2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
The compound called Berberine is one of the most effective natural supplements that exists. It has many health benefits and affects your body at the molecular level. Berberine lowers blood sugar, leads to weight loss and improves heart function. It is one of the few supplements that have been shown to be as effective as pharmaceuticals.
We offer you a detailed overview of Berberine and its health consequences.
What is Berberine?
The barber is a bioactive compound that can be extracted from several different plants, including a group of shrubs called Berberis. Technically, it belongs to a class of compounds called alkaloids. It has a yellow color and is often used as a paint. Berberine has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, where it is used to treat various ailments.
How does Berberine work?
Berberine has been tested in hundreds of different studies. It has been shown to have powerful effects on many different biological systems. Once you take berberine, it is taken by the body and transported in the blood. It then moves into the cells of the body. Inside the cells, it binds to several different "molecular targets" and changes its function. This is similar to how pharmaceutical drugs work.
However, one of the main actions of berberine is the activation of an enzyme inside the cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This enzyme is sometimes called the "metabolic switch". It is found in the cells of various organs, including the brain, muscles, kidneys, heart and liver, and plays a major role in regulating metabolism. This leads to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels.
Type 2 diabetes is a serious disease that has been common in recent decades, causing millions of deaths each year. It is characterized by elevated blood sugar (glucose) levels caused by insulin resistance or lack of insulin. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage tissues and organs of the body, leading to various health problems and shortening life expectancy.
Many studies have shown that berberine can significantly lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In fact, its effectiveness is comparable to the popular diabetes drug metformin (Glucophage). Berberine reduces insulin resistance by lowering blood sugar levels, lowering the hormone insulin. Increases glycolysis, helping the body break down sugars inside cells.
Berberine reduces the production of sugar in the liver; slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates in the intestines; increases the number of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
In a study of 116 patients with diabetes, 1 gram of berberine a day lowered fasting blood sugar by 20%, from 7.0 to 5.6 mmol / L (126 to 101 mg / dL) or from diabetes to normal levels.
It also lowers hemoglobin A1 by 12% and improves blood lipids such as cholesterol and triglycerides.
According to a large-scale study the barber is as effective as oral medicines for diabetes, including metformin, glipizide and rosiglitazone.
It also has additional effects when used with other medicines to lower blood sugar.
If you look at the discussions online, you will see that there are many people with high blood sugar who literally normalize it just by taking this supplement.
Berberine can help you lose weight
So far, two studies have examined the effects on body weight.
In a 12-week study in overweight people, 500 mg of berberine taken three times a day caused an average of about 5 pounds of weight loss. Participants also lost 3.6% of their body fat.
Another more impressive study was conducted in 37 men and women with metabolic syndrome. The study lasted 3 months and participants took 300 mg 3 times a day. Participants reduced their body weight (BMI) levels from 31.5 to 27.4 or from obesity to overweight in just 3 months. They have also lost belly fat and improved many health markers.
Researchers believe that weight loss is due to the improved function of fat-regulating hormones such as insulin, adiponectin and leptin. Berberine also inhibits the growth of fat cells at the molecular level.
However, more research is needed on the effects of weight loss with berberine.
It lowers cholesterol and can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Heart disease is currently the most common cause of premature death in the world.
Many of the factors that can be measured in the blood are associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
A review of 11 studies shows:
Lowering total cholesterol by 0.61 mmol / L (24 mg / dL).
Lower LDL cholesterol by 0.65 mmol / L (25 mg / dL).
Decrease in blood triglycerides by 0, 50 mmol / L (44 mg / dL).
Increase HDL cholesterol by 0.05 mmol / L (2 mg / dL).
It has been found to reduce apolipoprotein B by 13-15%, which is a very important risk factor (19.20).
Keep in mind that diabetes, high blood sugar and obesity are also major risk factors for heart disease, all of which are improved by taking the berberine supplement.
Given the beneficial effects on all of these risk factors, it appears that berberine is likely to drastically reduce the risk of heart disease.
Other health benefits of berberine
Depression: Studies in rats have shown that berberine can help fight depression.
Cancer: Animal studies show that taking berberine can reduce the growth and spread of various types of cancer.
As an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent: In some studies, the supplement has been shown to have a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.
Infections: The positive effect of berberine has also been proven in the fight against harmful microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites.
Improved liver function: Berberine can reduce the accumulation of fat in the liver, which should help prevent fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Heart failure: Another study showed that berberine dramatically improves symptoms and reduces the risk of death in patients with heart failure.
Many of these claims need more research before solid recommendations can be made, but the current evidence is quite promising.
Dosage and side effects of berberine
Many of the studies cited in the article use dosages ranging from 900 to 1500 mg per day. They often take 500 mg 3 times a day before meals (a total of 1500 mg per day).
The barber has a half-life of several hours, so it is necessary to distribute the dose several times a day to achieve stable blood levels.
If you have a medical condition or are taking any medication, we recommend that you talk to your doctor before using it. This is especially important if you are currently taking medicines to lower your blood sugar.
In general, the main side effects are related to digestion and there is some evidence of possible cramps, diarrhea, flatulence, constipation and abdominal pain.
Berberine can also be useful as a general protection against chronic diseases, as well as an anti-aging supplement.
If you use supplements, then berberine may be one of the best to include in your arsenal.
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