I’ve always believed there is no such thing as a magic bullet when it comes to optimal health. In spite of marketing efforts to convince us otherwise, I stand firm in that belief. But recently I have begun to wonder if I might make an exception to this rule with a supplement that has been gaining popularity.
I mean, what am I supposed to think about a supplement that can improve your microbiome and by doing so, lower blood sugar, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, stop cancer growth, improve your mood and enhance your brain’s learning? Too good to be true?
I’m not sure. These effects are backed by legitimate science.
The plant herbal supplement is called Berberine.
The mechanism of berberine is not entirely understood but it’s clear that it improves the microbiome. And if you have been following nutrition for any amount of time you probably know the importance of a healthy microbiome.
There are many factors that can impact the balance in the microbiome, including a high and varied fiber diet from whole foods, removing chemical ingredients from foods, regular exercise, and stress management. But in addition to all these things, there is a bit of a “cheat” or a “hack” if you prefer. And that is Berberine!
Berberine is powerful
Studies show that Berberine is effective at reducing blood sugar, reducing bad cholesterol levels, and reducing high blood pressure. So basically it has a positive impact on folks with metabolic syndromes. In fact, Berberine has been shown to be just as effective as Metformin, a common prescription drug used to control diabetes. Additionally, this plant supplement can lower LDL and triglycerides, and reduce inflammation and oxidation with an antiatherosclerotic impact similar to some statins.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Berberine can also….wait for it…
…kill cancer cells!
In recent years, berberine has been reported to inhibit cell proliferation and to be cytotoxic toward cancer cells. What that means is that it stops cancer cells from spreading and actually kills them. In fact, this supplement is often included as a foundation for many holistic cancer treatments. I was interested in it when I heard of the metabolic impact but it turns out there is so much more to Berberine.
Berberine is powerful but is it actually safe too?
Berberine has long been used in Chinese medicine for gastrointestinal infections and health. A meta-analysis of 27 studies shows that it is safe and well tolerated. In spite of this strong safety record, there are some considerations. If you already have very low blood pressure or are taking any drugs or supplements that are metabolized through the CYP450 pathway, please speak with a pharmacist first. This metabolic pathway is very common with many prescription drugs, and an interaction could either increase or decrease the efficacy of one or more of your prescriptions.
Additionally, you will want to check the potency and purity of any supplement you are taking. I have a subscription to ConsumerLabs.com but you can also check Labdoor.com which is a free version but they don’t have as many supplements in their testing database.
Based on ConsumerLab’s recommendation, I take AmazingFormulas Berberine. You can shop around to find the best price.
An ancient supplement worth considering
If you are concerned with any of the common American health issues, Berberine may be worth investigating. If you are on other medications please consult a pharmacist first to make sure you won’t have any drug interactions.
Have you tried Berberine already? What has your experience with it been?
