Berberine is a plant alkaloid that has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine to treat a variety of health problems, particularly high blood sugar. Research from clinical trials in people with type 2 diabetes suggests that Berberine can potentially lower blood sugar levels to the same extent as some anti-diabetic drugs, in a natural way.
This article looks into the effects of Berberine on blood sugar levels and how it may aid in glucose control.
Why do we need glucose?
Glucose is the main source of cellular energy in our bodies. You may find it in almost all plants and is produced by photosynthesis from water and carbon dioxide.
Glucose is obtained from food consumed through the digestive tract. The bloodstream then transfers it to cells throughout the body. This is why glucose is also known as blood sugar.
In humans, insulin is the hormone which controls blood glucose regulation. The pancreas produces insulin, as well as other hormones such as glucagon, cortisol, and adrenaline.
What causes unbalanced blood sugar levels?
Elevated blood sugar levels lead to conditions such as diabetes. This is due to either decreased insulin production or decreased insulin sensitivity. Although it is common for your blood sugar levels to fluctuate each day, sustained high blood sugar levels can cause a variety of health issues, including organ damage.
Individuals who struggle to maintain healthy blood sugar levels within the normal range may find that a healthy diet and regular exercise are simply not enough.
Supplements for blood sugar/glucose control
If you want to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, in addition to a well-balanced diet, +boost has developed supplements to support our body’s natural ability to manage blood sugar.
+boost Berberine Glucose Support combines Berberine with MCT oil to support glucose metabolism. Clinical studies have shown that Berberine helps to support glucose and lipid metabolism.
MCT oil (or caprate) is included to help promote optimal absorption and maintain gastrointestinal comfort while taking Berberine.
Berberine is one of the few supplements which has been shown by research to potentially work as well as a drug. It has significant effects on many aspects of health, particularly blood sugar control.
How does Berberine work?
Several studies in type 2 diabetes patients have found that taking 600-2,700 mg of Berberine daily can reduce long-term blood sugar levels by 20%.
Berberine appears to be an effective supplement for diabetes treatment. This may be especially useful for people who are unable to take diabetes medications due to liver, kidney, or heart disease.
After taking the recommended dosage (1 softgel 3 times daily with food), the body absorbs it and transports it into the bloodstream. Then it enters the cells of the body. Inside the cells, it binds to a variety of “molecular targets” and alters their function. This is similar to how prescription drugs work.
The main role of Berberine is to activate an enzyme inside cells called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). It is found in organ cells such as the brain, muscle, kidney, heart, and liver. This enzyme is important in metabolism regulation.
Berberine health benefits
- Reduces insulin resistance, increasing the effectiveness of the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin.
- Increases glycolysis, assisting the body in breaking down sugars within cells.
- Reduces the amount of sugar produced by the liver.
- Slows carbohydrate breakdown in the gut.
- Increases the amount of good bacteria in the gut.
- Appears to prevent fat cell growth at the molecular level, therefore aiding fat loss and weight loss.
- Lowers cholesterol.
- Has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Berberine for athletes
This natural supplement can also greatly benefit athletic individuals including CrossFit, physique and strength athletes as well as cyclists, runners, OCR, and other endurance sport athletes by lowering blood glucose, increasing insulin sensitivity, and replenishing muscle glycogen.
Dosage information for Berberine
Berberine is a herbal supplement that is generally safe and well tolerated by healthy individuals and type 2 diabetes patients. Take 1 softgel 3 times daily with food. Store in a cool, dry place after opening.
Related Articles
Berberine: Why are People Calling it Nature’s Ozempic?