How Berberine May Assist In Weight Loss

Berberine for weight loss — Berberine is a plant extract that may offer support for a number of health issues, including weight loss.

By now you are surely aware of the discouraging statistics detailing the rise of diabetes and obesity in the United States. According to the American Diabetes Association: “Diabetes causes more deaths a year than breast cancer and AIDS combined.” Additionally, more than 2 out of 3 American adults are overweight or obese.   While there are a lot of misunderstandings about how one can achieve a healthy weight, having a healthy metabolism, eating a balanced diet and using beneficial supplements can help stave off obesity as well as lower your risk of diabetes.

One natural supplement that can be helpful in maintaining a healthy internal response is berberine. Ancient holistic practitioners have been using this alkaloid for centuries to help patients maintain a healthy heart, optimal weight, and balanced fertility. Read on to learn more about berberine and how it could complement your natural healthy lifestyle.

Learn More About Berberine

Berberine extract is derived from eastern plants such as Oregon grape, goldthread, barberry, goldenseal, and others. Its plant-based origins give it a yellow, pollen-like appearance, and it bears a striking resemblance to the kitchen spice turmeric. Berberine is an alkaloid, which is a nitrogen-rich atom that has “diverse and important physiological effects on humans and other animals.” Berberine has been shown to assist in gut and digestive health and may bring balance to the bloodstream. These two systems play a critical role in overall health and optimal weight, making berberine an easy choice when it comes to stocking your medicine cabinet with supplements.

Berberine for Weight Loss

Berberine has a ton of potential benefits, with just one being potential weight loss. Studies have shown that berberine is one of the few natural sources proven to activate AMPK or adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. The AMPK enzyme has been shown to act as an “on switch” for increased metabolic function, and a healthy metabolism is crucial for achieving needed energy and optimal body weight. When studying the role of AMPK in the human body, researchers concluded that “Berberine can increase AMPK activity and improve glucose transport in cell lines and animals; this is believed to be the important mechanism by which berberine exerts its beneficial effects.”

How to Integrate Berberine Into Your Routine

Berberine is a well tested, affordable and generally safe herbal supplement. Of course, do your due diligence and identify possible side effects before introducing any new supplement into your life. It is typically taken in pill form and should be ingested 2-3 times throughout your day as it has a short half-life in the bloodstream. Most resources recommend taking 500mg, 3 times a day for a total of 1,500mg daily. Berberine for weight loss is best taken on a full stomach to ensure easy absorption and maximum benefit.

Have you used berberine for weight loss in your natural health routine? Tell us about it in the comments sections below and if you have questions about this helpful supplement, we will do our best to provide you with an answer.