Mastering Your Metabolism with Berberine
There is good news for your metabolic health! Correction, it isn’t news; in fact, berberine has been known to support healthy glucose metabolism for decades. Berberine’s hypoglycemic effect was first reported in 1988 when it was used to treat diarrhea in diabetic patients. Recently, however, berberine has gained popularity after it was given the nickname “Nature’s Ozempic.”
Both berberine and Ozempic act as GLP-1 agonists, supporting the release of GLP-1, a peptide hormone normally released when eating. GLP-1 decreases gastric (stomach) emptying, which helps you feel full, lowers caloric intake, subdues cravings, and impacts other downstream actions that ultimately support a healthy weight.
Berberine has further actions in common with another well-known diabetes medication, metformin, through its ability to activate the enzyme AMPK. Also known as the “metabolic master switch” or the “longevity enzyme,” AMPK plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism by activating glucose and fatty acid uptake and oxidation. By activating AMPK, berberine can help maintain a healthy weight, support healthy inflammatory responses, maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and support insulin sensitivity.
This powerful double punch is likely the reason why a recent review of the scientific literature shows that taking berberine can lead to significant reductions in body weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and inflammatory markers¹. Another study found that taking two 500 mg doses of berberine daily showed improved insulin sensitivity, body weight, waist circumference, blood cholesterol, and triglyceride levels². However, there are questions regarding how absorbable berberine is, and some people do experience mild gastrointestinal side effects when berberine is taken in capsule form because it can also impact our microbiome. One of the newest forms of berberine on the block is Berberine LipoMicel®, which helps address these concerns.
Berberine LipoMicel uses a unique delivery system to harness the benefits of berberine. It has the ability to enter our bloodstream more easily, offering greater effects on both GLP-1 and AMPK systemically, while less remains in the gastrointestinal tract. The innovative technology transforms berberine into a liquid micelle, ensuring optimal dispersion into microdroplets. The result? A highly stable delivery system that maximizes absorption, making every milligram count. Taking just two softgels per day provides the same concentration used successfully in clinical trials to support healthy blood sugar and lipid metabolism. This daily dose lets you experience the benefits of berberine, ranging from supporting healthy glucose metabolism to managing triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol.
According to a 2024 survey from Dalhousie University’s Agri-Food Analytics Lab, roughly one million Canadians are using a GLP-1 type drug to manage weight loss and type 2 diabetes³. But this surge of blood-sugar-balancing medications doesn’t come without a sometimes-hefty price tag and potential side effects, meaning more Canadians are looking for alternatives and more natural options. Berberine, especially in its LipoMicel form, provides another option for people looking to support healthy blood sugar metabolism and cholesterol levels, which can have subsequent benefits on energy levels, support sleep, and even help shed a few extra pounds.
Berberine is not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and as with any supplement, it is important to speak with your health care practitioner before adding berberine to your daily regimen, especially if you are on medications.
References:
1. Asbaghi O, Ghanbari N, Shekari M, et al. The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2020; 38:43-9.
2. Yan HM, Xia MF, Wang Y, et al. Efficacy of berberine in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. PLoS One. 2015; 10(8):e0134172.
3. CTV News Atlantic. Roughly 1M Canadians use Ozempic, similar drugs for weight loss, diabetes: Study. CTV News. Published February 28, 2022. Accessed March 28, 2024. Available from: https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/more/roughly-1m-canadians-use-ozempic-similar-drugs-for-weight-loss-diabetes-study-1.6824326
About the Author: Natural Factors
Natural Factors is a Canadian family-owned business operating for more than 50 years, providing a wide range of products exclusively to the health food industry. Factors Farms, located south of Armstrong, BC, is a certified-organic farmland that gives Natural Factors complete control over securing the best quality raw materials possible.