Berberine is rising in popularity due to its ability to reduce insulin resistance. While no supplement should ever be considered a “wonder drug”, there are certain benefits of taking berberine that you should know about. Read on to explore how berberine can help your body function!
What is berberine?
Berberine is an alkaloid chemical compound found in certain plant stems, leaves, bark, and roots. For years, traditional Chinese medicine has been utilizing berberine for a variety of ailments. Unlike many vitamins and minerals, berberine can’t really be consumed from traditional food sources like fruits and vegetables, so you must take it in supplement form such as a capsule.
What are the benefits of taking berberine?
Berberine is a significant source of research concerning its role in the human body, as it can interact with cells and impact multiple functions at once. Here are some of the benefits of taking berberine:
It can regulate blood sugar levels. For some with Type 2 diabetes, berberine has been effective in lowering insulin resistance and increasing the body’s ability to break down sugar. Along with a healthy diet and lifestyle choices, berberine can be a natural option to consider if you are pre-diabetic or if you have been diagnosed with diabetes to discuss with your health care provider.
It can increase healthy gut bacteria. Your gut and immune system fight inflammation and need a balanced gut microbiome in order to function properly. Berberine can help encourage good gut bacteria to thrive, not allowing any room for unhealthy bacteria to grow, further protecting the immune-gut barrier from toxins.
It can support heart health. Berberine’s effect on cardiovascular disease factors such as diabetes means that it can support optimal heart health. Not only can it improve blood sugar levels, but it may also help lower your bad cholesterol and raise your good cholesterol.
It can help with weight loss efforts. Since one of the benefits of taking berberine can be lowering blood sugar levels, it can also affect weight loss. Insulin impacts more than blood glucose metabolism; it is also involved in how your body breaks down and uses energy.
Should I take a berberine supplement?
Before taking any supplement, it is important to get the okay from your doctor. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as children, should not take berberine. Those with Type 2 diabetes should consult with their doctor about what dose of berberine would be the most effective, as it can interfere with prescription medications you may already be taking. Also, you should never stop or replace your current medication regimen without a doctor’s approval.
If you are in need of a berberine supplement, take a look at Berberine EX-5. This pharmaceutical-grade supplement contains dihydroberberine (DHB), a natural bioactive form of berberine. We also offer a Weight Management Bundle with berberine, fiber, and probiotic supplements for targeted weight support. This combination promotes gut health, appetite control, and metabolism to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
If you have any questions about our supplements or whether berberine could be a good option for you, please contact us! Our team of pharmacists is extremely knowledgeable regarding the supplements we offer and are happy to speak with you. We are passionate about helping you take control of your health one step at a time!
