Monday, July 14, 2014

Pharmacist Tips on RS

Resistant Starch Supplement

by Josh M PharmD
What is the best supplement of resistant starch?  How does resistant starch vary from dietary fiber?
Resistant Starch (RS) has been known about for years, but has popped up on TV and in blogs recently.  It is very interesting in that it is not digested easily.  In fact, it functions more like a prebiotic than a typical starch.  It resists digestion, but provides a food source for the bacteria that inhabit the colon.  And, those bacteria may have a huge effect on our immune function.an inexpensive resistant starch supplement
Furthermore, it seems to have a tremendous effect on glucose metabolism.  There are several studies about the effect of RS on blood sugar.  This is really fascinating to me as a pharmacist.  In some instances, resistant starch seems to be more powerful than prescription medications for blood sugar control.
We need more studies to be sure, but this is simply food.  Not some exotic root extract or untested laboratory compound.  This is real food and the easiest way to supplement it is with Bob’s Red Mill Potato Starch. This may be a critical component of the human diet that processed foods leave out.   Has this component slowly been slipping out of the diet unnoticed?
This is a  very exciting supplement for me because I am saddened when I look at the overall state of human health.  However, here is a simple supplement that may help millions.  There have been reports (anecdotal, no studies yet) of people getting off their diabetes medications and huge improvement in autoimmune conditions.  You don’t have to wait for the studies though, this is food.  With your doctor’s permission you can start supplementing now.

If your doctor is ok with experimenting with the Potato Starch the maximum effective dose seems to be about 4 tablespoons a day.  I like to split it up morning and night.  I generally mix it in cold water or yogurt.  You can start with a teaspoon twice a day and workup to two tablespoons twice a day.  This must be eaten cool or at room temperature.  If the potato starch rises above 140 degrees, it become regular starch and won’t act as food for your gut flora.  If you have severe gut issues or have recently taken an antibiotic you may want to take a good probiotic with the RS, buy the best you can afford like Prescript-Assist Broad Spectrum Probiotic Prebiotic Complex.
Side effects of resistant starch
As your digestive system adapt, there will be gas.  Flatulence seems to be the most common side effect. That does improve within a week or two for most.
Those will allergies to potatoes or other nightshades should be cautious.  Plantain Flour may be a good alternative for people with allergies.
If you are diabetic be sure watch your blood sugar.  Most likely your insulin and oral medications will need to be adjusted.
- See more at: http://pharmacisttips.com/dietary-supplements/resistant-starch-supplement/#sthash.c2hX2RJ7.dpuf

1 comment:

  1. I have some serious issues with taking potato starch it seems - my knee and ankle joints became swollen and I had to hobble around for a week or more

    I stopped taking potato starch for 2 weeks and then restarted recently - same issue again :(

    Guess I have to look for another source of RS

    ReplyDelete