It started with a discussion about high gamma-GTP levels in a previous health checkup, and eventually it turned out that my liver cholesterol levels were also high.
After that, I reflected on my behavior and started reducing my intake of greasy lunches, which I thought were the cause of my high cholesterol, and also began drinking soy milk.
As part of that effort, I started taking "indigestible dextrin" with my lunch.
This substance inhibits cholesterol absorption, but it has an unexpected side effect, which I'd like to share.
What is indigestible dextrin?
For more detailsWikipediaIt would probably be faster to have someone else take a look at it.
Simply put, it's a type of dietary fiber, and as the name suggests, it's a substance that's difficult to digest.
It is also certified as an ingredient in Foods for Specified Health Uses and has various health benefits.
The effect I'm hoping for is that it will suppress cholesterol absorption.
When taken before or during meals, this substance forms a film on cholesterol, preventing its absorption into the body.
You often see drinks labeled as "Foods for Specified Health Uses" (Tokutei Hokenyo Shokuhin) in convenience stores and other places, and these are usually just drinks with this substance dissolved in them.
If you frequently buy such products at convenience stores or other places for a high price, it would be far more cost-effective to buy indigestible dextrin itself from Amazon or other online retailers.
Actual vaccination method
Now, let's talk about the actual methods of consuming indigestible dextrin.
大きな袋に粉が目いっぱい入った商品が一番コスパが良いのですが、実用性の観点から考えると、大袋は使いにくいです。
If it's the type that comes in individual stick packets, you can easily add it to drinks and it dissolves smoothly, and it's also convenient to carry around when eating out.
The best way to consume it is to dissolve it in a warm drink.
It tends to clump a bit when added to cold drinks, so it's best to use it in warm drinks.
That being said, since it's basically a substance that dissolves easily in liquids, you don't need to think about it too deeply.
However, I don't recommend taking it by putting it directly into your mouth like powdered medicine.
It's quite dry, and the powder can make you choke.
It's probably best to dissolve it in something and drink it.
Since it's less effective if taken after a meal, it's best to take it during a meal if possible.
The effect of not feeling sleepy after eating.
Now, whether or not my cholesterol will actually go down after I start taking this remains to be seen until next year's blood test.
However, there is one thing that can be said with certainty even now.
That means that I hardly feel sleepy after meals anymore.
The reason this happens is that the indigestible dextrin slows down glucose absorption, thus suppressing the rise in blood sugar levels.
One reason why you might feel sleepy after a meal is the rapid fluctuation in your blood sugar levels.
This phenomenon occurs because consuming indigestible dextrin helps to moderate fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
How to use it
I used to drink coffee after meals to stay awake, but this has an effect that's incomparable to that.
This would be extremely useful in situations such as having to drive for a long time after a meal, or having a lecture that might make you sleepy.
Indigestible dextrin not only suppresses cholesterol absorption, but it also has this clearly noticeable effect.
It's sold at drugstores and other places, so if you're interested, please give it a try.
By combining it with various other drinks, you can create your own original FOSHU (Foods for Specified Health Uses) beverage.
