Berberine is a dietary supplement that has gained popularity on TikTok for its ability to help people lose weight; some have even dubbed it “nature’s Ozempic.”
Ozempic, a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, has recently gained popularity as a tool for weight loss. The medication has a long list of negative effects, and because of supply problems brought on by high demand, there are currently shortages for diabetics.
The internet has gone wild asserting that berberine can duplicate the results of well-known weight-loss medications like Ozempic and Wegovy.
Is Berberine a superior substitute then?
Barberry, goldenseal, tree turmeric, and Oregon grapes are among the plants that naturally contain berberine. It often comes in supplement form and has been associated to numerous health advantages, including weight loss.
Although berberine can be purchased over the counter, some medical professionals prescribe it for weight loss, particularly for people who have insulin resistance, such as those who have prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.
Berberine can aid in lowering blood sugar and insulin levels due to its potent effects on insulin and muscle mass.
Beyond its effects on insulin and blood sugar, berberine also exhibits promise in a number of other areas.
Other health benefits of Berberine include:
- Decrease inflammation
- Improve gut health
- Lower cholesterol
- Lowers blood pressure
- Boost fertility and pregnancy
- Improves fatty liver disease
So how does Berberine alter insulin levels?
Berberine activates a protein called AMPK. Your body becomes more sensitive to insulin as a result of this protein’s activation, which also turns on your body’s fat-burning enzymes and aids in lowering body fat levels. This action is so potent that investigations have revealed that berberine has the same blood glucose-lowering properties as the prescription drug metformin.
How To Use Berberine
Make sure your dose of berberine is high enough to ensure that you are getting the greatest benefit from it. The dosage mostly relies on the result you want to achieve.
You can need dosages as high as 2,000 mg per day if you’re treating diabetes, insulin resistance, or high blood sugar.
You might need doses as high as 2,000 mg per day if you’re treating weight gain or resistance to weight loss.
It may be essential to take doses of up to 1,000 mg per day to treat fatty liver disease.
Common Side effects of Berberine include:
- Diarrhea or loose stools
- Cramping, bloating, or an increase in gas
- Changes in bowel movements
- Sensation of acid reflux or burning in the stomach area
If you lower your dose and take your time titrating, symptoms might go away.
Final Thoughts
There is no miracle drug or dietary supplement for weight loss. However, there are plenty of drugs and nutritional supplements that can actually work. Simply make sure you are administering the proper dosage for your body. Berberine is a supplement that can benefit those who have a broken metabolism, weight gain brought on by insulin resistance, and/or blood sugar problems,. Keep in mind that berberine may need to be used for up to 6+ months to provide its maximum benefits, and daily dosages of up to 2,000mg may be required.
