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Berberine supplements have gained significant attention in the recent past for their perceived weight loss benefits. Most users credit these supplements for their ability to induce weight loss without triggering worrying adverse effects.
But if you’ve never tried berberine before, it’s natural to wonder if the compound truly works. Well, you’re in luck.
We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to berberine supplements and why you need to incorporate them into your weight loss regimen.
What Is Berberine?
Berberine is a bioactive alkaloid found in numerous plants. The substance is particularly abundant in the Berberis group of shrubs, such as the Coptis chinensis.
Berberine has brilliant yellowish tints, which become even brighter under ultraviolet light. The compound has been part of Chinese folk medicine from time immemorial. It has also been a staple raw material in the dyeing of leather, wool, and various woods.
Emerging scientific research suggests that berberine may provide numerous pharmacological benefits to humans. That explains the growing usage of berberine supplement weight loss.
How Do Berberine Supplements Aid Weight Loss?
Multiple studies investigating berberine’s medicinal properties cite weight loss among its most outstanding health benefits. But to understand how this alkaloid induces weight loss, it’s important to familiarize ourselves with how it impacts the body.
Animal studies have shown that berberine activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme found in the cells. AMPK is involved in various cellular functions, particularly energy metabolism. Its role in energy production might support weight loss by accelerating the body’s fat burning processes.
AMPK’s intracellular location allows it to impact several other cell molecules. Some findings suggest the enzyme may guard against numerous chronic health diseases by affecting gene expression.
Human Studies on Berberine’s Weight Loss Benefits
While berberine’s medicinal properties have been largely investigated in animals, human-based research exists as well.
One such study involved administering 500 milligrams (mg) of berberine supplements every day to people with obesity for 12 weeks.
At the end of the study period, researchers observed that the participants lost an average of 5 pounds and up to 3.6% of their body fat.
What makes berberine such an effective weight loss remedy is its ability to decelerate the production of fat cells at the cellular level.
Berberine supplements may also lower blood sugar levels, a major risk factor for unhealthy weight gain. Blood sugar spikes can induce or exacerbate weight gain by throwing your metabolism out of balance. Besides, the body stores excess sugar in tissues as fat.
Fortunately, research has shown that berberine supplements may lower blood sugar levels among people with type 2 diabetes. That makes it a potential remedy for conditions associated with hyperglycemia, including weight gain.
Berberine reduces blood glucose levels via several mechanisms, such as addressing insulin resistance, inhibiting carbohydrate metabolism in the gut, and increasing glycolysis.
Other Health Benefits of Berberine Supplements
1. Cancer Prevention
Taking berberine supplements may reduce the occurrence of malignant tumors.
While research on berberine’s anticarcinogenic properties is still a work in progress, existing evidence points to the compound’s ability to treat certain gastrointestinal cancers.
2. Aiding Cardiovascular Health
Berberine’s ability to lower blood sugar levels speaks to its potential to aid cardiovascular health.
That’s because hyperglycemia causes changes in vascular functions, leading to cardiovascular diseases like arteriosclerosis.
3. Treating Microbial Illnesses
Berberine possesses immense antimicrobial properties. The compound is particularly noted for its antibacterial and antiamoebic effects.
One study found that supplementing with berberine sulfate may inhibit the growth of Entamoeba histolytica.
4. Relieving Anxiety Depression
Taking berberine supplements could also help with various mental health issues, especially anxiety and depression.
Several research findings have proven that berberine may reduce various symptoms of depression, such as sadness, nervousness, and sleep disturbances.
How Much Berberine to Take For Weight Loss?
500 – 1,500 mg of berberine per day is widely regarded as the consensus dosage. But like most plant-derived compounds, berberine has no standard dosage.
The actual amount of berberine supplements to take depends on factors like your age and metabolic rate. Younger users and people with a slower metabolic rate should consume lower doses than older users or those with fast metabolism.
Your weight loss goals may also determine the amount of berberine supplements to administer. Higher doses (up to 2,000 mg) are theoretically effective if you’re targeting dramatic weight loss effects. On the flip side, you may consider doses as low as 300 mg if taking these supplements to prevent rather than treat unhealthy weight gain.
What’s The Ideal Time to Take Berberine?
While you can administer berberine whenever you wish, the recommended time is right before meals.
This allows the compound to exert its full effects by slowing down the breakdown of carbohydrates and fats, consequently preventing them from being deposited in body tissues.
Does Berberine Have Any Adverse Effects
One of the biggest drawcards to berberine supplements is their low propensity to adverse effects. Even when negative reactions occur, they’re typically mild cases of diarrhea, bloating, and constipation.
But while berberine is safe in its natural form, some berberine supplements may contain potentially problematic ingredients in the form of preservatives, flavor enhancers, etc.
Besides, berberine may interact adversely with certain medications, such as cyclosporine. The thumb rule is to administer the compound as a standalone weight loss supplement.
The Bottom Line
Taking berberine supplements may accelerate weight loss while combating unhealthy weight gain and other chronic health issues.Even more exciting is that these supplements enjoy an incredible safety profile provided that they’re free from harmful additives.
