Berberine is an effective pharmaceutical drug useful for certain conditions. It’s a traditional Ayurvedic herb and is also used in Chinese medicine. Now, modern science has confirmed that it has impressive benefits for several different health problems. This natural compound is extracted from the roots, rhizomes, stems and bark of plants such as barberry, goldenseal, Oregon grape and tree turmeric. Technically, it belongs to a class of compounds called alkaloids.
Today, the berberine supplement is treated as an effective health support supplement. This alkaloid compound from herbs it is derived from are ingested in the digestive system and carried to the bloodstream, from there it is drawn into the body’s cells. Inside cells, it interacts with particular metabolic and molecular processes and can precisely change components of the cell function. This is beneficial to those who are suffering from chronic illness. Moreover, it can switch the way a particular gene expresses itself and is influential on the energy levels of cells, or your metabolism.
Source: SelfHacked and Healthline
To help you understand it more, here are the 7 proven benefits of Berberine to help you enhance your wellbeing.
- Balances Blood Sugar
Berberine is a great alternative when it comes to treating type 2 diabetes. As the supplement helps in lowering the blood sugar levels. It not only handles diabetes itself, but the severe complications of this illness as well, such as nerve problems, slow wound healing, and even stroke.
Precisely this natural compound from these herbs assists diabetes by boosting the ability of cells to take in glucose, reducing the number of circulating glucose, reducing blood sugar levels, and enhancing insulin sensitivity. You can see the benefits of berberine only after using it for two to three months when consumed twice every day. So consistency is a key factor here.
- Boosts Good Heart Health
The berberine compound is considered one of the best medications that helps in lowering both systolic and diastolic levels. It provides support for a decreasing risk of cardiovascular disease, at the same time boosting steady blood pressure and protecting against plaque build-up in the arteries, uneven heartbeat and heart failure.
Keep in mind that diabetes, high blood sugar levels and obesity are also major risk factors for heart disease, all of which seem to be improved with this supplement.
Given the beneficial effects on all these risk factors, it seems likely that berberine could drastically reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Fights Bad Gut Health
This herbal compound is antimicrobial, which is great for the digestive system and microbiome. Overall, berberine can aid to demolish the ulcer-forming bacteria H. pylori, only when consumed twice daily for six weeks. It can also be utilized to combat other types of bacteria and fungi, such as staph and candida.
Furthermore, berberine can also get rid of “bad” gut bacteria, which can have harmful effects on the body like insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity. It is also helpful in cases of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and can be used as antibiotic nursing without gut-upsetting reactions.
Some scientists believe berberine might reduce a “leaky gut”. For more information, read “A Guide to Repair Your Gut Health” combined with 35 healing recovery recipes. It contains a lot of information designed to help you heal your gut.
- Encourages Natural Weight Loss
Berberine is not a miracle weight loss drug, however, it can help to reduce weight especially for those with obesity.
Berberine helps the body with better insulin sensitivity and even blood sugar levels. It further helps to maintain the hormones that manage appetite and satiety or having that “full” feeling. Plus, berberine works to speed up the metabolism as it advances the engines for each individual cell. This aids to reduce body fat percentage, overall reducing the whole body weight.
- Lowers Cholesterol
If you are suffering from harmful cholesterol levels, berberine can help to lower these levels in the blood. In particular, certain lipids like LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which, when raised, can steer to heart disease such as stroke, and other inflammatory conditions.
While cholesterol in and of itself isn’t always a bad thing, but be aware that there are 2 types, LDL and HDL with the latter carrying excess cholesterol in the body back to your liver where it’s dismantled and recycled. Moreover, the LDL cholesterol type becomes oxidized, and is related to plaque build-up in the arteries which leads to heart disease. Berberine helps to lower those LDL levels.
- Boosts Mood
You can easily boost your mood with the help of berberine. It works as an antidepressant in the brain by boosting the neurotransmitters that make a stable, regulated mood: serotonin and dopamine.
However, keep in mind that berberine is a great supplement for those with mild symptoms only. So, if you are suffering from something higher it won’t replace your prescribed antidepressants, in fact, you shouldn’t consume them with this kind of herbal medication at all. So consult your Doctor if you have questions.
- Increases Fertility
Polycystic ovarian syndrome also known as PCOS is one of the major causes of fertility issues in women. It is related to insulin resistance and many other metabolic disorders, and ovulatory problems. Berberine can help to reduce these effects of PCOS on the reproductive system and can balance blood sugar, lower testosterone, and boost cholesterol balance.
Summing up
Berberine is a well-known compound with a variety of beneficial possibilities. In the age of focusing on gut health, it’s a different way to naturally support the microbiome while also enhancing other aspects of health and your overall well being.