If you’re into health and wellness, you might reach for that powdered herb on the mall shelf believing it to be turmeric. But there’s every possibility you might have grabbed berberine.
Yes, berberine has the same yellow color as turmeric, and health and wellness gurus have touted it to have many benefits.
Berberine is a compound that’s found in plants. In drug stores or health and wellness stores, you can find them as either capsules, tablets, or a berberine gummy. But what exactly is it, and why are so many people raving about it?
In this article, you’ll learn about the many benefits of berberine that get many people excited about it.
What Is Berberine?
Berberine isn’t some new, trendy supplement that just hit the market. It’s been around for thousands of years. It has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, especially in places like China and India, where natural remedies have been the go-to for health problems.
Berberine is a bright yellow compound found in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, Oregon grape, and tree turmeric. As an isoquinoline alkaloid, it has a bitter taste but was still a popular choice by traditional medical healers who used it for the treatment of all kinds of ailments, from infections to digestive issues.
Now, berberine is making a big comeback in the wellness world as a supplement. But what makes it so special now, with all the advances that modern medicine has made?
Why Is Berberine so Special?
This is where things get exciting. Berberine is not just another supplement, it’s a powerhouse that has many health benefits. Scientists have been digging into its properties, and have found that berberine helps with:
Lowering Blood Sugar Level
If you’ve got a sweet tooth or struggle with blood sugar spikes, a berberine supplement could be helpful to you. It helps your body manage glucose better by increasing insulin sensitivity (or decreasing insulin resistance) while slowing down the breakdown of carbs into sugar.
promoting Heart Health
Studies have shown that berberine can lower cholesterol levels, particularly the bad LDL cholesterol, while boosting the good HDL cholesterol. This is necessary because balancing these cholesterol levels helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
Weight Loss
Trying to shed a few pounds? Berberine might just give you that extra boost. It helps regulate fat hormones like leptin and adiponectin, which play key roles in weight management. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, berberine can be a powerful ally in your weight loss journey by helping your body burn fat more efficiently.
Improving Gut Health
Berberine is a natural antibiotic, but unlike synthetic antibiotics that can alter your gut flora, berberine helps maintain a healthy balance of good bacteria. This means it’s great for tackling digestive issues like bloating, diarrhea, and even some infections without harming your gut health. It is helpful for constipation and heartburn as well.
How to Take Berberine
How do you incorporate berberine into your routine? The most common form is in capsules, but you can also find it as a powder. Experts typically recommend taking berberine in doses of 500 mg, two to three times a day, totaling 1,500 mg daily. It should be taken about 5-30 minutes before a meal.
Possible Side Effects
Like with anything, moderation is key. Berberine is generally safe. But some people might experience mild side effects like bloating, constipation, cramping, or diarrhea, especially when they first start taking it.
