Berberine a Superstar Supplement

There has been a lot of chat lately about Berberine : Is it Nature’s GLP-1 alternative?

We see the results in clinic because Berberine supports the GI tract, Metabolism and the Liver!! You have to get healthy to lose weight permanetly and Berberine supports that in multiple ways!

What is berberine?

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found mainly in the roots, stems, and bark of multiple plants including Oregon grape, goldenseal, goldenthread, tree turmeric, and European barberry.  It has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic, Chinese, and Native American medicine due to its long list of health benefits for a variety of conditions.

In traditional Chinese herbal preparations, Phellodendron is thought to have cold and bitter properties and is commonly used to drain damp heat to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract. In addition to clearing heat and drying dampness, Phellodendron is used to support healthy liver function.

Berberine-weight loss connection

Berberine isn’t a magic pill when it comes to weight loss. Instead, berberine has been shown to address the most common underlying forces behind why you gain weight in the first place – and why you can’t seem to get rid of it. Take a look at this compelling list below! Blood sugar balance and Improved Metabolic Function

When it comes to weight loss, berberine’s most compelling benefit is its ability to support blood sugar regulation. Too many calories and too much sugar – 95% more in fact than just 200 years ago! –  spells trouble for our metabolism.

When glucose hits your bloodstream, your body releases insulin to help deliver it to where it is needed for fuel. We are consuming too much, so it leaves most of us with blood glucose levels that are  high which leads to health issues and weight gain. Excess sugar that your body can’t burn gets stored as fat around your liver, stomach and in circulating fat known as triglycerides. On top of that, the by-products of glucose metabolism contribute to chronic inflammation levels that perpetuates weight gain and your inability to lose weight.

More health benefits of berberine

Berberine can be a beneficial supplement to consider if you are dealing with any the following health issues.

Improves cholesterol and Liver Function

For many people with high cholesterol, statins are the go-to option to get your levels under control. However, statins have been associated with memory problems and can increase your risk for dementia, so finding a natural solution to cholesterol issues is of vital importance. Enter berberine. Studies have found that berberine is just as beneficial as statins – but without the side effects.

Fights inflammation and improves antioxidant activity

Chronic inflammation is the driving force behind many of today’s health problems. A recent clinical review of over 50 studies on berberine, showed that this compound led to a significant decrease  in all of the major inflammatory markers including CRP, TNF-, and IL-6.

Supports heart health

Studies have confirmed berberine’s ability to improve heart health by reducing cholesterol, inflammation, and oxidative stress to alleviate common heart problems like hypertension, arrhythmia, and heart failure.

Supports a Healthy Hormones and PCOS

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome is a hormone condition that affects 12% of American women and is closely linked to blood sugar imbalances. When insulin levels are too high it can lead to the ovaries producing more androgen hormones like testosterone – a key marker of this condition.

Due to berberine’s ability to lower blood sugar, studies have actually found that berberine was just as effective at managing PCOS symptoms and was actually found to be even more effective  than Metformin when it came to reducing cardiovascular disease and improving overall hormone status. 

Boosts gut health and promotes a healthy bowel environment

In addition to its anti-inflammatory effects, berberine has been linked to improved  gut barrier function which is extremely important in the case of leaky gut syndrome. One study also showed  that berberine increased levels of beneficial bacteria in the microbiome by killing off overgrowths of pathogenic bacteria – some of which were connected to poor metabolic health!

Rule of Thumb

In general berberine is safe for most people with minimal – if any – side effects, but like most supplements when taken in excess it can lead to digestive distress and diarrhea. To be on the safe side, talk with your doctor .. AKA me..before taking berberine, especially if you are on any medications or are pregnant.

Quality and sourcing are so important so I choose MediHerb: Click the link below to learn more. If you want to purchase you can do it two ways: One through you SP account and use my Code: W8MJSC for a 10% discount or if you prefer through the Fullscript platform when you order your other supplements.

https://my.standardprocess.com/Products/MediHerb/Berberine-Active

https://www.standardprocess.com/apply/patient

https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/pmartindr/signup

Bottom line

The science doesn’t lie – berberine can be an effective tool to help with weight loss and blood sugar balance. It’s still essential to tackle the root cause of weight loss. As I always say, you have to get healthy to lose weight, not lose weight to get healthy. If you are struggling with weight loss resistance, I am here to serve and support you.

Have a fabulous long weekend and as we enter this next season take the time to review where you are and explore where you want to go!

I leave you with this quote from James Clear… Atomic Habits

“It’s not that hard on any given day, but the trick is you can’t skip days. Your workouts can be reasonable and still deliver results—if you don’t skip days. Your writing sessions can be short and the work will still accumulate—if you don’t skip days. As long as you’re working, you’ll get there.”

Dr Pia