A natural alternative for Ozempic is possible with the dietary supplement berberine. The latter is much healthier and cheaper.
Berberine as Alternative for Ozempic
Goldenseal and barberry have roots that naturally contain the bright yellow substance berberine, which has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various illnesses, including dyspepsia and hemorrhoids, Newsweek reported.
Google searches for the ancient herb have significantly increased since March 2023. Its popularity has grown on social media, and thousands of users have used the app to share their experiences. The hashtag #berberine currently has more than 61.4 million views on TikTok.
According to Tina Hinton, an associate professor of pharmacology at the University of Sydney, there is strong evidence that it reduces body weight, body mass index, and increased weight circumference, all of which are indicators of overweight and obesity, Newsweek reported.
Berberine is recognized as an anti-diabetic drug since studies have shown it can help lower blood glucose and other aberrant indicators in type 2 diabetes. It also lessens the diabetes' cardiovascular, renal, and neurological problems.
Berberine's interactions with the enzyme AMP-activated protein kinase are believed to regulate its effects on weight loss. In addition to inhibiting the creation of fat cells and raising insulin secretion, which will aid in lowering blood glucose levels, [this enzyme] has several other benefits.
Additionally, it suppresses the production of other critical proteins involved in the development of fat cells and increases the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is crucial for controlling appetite and blood sugar levels.
Following a meal, [GLP-1] informs your brain you've had enough food and delays stomach emptying to prolong your fullness. Ozempic and other medications mimic the hormone GLP-1.
Berberine vs. Ozempic
While Berberine and Ozempic work the same, they have different approaches. As mentioned, berberine is natural, while Ozempic is a prescription injectable medication patients with type 2 diabetes take to control their blood sugar levels.
Ozempic is based on a substance called semaglutide, an active component that mimics the structure of GLP-1 and stimulates its receptors.
In a previous interview with Newsweek, endocrinology and diabetes expert Dr. Sultan Linjawi said these medications are highly successful. These medications' clinical studies have shown extremely remarkable gains in diabetes management, and depending on the treatment, the clinical trial often results in weight loss of 3 to 6 kg.
However, access has become increasingly difficult due to escalating demand and the high cost of medications like Ozempic. The substantially less expensive over-the-counter substitute, berberine, has therefore become popular among many consumers.
As for taking berberine for weight loss, 300-3000 mg for at least three months will aid in shedding the extra pounds, according to experts. However, those over-the-counter supplements contain smaller amounts of berberine, between 100 to 500 mg, in every tablet. One must follow the directions and only take a few tablets daily.
However, those with medical conditions or who are pregnant should talk with their doctors before taking the berberine dietary supplement.
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