Is there research available about NutraStat barley beta-glucan, and if so, where can I find it?

Yes, of course. To learn more about the technical aspects of NutraStat soluble barley beta-glucan, please visit our NutraStat research page.


Is NutraStat doctor recommended?

NutraStat is recommended by physicians and doctors as a great option to improve your blood sugar levels and increase daily fibre intake. Meet Our Advisory Panel.


What are statins and how do they relate to cholesterol?

When first diagnosed with high cholesterol, your physician will often offer an ultimatum: lower your cholesterol naturally over the next few months or they’ll prescribe statin medications. Statins are pharmaceutical drugs specifically designed to lower LDL cholesterol. While effective, they often result in severe side effects such as muscle pain, headaches, dizziness, liver damage, and much more. Most people seek to avoid taking statins as the negative side effects are so severe. Instead, they try to lower their cholesterol naturally by making changes to their diet, such as barley beta-glucan.


How does barley beta-glucan compare to psyllium husk?

Psyllium husk is a type of soluble fibre that comes from the Plantago ovata plant’s seeds and is primarily grown in Asia. Psyllium does naturally lower cholesterol but it’s not as effective as beta-glucan. 7g of psyllium husk is required daily to lower cholesterol compared to beta-glucan's 3g per day. Additionally, beta-glucan can lower cholesterol to a much greater extent. Psyllium can lower cholesterol levels by up to 7.4% whereas with beta-glucan you can expect to see a reduction of up to 24%.


Is NutraStat recommended for low FODMAP diets? 

Yes, NutraStat is suitable for low FODMAP diets. Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols (FODMAP) are short chain carbohydrates. They can be poorly absorbed in the small intestine, leading to digestive symptoms in some individuals.

Low FODMAP diets have gained popularity over the years to provide benefits for people with digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Low FODMAP diets work by reducing certain foods that contain specific carbohydrates that can cause irritation and problems in the gut.

Studies have shown that 76% of IBS patients that followed a low FODMAP diet have improved their symptoms.


Can you explain in detail what GLP-1 is and how it relates to weight loss?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone secreted by L-cells in the gastrointestinal tract which signals you to feel full when you've eaten enough. GLP-1 helps maintain stable blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion when blood sugar rises, slowing down stomach emptying, and signaling the liver to conserve its energy stores (glycogen).

GLP-1 is also produced in our brain after we eat, as a physiological regulator of appetite and caloric intake. Imagine GLP-1 as a tiny switch in your gut and brain that tells you "I'm full!". When GLP-1 levels rise, we feel satiated and less likely to overeat.

The presence of the GLP-1 satiating hormone usually lasts for only a few minutes in our blood depending on what we eat. This is partly because an enzyme (DPP-4) breaks down GLP-1 hormone as a natural process in our body, and our kidneys also help eliminate GLP-1 from the bloodstream.


Is there anything I can do to naturally produce the satiating hormone GLP-1 in my body?
Yes. Consuming protein and  soluble and fermentable fibre can be powerful tools for weight management because they work together to increase satiety.

Protein triggers the initial production of GLP-1 in the small intestine. Beta-glucan in barley, a soluble and fermentable fibre, enhances GLP-1 production once it reaches the colon, providing a sustained and prolonged release of this satiating hormone.

 This combination keeps you feeling fuller for longer, and at the same time nurtures your body and your microbiome, preventing muscle loss and gastrointestinal problems.

I understand how NutraStat can help people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. But are there weight-management benefits as well?

Fibre can be your friend if you are living with diabetes or prediabetes. Along with helping to maintain your glucose metabolism, the fibre in NutraStat can help with weight management, which also helps with diabetes. Studies have shown that a high dietary fibre intake has beneficial effects on metabolic control for type 2 diabetes.


Can NutraStat help me avoid sugar spikes so I can feel fuller longer?

Soluble fibres like barley beta-glucan in NutraStat, create a gel-like substance in the intestines. This lining slows the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar, resulting in a slower and more consistent absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. A slower, more consistent digestion of glucose will help you avoid the feeling of “sugar spikes” between meals, and will leave you feeling fuller for longer, which may help you eat less throughout the day to control your weight.


What about things like sleep, exercise and a balanced diet?

While incorporating NutraStat barley beta-glucan into your diet is a great step, it's crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and adequate sleep.

Is barley beta-glucan approved?

Barley beta-glucan has been extensively researched and approved by health agencies like Health Canada, the FDA and the EFSA to maintain blood sugar levels. That is why we carefully crafted NutraStat, the natural fibre health supplement.