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Berberine is one of the most popular natural remedies in the world. It has incredible health benefits. While most people might assume berberine is an herb, it’s actually a compound present in several herbs. In this article, we’ll delve into the wonders of berberine. We’ll explore what it is, how it works, its potential benefits, and precautions to keep in mind.
What is Berberine?
Berberine, an isoquinoline-alkaloid, is extracted from certain plant parts such as the bark. Barberry, Oregon Grape, Goldenseal (tree turmeric), and Japanese Goldthread are examples. Some of these plants are shrubs from the Berberis Family. Plants produce alkaloids to protect themselves from predators. Some of these alkaloids are also useful to humans due to their potent survival effects.
Ayurvedic and Traditional Medicine Traditional Chinese MedicineTCM prescribed berberine-containing plants for diarrhea and infections. But modern science is discovering its uses are far more than a natural antibiotic compound. It is known to improve blood lipids and insulin resistance.
How Does Berberine Work?
Berberine acts through many mechanisms within the body. It can affect multiple cellular mechanisms, including AMPK. This enzyme is vital to energy metabolism. Berberine increases glucose uptake in cells by activating AMPK. Berberine also helps regulate blood sugar and promotes fat breakdown. These qualities have a positive impact on energy and metabolism.
Berberine Health Benefits
This alkaloid can be useful in several situations Chronic diseasesBerberine is beneficial when taken regularly. Berberine can be beneficial in the following ways:
Blood Sugar Regulation
Berberine can be beneficial for diabetics because it helps maintain a balanced blood sugar level. This is done by improving insulin-sensitivity and reducing the production of blood glucose in the liver. In clinical trials it was very effective at lowering blood glucose in type 2 diabetics.
It also lower blood sugar levelsBut it also reduced a marker called A1C. Hemoglobin A1C is a measure of blood sugar control. Berberine supplements also reduce total cholesterol as well as low-density Lipoprotein/LDL.
In a randomized controlled trial conducted in another country, berberine’s effects on the reduction of fasting blood glucose levels and hemoglobin A1C compared favorably with those of metformin.
In a review of 1 078 women with PCOS, berberine increased fertility and the rate of live births. It also improved insulin resistance in a similar way to metformin.
Reduced Risk Factors for Heart Disease
Berberine can also lower blood pressure. Risk of heart disease. It promotes cardiovascular health by addressing the components of metabolic syndrome. Five risk factors are associated with metabolic syndrome.
- High blood pressure (hypertension).
- Low HDL cholesterol (abnormal cholesterol levels)
- High blood sugar levels
- High Triglycerides
- Increased waist to hip ratio
Studies have shown that berberine lowers LDL cholesterol. It may therefore help to bring abnormal cholesterol levels into balance. For those who don’t want to take statins, berberine may be a safe and effective alternative. Statins suppress inflammatory responses (but they have negative side effects). Berberine also reduces the inflammatory response, but without any harmful side effects.
This may also improve quality of living in those who have congestive hearts failure (CHF). A study split CHF patients in two groups. The first group only received conventional treatments, while the second group also received berberine.
The berberine group had a higher energy level and greater capacity to exercise. At follow-up, there were fewer deaths among the berberine patients.
Promoting Digestive Wellness
In several ways, it can promote a healthy gastrointestinal system. It can fight certain infections like intestinal parasitesIt can also help to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria, fungi and yeast. Researchers have also found that it can protect the intestinal lining and reduce the chances of developing leaky gut.
Berberine can also increase the number of bacteria that produce butyrate in the gut. Butyrate is a short-chain fatty acid (SFCA) that’s anti-inflammatory and nourishing to the brain. It may lower the risk for colorectal and other cancers.
Scientists also study berberine to treat ulcerative colitis. Berberine supplements seem to reduce the inflammation of mucus lining in the gut. It could reduce the severity of the condition, and restore normal functions.
Improve Sleep
Recent research has found a potential new use for Berberine: As a sleep aid. A study conducted on animals found that berberine is comparable to Valium (diazepam) for treating insomnia. Berberine, compared to Valium, not only restored memory quicker in sleep-deprived rats but also worked quicker.
Supporting a Healthy Body Weight
Berberine can also be helpful for those who want to maintain a healthy body weight. Researchers have found that berberine may reduce obesity among some people, by helping to maintain a balanced blood sugar level and lowering inflammation. It could also help to promote weight-loss by limiting fat cell development.
The meta-analysis of twelve studies concluded that taking Berberine significantly improved the results. Reduced body weight, waist circumference (C) and BMI. Its antioxidant effects also helped to lower C-reactive proteins (CRP), an indicator of inflammation.
Reduce Cancer Risk
Berberine may also have anti-cancer properties, and promote the death of cancer cells. It’s currently being researched for breast, colon, lung, thyroid, and other cancers. But the research so far is restricted to animal and cell studies.
Berberine Side Effects and Contraindications
It’s not recommended to take berberine while pregnant or breastfeeding. The constituents can transfer to the baby through the mother’s fluids and may harm the pre-born infant or newborn. Berberine may cause brain damage, also known as kernicterus, in the developing child.
Some people taking berberine may experience digestive upset (diarrhea, constipation, or bloating). Others may experience nausea, vomiting or headaches. It is mostly caused by taking higher doses of berberine than recommended.
Please consult your local healthcare provider if you’re taking a diabetes drug like metformin. Diabetes drugs already lower blood glucose, so adding berberine could lower it too far.
How to Find a Good Berberine – Supplement
Another important thing to know about berberine is that it’s difficult to absorb. The standard form of berberine is absorbed by our body at less than 1%. So, if you think you’re taking 1,000 mg doses, you’re actually only getting 6.8 mg per dose. You’d have to take a lot of berberine to get any benefits.
That’s why the formulation is so important. When looking for a good berberine supplement, you want to ensure it’s bioavailable so you’re getting what it says on the bottle! That’s why I’m a huge BerbElite is a fan of BerbElite. This supplement contains sulforaphane derived from broccoli seeds complex. Sulforaphane aids in the absorption of berberine by the body, increasing the effects.
It also activates Nrf-2, a pathway within the body. Sulforaphane lowers inflammation and protects the brain from oxidative damage.
How I Use Berberine
I’ve been experimenting with berberine lately and I’ve been really liking the results. Because my overall sleep is pretty dialed in I didn’t notice more sleep. I’ve seen an increase in the number of deep sleep hours. Also, my glucose response to food is better. I also noticed a difference very quickly after taking BerbElite.
BerbElite is a bioavailable berberine that can be beneficial to health. It can help keep blood sugar stable, support a restful night’s sleep, and even potentially lower the risk of several chronic health conditions if accompanied by a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Have you ever tried berberine to treat any of the following health problems? Was it helpful to you? Please share your thoughts below!
