If you search for “berberine” on Google, you’ll find a few intriguing stories that allude to it as “nature’s Ozempic.”
And that will undoubtedly draw notice given the growing use of Ozempic and other weight-loss medications. Giving it a try is made even more alluring when you consider that you can purchase a month’s supply of berberine from Amazon for as low as $8.
However, is it truly as bad as it seems? Is it safe, as is the case with all supplements?
It is a promising supplement, according to a Mayo Clinic Press article, but it is not a miracle weight-loss cure.
Unfortunately, it describes the nature of the Olympic thing as smart marketing, which isn’t always truthful or beneficial.
What is the truth, then?
It can appear very alluring if you are looking at anything that is thought to be a natural form of medicine. Registered dietitian Tara A. Schmidt of the Mayo Clinic stated.
Even Ozempic is not magic in and of itself, Schmidt cautioned.
According to the Mayo Clinic, berberine is an alkaloid that can be found in a number of plants, such as coptis, barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grapes. In most cases, it is prepared as oral pills.
Schmidt added that berberine has demonstrated promise in reducing cholesterol and aiding in the treatment of diabetes and insulin resistance in the scant study that has been done on the subject. When taken at recommended dosages, the supplement may be safe, according to the Mayo Clinic, however its chief adverse effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, gas, and vomiting.
Berberine is an antibiotic that may change the flora in your stomach, according to the Mayo Clinic. According to the statement, it is also believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
According to the website, its possible weight-loss advantages may be due to its effects on gut bacteria and insulin. According to Schmidt, improved blood sugar regulation may benefit with appetite control.
Berberine is also regarded by the Cleveland Clinic as a potentially effective weight-loss supplement.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Elizabeth Bradley stated that berberine can help with cholesterol levels, diabetes, and high blood pressure. Berberine can have a good impact on such illnesses when combined with lifestyle modifications, such as weight loss.
In addition to cautioning against falling for the Ozempic hype, the Cleveland Clinic claims that the supplement may help people lose weight and lower their risk of heart disease.
So, is berberine a miracle drug for losing weight?
In reality, nothing is.
However, the Cleveland Clinic and the Mayo Clinic say that when used in moderation, it can be a cheap supplement that’s worth having in your toolbox.