Boost Your Metabolism Naturally

This One Herb Can Accelerate your Weight Loss

After changing your diet, adding in supplements is often the next step in along someone’s wellness journey. But knowing what supplements to take can take you down a very confusing tunnel. This is why I like to keep it as simple as possible when recommending supplements. A little can go a long way and using a few supplements at a time is better than a myriad that may be causing more health obstacles down the road.

I’d like to introduce you to one of my very most favorite supplements known as Hydrastis canadensis or better known as Berberine. This beautifully colored herb has long been used in traditional Chinese, Ayurvedic and Naturopathic protocols to help fight off bacteria, viruses and other harmful pathogens. In my Practice, I often use it to help balance blood sugar, eliminate Candida and up-regulate metabolism to assist with weight loss. 

One of the reasons berberine is so beneficial to the body is that it works with many different physiological pathways of the body that can activate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). This enzymes controls how energy is used in the body and how it’s used inside the cell. Think of it as a switch that turns things on and off. Berberine turns on AMPK to regulate the biological activities that normalize lipid, glucose and energy imbalances.Another interesting fact is that it can form structures with other compounds to increase it’s efficacy. I just love how the innate intelligence of the human body! 

Health Benefits of Berberine

Insulin Resistance and Diabetes – As mentioned previously, Berberine is incredibly helpful in balancing the blood sugar levels in the body and can help control diabetes. It does this by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing the production of glucose in the liver.

Weight Loss – studies show that Berberine may help reduce body weight by improving the function of fat-regulating hormones like insulin and leptin. It also helps inhibit the growth of fat cells and improve the activity of brown fat, which converts fats into energy. (Source).

Gut Health –  Berberine may help improve immune function by maintaining healthy gut flora, providing antioxidant properties and activating white blood cells, which are responsible for preventing infections. As well as killing various bacteria, viruses or fungi wreaking havoc in the gut. (Source).

Liver Health – Research suggests that Berberine may be a useful supplement for people with Fatty Liver, as it helps decrease fat buildup in the liver and regulate hepatic lipid metabolism. (Source).

Naturally Occurring Sources of Berberine

Berberine is a naturally occurring compound found in several medicinal plants and herbs. It’s usually extracted from the roots, barks, leaves and rhizomes of any of the following plants:

• Goldenseal
• Oregon grape
• European barberry
• Chinese goldthread
• Phellodendron (also known as cork tree)
• California poppy

Optimizing your Metabolism

Taking Berberine is not enough to improve your overall health (sigh), you’ll need to put in some effort too. In order to maximize the positive effects of this supplement, it’s best to pair it with proper nutrition based upon your body type and any food sensitivities or GI issues you may be experiencing simultaneously. Healing the root cause will allow your body to release the inflammation that is keeping your metabolism at bay. To get to the core of your sluggish metabolism, schedule a consultation to begin!