Berberine: “Nature’s Ozempic” for Weight Loss?
By Lyle Sunada, R.Ph
In the whirlwind of wellness trends circulating on platforms like TikTok, the latest buzz revolves around berberine, hailed as an ancient remedy with modern weight-loss promises. Yet, amidst the fervor, claims comparing it to Ozempic, the popular peptide therapy originally intended for type 2 diabetes, raise questions about berberine’s authenticity.
Berberine isn’t a newcomer; it’s been a staple in the cabinets of wellness experts and available in supplement aisles for years. Contrary to Ozempic, which mimics the gut hormone GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar, berberine doesn’t replicate these effects. While berberine aids in glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, labeling it as a ‘natural Ozempic’ oversimplifies its mechanisms.
Instead, berberine aligns more closely with Metformin, another type-2 diabetes treatment, functioning subtly across various mechanisms. By activating AMPK, berberine potentially boosts metabolism akin to Metformin’s actions. However, it lacks the intense appetite suppression and rapid weight loss effects of medications like Ozempic, making it a gentler alternative.
The roots of berberine’s popularity stem from its historical usage in Native American, Ayurvedic, and Chinese medicines. Found in plants like goldenseal and barberry, berberine’s bitter alkaloid compounds offer a myriad of benefits beyond weight loss. Berberine has been shown to play a role in supporting cardiovascular health and glucose metabolism, while also exhibiting antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Berberine may also support digestion and promote healthy microbial balance in the gastrointestinal tract.
Berberine powder put into capsules is very poorly absorbed with as little as 1% getting absorbed into systemic circulation. Designs For Health addresses berberine’s limited uptake by combining it with quillaja extract in their berberine supplement, Berb-Evail thus enhancing absorption and bioavailability.
Despite its natural origin, berberine isn’t without risks. Interactions with prescription medications and potential side effects warrant caution, urging consultation with healthcare providers before supplementing. There is also the potential to have an additive effect when combined with certain prescription medications.
I do not believe there is a magic pill/shot for weight loss or diabetes as most medications only deal with the “numbers” and not the root cause. Most diabetes medications work to increase insulin production (or directly provide insulin), which will worsen insulin resistance and eventually cause diabetes to progressively get worse. This is why I prefer supplements that work on improving insulin receptor sensitivity like Berb-Evail by Designs For Health.
A better approach would be to look at the root cause of what is causing increased insulin production, insulin resistance, and fat storage. Consider attending one of my upcoming seminars on the root cause of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and belly fat. I will give details of a UBC study using dietary measures that allowed 35.7% of patients to discontinue their diabetes medications after 12 weeks.
The next seminar is on January 18, 2024. Register online HERE, or call 604-576-2888.
Purchase Berberine-Evail HERE
Lyle Sunada is a compounding pharmacist and NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner specializing in hormone balancing and alternative medicine at Cloverdale Pharmasave. He specializes in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use.
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All information posted and shared by Cloverdale Pharmasave is offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns, none of which is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state. The information does not replace seeking professional advice from your Physician. Consult your health care practitioner before taking dietary supplements.
