Unlike most berberine devotees posting on TikTok, Andries says she wasnt motivated by weight loss.
Im a vegan, and Ive had some issues with bloating, and it definitely helped with that.
It also decreased my sugar cravings and gave me more energy.
Theberberis sieboldiiplant, from which berberine is extracted.
So how safe is it to take this unregulated, bioactive substance?
When it comes to Andries noticing she wasless boated, there are studies to back that up too.
Butlike most supplements or medicationsits not for everybody.
Vogue:The hashtag for berberine has over 67 million views on TikTok.
There have been so many OTC pills and supplements marketed for weight loss over the years.
How is berberine different?
There is a fair amount of research supporting its positive effect on health in the medical literature.
How exactly does it work?
In addition to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, berberine activates brown adipose tissue.
We have white and brown fat cells or adipose tissue.
This increases your metabolic rate, improves insulin sensitivity, and helps regulate insulin production.
In addition to activating the brown fat, it also converts white fat into brown fat.
This is why it helps with metabolic diseases.
So what is the downside to people taking berberine?
Theres no regulation with any kind of OTC supplement.
If you take too much, you may have side effects like gastric upset.
Theres also a question of quality.
On Amazon, look for products with more reviews that have been around the longest.
Of course, with any supplement, its a hit or miss.
Some people will respond better, and others may have side effects.
What are the main side effects?
The most common side effects are diarrhea, constipation, gas, and stomach upset.
Its also dangerous for pregnant women or those who are nursing.
It can cross the placenta and also enter breast milk, causing liver problems for the fetus.
You mention berberine can be dangerous for a babys developing liver.
Does berberine cause liver toxicity in normal adults?
Is it an appetite suppressant?
No, it doesnt affect appetite.
As I mentioned before, it increases thermogenesis, which boosts how much fat youre burning.
But it does help with insulin so it may decrease sugar cravings.
If berberine increases insulin, can it cause hypoglycemia?
Yes, thats why its been used to treat diabetes.
When you increase insulin secretion in the pancreas, it can potentially cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
What are some symptoms of hypoglycemia?
If its really low, you could pass out.
But before that happens, you might feel shaky, clammy, and hungry.
Again, this is why its very important to consult your doctor before starting any kind of supplement.
How does berberine affect gut health?
Does it interfere with probiotics?
Berberine is not an antibiotic, but it hassome antibacterial effects.
What is a safe dose of berberine, and how often should you take it?
I recommend people take 500 mg three times a day for up to two years.
You run into problems when you start overdosing.
Again, this is why being supervised by a physician is very important.
So, whats the bottom line: Is it natures Ozempic or just another weight-loss snake-oil pill?
I have a patient who lost 160 pounds with incretins.
You are never going to lose that amount of weight with berberine.
That said, comparing berberine to a specific medication like Ozempic oversimplifies the complex mechanisms at play.
Prescription medications undergo rigorous testing and are approved based on evidence-backed safety and efficacy.
