My Question: How helpful are carb cutting products like "CarbCutter" and "Block & Bind"? Are they worth the money? Do they actually cut carbs?

And the answer:
Dear Christy Hall:

Thank you for your inquiry.
Many products on the market claim to burn fat or extra calories, increase energy or simply make you feel great. These products rely on thermogenesis, the process by which your cells burn calories to manufacture heat and produce energy. What they don't tell you is that the products contain stimulants that raise both your resting heart rate and rev up your nervous system. Side effects can include insomnia and anxiety-and even endanger your cardiovascular system. Such stimulants also cause a spike in plasma insulin and glucose levels, which is totally incompatible with Atkins. (We specifically caution against the use of stimulants such as coffee, tea, cola and guarana, all of which contain caffeine.) In addition to being potentially dangerous, the effect of these products on weight loss is temporary and illusory. When you stop using them, your metabolism will return to normal, most likely along with any lost pounds.

Preparations that contain ephedra also produce such side effects as heartburn, excessive stomach acid, increased blood cholesterol and blood sugar, irregular heartbeat and elevated blood pressure. (Some products also blend aspirin with caffeine and ephedra to enhance thermogenesis.)

Ephedrine, ephedra's active compound, signals your adrenal glands to secrete adrenaline, which in turn encourages the breakdown of triglycerides and promotes the circulation of fatty acids in blood vessels, laying the groundwork for atherosclerosis. Ephedra also increases the rate and force of one's heartbeat, an additive impact on the cardiovascular system that could cause a heart attack, and causes nervousness, irritability, even paranoia.

It may also irritate the prostate gland. Some states have outlawed the sale of products containing ephedra. We advise anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease to avoid the herb.

Another compound promoted for controlled carb weight-loss efforts is phaseolamin, an extract of white kidney beans purported to act as a starch blocker, meaning it interferes with the absorption of carbs. It makes no sense to promote it to people already consuming low levels of carbohydrates. Moreover, reports of gastrointestinal complaints have been connected with its use.

The presence of ingredients that inhibit trypsin, an enzyme produced by the pancreas, is also of concern. In animal studies, trypsin inhibitors have caused enlargement of the pancreas, but whether a similar effect occurs in humans is unknown.

Beware of any products that purport to burn fat. The popularity of Atkins has spawned an industry that produces products that supposedly support it. Our best advice is buyer beware. Following the Atkins Nutritional Approach is far safer and more effective than any "magic bullet" that claims you can lose weight fast and easy.

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Hope this helps.

I wonder if they'd group "Atkin's Low Carb Advantage Bars" in this category?

N

Thanks for sharing this, the response is very helpful and should come handy when someone asks it again here.

N -

LOL!

Personally, I think that the Advantage Bars support starvation. I don't like the way they taste, and for some reason they make my teeth hurt.

Touche!

LOL, thanks, now I have yet another reason to avoid them!

Ewww