Have you heard the recent buzz about berberine supplements and weight loss? Berberine is being called the natural alternative to the popular weight loss drug, Ozempic, at a fraction of the price. Besides weight loss, berberine supplements have numerous other benefits worth noting. Adding berberine to your daily supplement stack can be a big help with preventing heart disease, boosting gut health, maintaining a healthy weight, and more. You can start your journey to improve your health by learning all about this compound, its benefits and side effects of berberine.

What is Berberine?

Berberine has been integrated into both Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. In the Western world, berberine has been studied for its health benefits since it was first isolated from the goldenseal plant in 1917. Goldenseal’s dry root is considered to be medicinal, but it is unclear whether it has the same effects that isolated berberine does.

Berberine supplements contain compounds that are found in other plants as well, such as barberry, Oregon grape, tree turmeric, and more. It's been studied for its effects on the body’s enzymes, which are protective against developing metabolic syndromes that can lead to obesity and Type II diabetes. Many studies have proved the effectiveness of berberine for heart health, weight loss, diabetes, cancer, and more. 

Berberine for cardiovascular health

Lots of people struggle with heart disease, and they also often struggle with how to treat it. Those with heart disease commonly suffer pain alongside other symptoms such as an increase in cholesterol, high blood sugar levels, coronary artery disease, and irregular heartbeats. There are many drugs available to treat heart disease, but they come with varying side effects. Berberine supplements are a more natural option and have been shown to help counter many of these typical symptoms when taken properly.

Studies suggest that berberine supports a reduced chance of developing unhealthy cholesterol levels, heart failure, and insulin resistance. When consumed in a supplement, berberine can dilate blood vessels, contributing to better heart health by increasing oxygen and blood supply to the heart itself. It has also been found that berberine can prevent heart disease by lowering apolipoprotein by 13 to 15%.

Berberine for weight loss

Those looking towards weight loss to improve their health can definitely turn to berberine. Although more research needs to be conducted, studies have already found that berberine can decrease your weight and help you to maintain a healthy weight as you age. Its impressive weight loss effects are currently raising berberine’s profile in the supplement world and on social media.

When you take berberine supplements, you can freeze the growth of fat cells at their smallest unit. This decreases the chance of developing obesity and subsequently lowers the risk of heart disease in consumers as well. Those who take berberine three times a day have averaged a five-pound drop in weight and reduced belly fat and body mass index. As a daily dietary supplement, berberine offers strong anti-inflammatory effects and regulates insulin too, all contributing to weight loss.

Berberine for gut health

Although invisible to the eye, there are about 60 to 70 million Americans that struggle with gastrointestinal diseases in their daily life. Berberine can help relieve uncomfortable and painful symptoms of these hard-to-treat diseases.

In the past, berberine was used to treat gastrointestinal infections and bacteria-induced diarrhea without a good understanding of why it helped. Now studied, it has been found to have antibacterial properties that create anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in those who suffer symptoms of bloating and pain. Berberine supplements also support the development of healthy microbes in the gut which boosts the immune system and keeps illnesses away before they strike.

While berberine supplements provide lots of health benefits that have been widely proven, there are still some exciting potential health effects of berberine that are being studied. 

When taking berberine, patients have experienced reduced symptoms of depression suspected to be due to the fact that it encourages neuron growth. There has also been significant evidence of the supplement slowing the growth of cancer cells by regulating the expression of proteins. We’re looking forward to the results of these new areas of berberine study.

Other health benefits

While berberine supplements provide lots of health benefits that have been widely proven, there are still some exciting potential health effects of berberine that are being studied. 

When taking berberine, patients have experienced reduced symptoms of depression suspected to be due to the fact that it encourages neuron growth. There has also been significant evidence of the supplement slowing the growth of cancer cells by regulating the expression of proteins. We’re looking forward to the results of these new areas of berberine study.

How to safely consume berberine

For those who are consuming berberine in supplements, 500 to 1,500 milligrams a day is the safest amount to take. For maximum metabolic effects, it should be split into three doses and taken three times a day before each meal. This slows the rise in blood glucose and lipid levels after eating.

Berberine supplements are safe when taken in measured amounts throughout the day and not overconsumed. Too much of the supplement can cause an upset stomach, cramping, and diarrhea. Don’t take berberine alongside medicines that slow blood clotting, such as aspirin. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new supplement to see what is best for you.

There’s a reason why berberine supplements have been growing in popularity amongst researchers and patients over the last several years. Taking berberine daily to sustain a healthier body can benefit your emotions, heart health, gut health, weight loss, and more. Whether it's to manage your health conditions or to support a better lifestyle, berberine has plenty to offer. Give it a try and let us know how it goes by dropping us a comment.

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