Berberine supplement as an alternative to Ozempic slimming product?

Many people struggle with the scales on a daily basis. It is therefore not surprising that the diabetes drug Ozempic – which helps you lose weight – is selling like hot cakes at the pharmacy. But due to the great popularity of the drug, a shortage has arisen. Berberine is a natural substance with a similar effect. Can berberine serve as a surrogate for the weight-reducing Ozempic?

Also read: Is diabetes drug Ozempic a miracle cure for fast weight loss?

Berberine as a supplement

Berberine belongs to a group of nitrogenous compounds called alkaloids. Other well-known alkaloids are morphine, nicotine and caffeine. Berberine is less well-known than caffeine, but it is not a new substance. It has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 400 years, mainly to treat diarrhea and other gastrointestinal infections.

When you take berberine as a pill (capsule or tablet) or powder, it enters your bloodstream and travels to your cells, where it binds to different molecules. Because of these different interactions, it can affect more than one disease at a time. “Berberine works at the cellular level, changing how cells function by turning things off and on,” says Elizabeth Bradley, a functional medicine specialist. “These basic interactions involve many different processes in the body.”

Research shows that berberine can be effective in several chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory diseases. However, a caveat here is that most studies are modest and not always of high quality. The results are therefore not always reliable.

Also read: After Ozempic: diabetes drug Mounjaro gives even more weight loss

Berberine as a slimming aid

“Like Ozempic, berberine lowers blood sugar levels and can lead to weight loss,” says Giordano. But unlike Ozempic, it is not injectable and can be taken orally.

And there are differences. “Berberine doesn’t help the body stop its hunger or its cravings,” says Neil Paulvin, a New York physician who specializes in longevity and regenerative medicine. “It doesn’t slow gastric emptying, which is one of the primary actions of Ozempic.”

“With berberine, patients lose a maximum of two to four kilos per month, if not less,” says Paulvin. “With Ozempic, they lose five to twelve, sometimes as much as sixteen kilos per month.” Berberine is also inexpensive compared to the high cost of Ozempic. And it is available over the counter.

Also read: What is the best diet?

Health Benefits of Berberine

The health benefits of berberine extend beyond weight loss. “Berberine can help you lose a few pounds because it improves the way insulin works. It also improves the way your body uses carbohydrates. It makes people less insulin resistant,” says Giordano.

• It can reduce the amount of glucose that cells take up
• It acts on cellular pathways that influence lifespan
• It can restore the intestines and eliminate infections
• It inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria in your intestines
• It reduces inflammation
• It has a mild cholesterol lowering effect

Risks and side effects

Berberine may seem harmless because it is a herbal remedy, but there are potential risks and side effects.

Risks

• Berberine should only be used by adults, and may not be safe for infants, children, and pregnant women, as it can cause brain damage to the fetus or young children.
• People taking medications for advanced type 2 diabetes should talk to their doctor before starting berberine, as the supplement may affect insulin dosage and blood sugar levels.
• Berberine may interact with other medications and is not safe to take with blood sugar and blood lipid medications, liver, blood clotting, and blood pressure medications.

Side effects

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Bloated feeling
• Stomach complaints
• Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar

Little is known about possible risks after long-term use. Therefore, it is recommended to take berberine for a maximum of six months, with a daily dosage of up to 1.5 g per day. In any case, consult a doctor before taking berberine. He will determine the correct dosage for you.

Buy Berberine

As in other countries, berberine is also available without a prescription in Belgium. You can find berberine in (online) pharmacies and in grocery stores such as Kruidvat.

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