Berberine & Digestive Health: What You Need To Know

0

Berberine & Digestive Health: What You Need To Know

Are you curious about berberine and what it can do for your digestive health? Or even your overall health?

 

Read on to discover everything you need to know.

Berberine: What Is It?

Berberine is a useful alkaloid that can be found in hundreds of plants across the globe. Most famously found in the Oregon Grape, Goldenseal, and Barberry, this alkaloid has been used for medicinal purposes throughout history by the ancient Chinese and many others.

 

Today Berberine has become a highly studied substance that has proven useful for many medicinal treatments and uses. Scholars will say it is among the most beneficial natural treatments this world has seen.

Is it Safe for Everyone?

One of the best parts about it is that there are no serious side effects. So it should be completely safe for anyone not taking any medications or supplements.

 

The only catch is that it can interact with other supplements or medications. So, if you are interested in taking berberine for any reason, check with your doctor to ensure that you can safely take it.

How is it Administered?

Most people that take this alkaloid for medical conditions or as a supplement take 400-500mg about two to three times every day. This dosage is typically administered in the form of a swallowable pill.

Are There Any Common Side Effects

While no known serious side effects stem directly from berberine alone, it has been known to cause constipation. This issue often clears up after it has left the system or with a lower daily dose.

The Benefits: What Does Berberine Do?

So, now that you have a working idea of what berberine is. It is time to cover all of the benefits you could expect to see after taking it. There is a reason that berberine is arguably one of the best natural supplements you can take. It aids in the prevention of cancer, treats liver disease, reduces blood sugar, improves heart health, boosts mood, helps with weight loss, lowers cholesterol, helps fight neurodegenerative disorders, and improves digestive health.

Aids in the Prevention of Cancer

Several studies have proven that berberine has multiple effects that can result in the prevention of cancer. Here are a few details on how it does it.

 

Lab trials show that berberine restrains the development of the blood cells that encourage the growth of tumors, restricts the growth of multiple cell lines that can lead to cancer, prevents metastasis, and prompts apoptosis.

Can Treat Disease of the Liver

One of the most common liver disorders is referred to as NAFLD, which stands for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. This disease is common in people with diabetes or problems with obesity. Berberine has proven helpful in the treatment and prevention of this common disorder.

Reduce Blood Sugar

For those with issues regarding high blood pressure, berberine is a supplement to consider. In fact, one of the most common uses for this supplement is to reduce blood sugar by triggering the enzyme known as AMPK, or AMP-activated protein kinase. Along with blood sugar reduction, this process also regulates metabolism and reduces unwanted glucose production.

Improves Heart Health

There are four main berberine benefits to heart health. Here is a little bit about each one.

 

  • Arrhythmias: Berberine has proven beneficial in the treatment of individuals who deal with an irregular heartbeat.
  • Hypertension: Berberine reduces blood pressure by promoting the release of nitric oxide, or NO. NO protects arteries and helps them relax, thus decreasing blood pressure.
  • Heart Failure: Berberine acts somewhat as therapy for the heart by increasing its strength and ability to contract healthily.
  • Atherosclerosis: Berberine, and its benefits, also reduce plaque build-up in the arteries.

Improves Mood

Berberine aids in the production of the neurotransmitters that boost mood by regulating your body’s dopamine and serotonin. While it is not strong enough to replace an antidepressant, it can significantly help anyone who struggles in this area.

Great for Weight Loss

Are you trying to lose weight? While it may not replace exercise and healthy eating, berberine can be helpful for individuals trying to lose weight.

Can Lower Cholesterol

Berberine has proven successful in a few studies for lowering cholesterol. More specifically, it reduces the number of blood lipids known as LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The reduction of these blood lipids leads to several other health benefits as well.

 

Berberine Improves Gut and Digestive Health

While all these benefits are great, perhaps the most impressive and useful benefit of berberine is its ability to improve gut and digestive health. Many people today struggle with disorders like ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and many others.

 

Studies have proven that berberine’s ability to positively affect the gut microbiome, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, dramatically improves digestive health and is the primary component of most of its health benefits.

The Bottom Line

Berberine has multiple potential benefits, making it one of the best natural supplements for any health issues listed above. However, the best benefit of them all is the effect it has on your gut and digestive health. So, talk to your doctor today about introducing berberine to your daily supplement regimen so you can start enjoying a happy and healthy gut.

 

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here