Understanding How Unicity Balance Works
Unicity Balance is designed as a pre-meal drink featuring a proprietary fiber matrix with soluble fibers, plant compounds, and vitamins. Soluble fibers are key; they form a thick gel when mixed with water.
Consumed 10-15 minutes before a meal, this gel interacts with food in the digestive tract by:
- Slowing gastric emptying, promoting fullness.
- Reducing the absorption rate of carbohydrates and cholesterol.
- Helping stabilize blood glucose and insulin levels.
These actions depend on food being present. Balance is a supplement, not a meal replacement, and its benefits are linked to its interaction with consumed food.
Why Taking Balance Without Food Is Not Recommended
Taking Unicity Balance on an empty stomach diminishes its intended metabolic benefits and can cause discomfort. The fiber gel needs a meal to effectively move through the digestive system and perform its function of slowing nutrient absorption.
Reduced Therapeutic Effect: Without food, the main purpose of managing the metabolic impact of carbohydrates and cholesterol is lost. The fiber won't effectively slow nutrient absorption.
Gastrointestinal Discomfort: Taking a concentrated dose of soluble fiber on an empty stomach increases the risk of gas, bloating, and cramping due to fermentation by gut bacteria. Taking it with food and sufficient water helps prevent this.
Potential Impact on Nutrient Absorption: High fiber intake without food could potentially affect the absorption of some minerals, like calcium and iron. Proper usage with food and adequate water also prevents fiber from potentially causing constipation.
Comparison: With vs. Without a Meal
| Aspect | Taking Balance with a Meal (Recommended) | Taking Balance Without Eating (Not Recommended) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Benefit | Slows carb and cholesterol absorption, controls blood sugar spikes, increases satiety, and supports a healthy metabolism. | N/A (Primary function not engaged). May provide general fiber benefits, but not its core metabolic effect. |
| Mechanism | Fiber gel binds with the meal to slow digestion and nutrient absorption. | Fiber gel sits in an empty stomach and is less effective at its intended metabolic purpose. |
| Side Effects | Reduced risk of bloating and gas when taken with enough water. | Higher risk of gas, bloating, cramping, and digestive discomfort, especially if insufficient water is consumed. |
| Key Outcome | Promotes stable energy levels, supports weight management, and improves metabolic health. | Ineffective for its advertised benefits and increases risk of GI side effects. |
Unicity Balance and Intermittent Fasting
Unicity Balance can be part of the Unicity 'Feel Great' System for intermittent fasting. However, it is still taken before your meal, not during the fasting window. The fiber helps enhance satiety after eating, potentially making it easier to fast until the next meal. Taking Balance alone during a fast is less effective, could cause digestive issues, and might break the fast for some due to its caloric content.
What to Do If You Forget Your Dose
According to Unicity, taking Balance late (after a meal) is preferable to skipping it, though the effect on slowing nutrient absorption will be reduced. The fiber still offers some digestive support. Aim for the recommended pre-meal timing, but don't skip the dose if the optimal window is missed.
Conclusion
Taking Unicity Balance without eating is not explicitly harmful but prevents the supplement from working as intended. Its primary mechanism relies on interacting with food to manage metabolic factors like blood sugar and cholesterol. For best results, always consume Balance with a meal and sufficient water, even within an intermittent fasting routine. Taking it on an empty stomach reduces effectiveness and increases the risk of side effects like gas and bloating.
For more information on the science behind Unicity Balance, you can visit the Unicity Science website.
