erysipelotrichales and Christensenellaceae. These bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that protect intestinal and pancreatic cells, which assist insulin secretion.

[ConservativeMind]

Xanthan gum appears to not just slow the release of carbs, but to drive positive changes with glucose uptake and use.

[ConservativeMind]

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[ConservativeMind]

Xanthan gum is available in many stores, usually in the flour aisle.

[grey_whiskers]

For a horrible split second, I thought they were going to recommend injecting it...

[central_va]

How about Red Dye No. 4?

[Gene Eric]

I think there’s a half gallon of gum arabic in the garage.

[dila813]

This has been studied before, they found that it only works up to a certain point and then it’s Effectiveness wears off. So a little bit will take the edge off but taking a lot of it won’t be as effective as some of the existing drugs.

[peggybac]

So many of my low carb recipes call for Xanthan gum but I’ve yet to purchase it.

[LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget]

Surprised it took our medical geniuses so long to figure this out. This was known. Guar, Carageenan, Xantham... even Psyllium, etc have health impacts. Sugars and fats are dramatically impacted in dietary uptake with ancillary effects. (Known at least as far back as the 90’s.... known)

Check out grape seed oil next for fun facts these geniuses have over looked. (cook with it... better for you)

[GaltAdonis]

"...low carb recipes call for Xanthan gum..."

.

I use it at least once a week. Mostly in baking low carb stuff.
I'm type 2 diabetic - so I add a good bit of almond flour to my recipes -
and limit the amount(s) of wheat flour - even whole wheat.
(I also use some oat flour - et-cetera.)

So - use less wheat - and you get less wheat gluten. Which is good
for celiac disease (gluten intolerance) - but NOT so good
if you are making blueberry muffins or corn muffins or pancakes and
do NOT want to produce things that are either like like
hockey pucks or globs of mush.

Hockey pucks and/or mush should never be the final endpoint
of any baking experience (IMHO).

Amazon carries Xanthan gum - it's not very expensive and you only use a teaspoon, or less, of it anyway.

What I use:

[ptsal]

bkmk

[telescope115]

I will pass this info on to my daughter’s boyfriend, he’s type 2.
Thanks.

[Lawgvr1955]

Please put me on your ‘Everything’ list. I’m a Type Two Diabetic who in 2 years lowered my A1c from 13.1 to 5.8 via Keto and Intermittent Fasting. I’m always on lookout for anything that might help. Thanks.

[Bloody Sam Roberts]

People with Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) are well aquainted with Xanthan gum.

[Delta 21]

Isnt that a common ingredient for ICE CREAM?

[nagant]

I’m allergic to Xanthan gum.

[Honest Nigerian]

Actually you are wrong about the grape seed oil.
If you are interested in finding out why, there are YouTube videos by Pradip Jamnadas, MD that discuss cooking oils.
He says butter is okay, but the best oil for cooking is ghee. He says sesame seed oil is the second best after ghee.

[LesbianThespianGymnasticMidget]

Hetaram Natarachi would have a bone to pick with Pradip. It is her work I looked at. Smart cookie. I may have mangled her name, but she did a deep dive (Physics style) on grape seed oil. Enlightening. There may be better oils. Avocado oil stands out in my mind, but have not deep dived it. Sesame as you said is also a contender (If not smoked), but again... I have not looked at its implications in detail. Either way, toss the Crisco. It is a death sentence.