Eight Surprising Health Benefits of Berberine

As a bioactive alkaloid compound or plant chemical found in many plants such as Oregon grape, goldenseal, goldthread, and European barberry, there are many surprising benefits of berberine. It has been used medicinally for over 3000 years, and is currently being studied for its health benefits related to metabolic and cardiovascular health. These benefits have been tested in hundreds of studies. According to the Mayo Clinic, berberine activates an enzyme referred to as a “metabolic switch” which plays a key role in regulating how the body uses energy. By stimulating this enzyme, berberine improves metabolic functions.

According to research, there are eight surprising benefits of berberine:

Balances blood sugar and lowers glucose levels. Berberine slows down carbohydrate breakdown, which lowers glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity. Studies show it can lead to significant reductions in HbA1c and fasting blood glucose (FBG). Dr. Brent Bauer, an internal physician at the Mayo Clinic, says, “Berberine works at the cellular level and can help improve metabolism and be helpful for those individuals managing type 2 diabetes. Or metabolic syndrome.” It can be used with metformin or other diabetic medications. Berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which helps to increase insulin sensitivity and regulate mitochondrial function.

Lowers cholesterol. High-quality berberine supplements help to lower total cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL), and triglycerides. It can also increase good cholesterol levels. Since it works differently than statin drugs, it may help those who are resistant to cholesterol-lowering drugs or those who are more vulnerable to the side effects of these drugs. My naturopathic doctor at my cancer center recommended that I take berberine to help lower my cholesterol. I got a dual benefit when I realized it also helped me to control my blood sugar.

Improves heart health. Studies show that taking a berberine supplement combined with conventional heart disease treatments may be beneficial. This is because recent research showed that berberine has the effect of anti-heart failure, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-insulin resistance, anti-arrhythmias, and anti-platelet aggregation. Yes, it can be used to help with heart arrhythmias, heart failure, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. I think this surprised me the most. Research also suggests that berberine can enhance myocardial contractility, improve left ventricular function in people with congestive heart failure, and enhance the endothelial lining of the blood vessels.

Improves gut health and reduces inflammation. With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, berberine may reduce gastrointestinal bloating and help balance gut bacteria. Berberine has been shown to protect the gut barrier from inflammation. It also kills harmful bacteria while encouraging the growth of good bacteria, which we all need.

May aid in weight loss. Berberine helps to suppress appetite and influence fat metabolism. A review of 12 studies found that supplementation with berberine led to reductions in belly fat, body weight, and body mass index. Put me down for that one!

Some people call berberine “Nature’s Ozempic” leading many to wonder if it can be used in place of Ozempic. But according to WebMD, the two work differently. Ozempic slows down digestion, while berberine helps control how the body breaks down and uses energy.

When attempting to lose weight, there’s no substitute for a healthy diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, protein, exercise, and portion control. What you eat always matters. Berberine is not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. It’s important to combine berberine with regular exercise, hydration, and a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. It may be a safer way for you to lose weight.

Improves cognition and protects the brain. Research shows that berberine may help prevent dementia by protecting the brain against damage and improving mental skills.

It lowers inflammation in many ways such as reducing oxidative stress and lowering the production of inflammatory proteins. Berberine may also show promising benefits for the Alzheimer’s patient. “Recent evidence suggests that berberine inhibits the production of neuro-inflammation, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, which all play a role in Alzheimer’s disease.”

May help women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS. Berberine has been studied for its potential benefits in managing the symptoms of PCOS. Those benefits include managing insulin sensitivity, managing weight, improving cholesterol levels, regulating hormones, and reducing fatty liver disease since high insulin levels are often seen in PCOS patients.

May inhibit the spread of certain cancers. The therapeutic efficacy of berberine has been reported in several studies regarding colon, breast, pancreatic, liver, oral, bone, cutaneous, prostate, intestinal, and thyroid cancers. Animal studies and test-tube studies suggest that berberine can reduce the growth and spread of certain cancers. Berberine or BBR prevents cancer cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis and controlling the cell cycle as well as autophagy.

No wonder my naturopathic doctor prescribed this dark yellow berberine plant chemical for me. It certainly has helped in more ways than just lowering my cholesterol. It’s also helped me to manage my blood sugar and protect my heart and brain. And who knows, it may be one of many things contributing to my cancer not returning!

As with any herb or plant chemical, there are some cautions. Berberine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women since it can cross the placenta. Berberine can also interact with some diabetic, blood pressure, and blood thinning medications. You should also not use with cyclosporine, the drug given to organ transplant patients. So as always, check with your doctor or practitioner before taking and for proper dosage for your particular situation. 650 mg is the optimal amount per serving of berberine as cited in research, but your practitioner knows what is best for you.

Did you know that berberine has this many surprising benefits? If you use it, how is it working for you?

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Eight Surprising Health Benefits of Berberine

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For Your Health,

Ginny

Ginny Dent Brant is a speaker and writer who grew up in the halls of power in Washington, DC. She has battled cancer, ministered around the world, and served on the front lines of American culture as a counselor, educator, wellness advocate, and adjunct professor. Brant’s award-winning book, Finding True Freedom: From the White House to the World, was endorsed by Chuck Colson and featured in many TV and media interviews. Unleash Your God-Given Healing: Eight Steps to Prevent and Survive Cancer was released in May 2020 after her journey with cancer and was recently awarded the First Place Golden Scrolls Award for Memoirs, a finalist in Serious Writers Book of the Decade, and Second Place in both Selah Awards for Memoirs and Director’s Choice Award for Nonfiction at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer’s Conference. It recently received the Christian Authors Network’s (CAN) Gold Award for Excellence in Marketing for reaching 62.5 million people with a message of cancer prevention and survival. It was written with commentary from an oncologist and was featured on CBN’s Healthy Living Show, Atlanta Live, and CTN’s Homekeepers along with over 75 media outlets. Learn more and cancer and wellness prevention blog and book information at www.ginnybrant.com. Ginny is on YouTube