Berberine - action, properties, side effects, dosage

Berberine seems to be the remedy for our overweight, cholesterol and even bowel problems. When you come across it in your search for the most comprehensive supplements, you may be under the impression that it will help "everything".

Wonderful plant? Are we setting off fireworks? Before you buy a berberine supplement, learn about its proven and probable properties. Together with nutritionist Aleksandra Cudna, we'll give you a handful of useful tips on how to take care of your health (with the help of berberine, but not only). 

See also:

• Berberine for weight loss
• Berberine - contraindications
• Berberine - side effects
• Swanson Berberine - composition analysis
• Piperine
• Curcumin
• Curcuma in tablets
• Adaptogens
• Creatine
• Ashwagandha
• Indian ginseng
• Wild rose
• Black cumin oil

Berberine - what is it?

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Berberine is a bioactive compound present in the roots, rhizomes, leaves, bark, twigs, and stems of several plant species, including barberry and common mahonia. It belongs to a class of compounds called alkaloids. They are plant-derived chemical compounds with a complex structureand. 

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They have strong physiological effects on human and animal organisms. Inside cells, the alkaloid binds to molecules and alters their function. This action is similar to how pharmaceutical drugs workand!

Berberine has already been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurveda. Modern science confirms its impressive health benefits. 

Are you interested in natural support for the body? Read articles about ashwaganda and passionflower.

Berberine - properties

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Many dietary supplement manufacturers praise berberine. They particularly highlight its weight loss properties. I must cool your enthusiasm. There is still a lot of research ahead on berberine. Here are the already proven and probable properties of berberine. 

Proven effects of berberineand:

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• lowers blood sugar levels in people with type II diabetes,
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• lowers levels of: total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (so-called bad cholesterol) and triglycerides,
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• raises levels of HDL (so-called good cholesterol),
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• lowers apolipoprotein B by 13-15% (an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease).

Probable effects of berberine (more research needed)and:

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• may help reduce body weight by improving the fat-regulating hormones insulin, adiponectin and leptin,
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• can support the treatment of depression,
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• can have anti-inflammatory effects,
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• can alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of death in patients with heart failure,
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• can promote immunity against viruses, bacteria and fungi,
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• may reduce fat accumulation in the liver, which may prevent non-alcoholic steatohepatitis liver disease,
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• may positively influence the gut microbiome,
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• may support the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome with insulin resistance (PCOS),
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• can influence the reduction of skin complaints, such as those associated with atopic dermatitis,
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Some properties of berberine have attracted more interest than others. Internet users or patients in dieticians' offices often ask about weight-loss effects, effects on cholesterol and the microbiota (intestinal flora).

Berberine for weight loss - does it work?

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If berberine were a miracle remedy for weight reduction, there would be only slim people walking the streets. Everyone would be planting barberries in the garden and serving themselves an appetiser capsule before every mealand.

There have been several studies to date on the effects of berberine on weight loss. Let's take a look at two of them.

Analysis of two scientific studies

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One study conducted in the US involved 16 obese people of both sexes. Only 7 persevered to the end of the study. For 12 weeks, the subjects were given 500 mg of berberine three times a day. The results showed that the participants lost an average of 2.3 kg of body weight and 3.6% of their body fat. Blood lipid levels also fell (23% decrease in triglycerides and 12.2% decrease in cholesterol)and.

This sounds promising, butand:

• During the study, participants committed to a reduction diet (reducing kcal supply by approximately 20-25%),
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• they performed physical activity, mainly aerobic exercise, for 30 min once a day.
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What does this mean for the results of the study?

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Not surprisingly, the study participants lost weight while in a caloric deficit, which is the basis of weight loss. Secondly, they increased their physical activity, which, combined with a reduction in calorie intake, produces the best weight loss results. Weight loss, activity and a low-calorie diet were also likely to affect the lipid profileand.

The second study conducted in China involved a group of 41 people (37 completed the study) with metabolic syndrome (so defined as co-morbidities that increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease). The study lasted 12 weeks and participants received a dose of 300 mg berberine three times a dayand.

Finally, participants' BMI decreased from 31.5 to 27.4. They lost fat from their abdominal area and improved blood results . 

This study, more qualitative than the first, may suggest an effect of berberine supplementation on weight loss. The weight loss may be related to the fact that berberine helps control insulin and other hormones that regulate fat cells.

Researchers, however, are reticent.

There is much research ahead on berberine and its effects on weight loss. If its positive effects are confirmed, it will be a helpful supplement in the fight against obesity.

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Much has been written about the weight-loss properties of chromium, curcumin and piperine - read articles about them and see how much truth there is in it.

How to lose weight with berberine?

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Remember - taking capsules is not enough to reduce the size of your clothes or get rid of a belly tyre. See for yourself (or rather your own fat tissue) how this supplement will work for you. I make no promises that you will lose weight from berberine alone. I do have a handful of proven tips from a nutritionist to help you lose weightand.

• The basis of weight reduction is calorie-deficit. This means that you eat fewer calories than you need. A small deficit, even of the order of 200 kcal, is sufficient for weight loss. This is, for example, one less candy bar a day or smaller meal portions.
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• Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine! You will definitely find it easier to reduce weight. Start with simple changes - walk more. It's an underrated but important activity. Get off earlier at the bus stop, park further away from your workplace, use the stairs instead of the lift.
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• Walking is not enough? Find a favourite sport and start training! Get that dusty tennis racket out of the cupboard, buy Nordic walking poles or learn to swim. Movement will help you reduce your weight, but it will also have a positive effect on your heart, immunity and mood, among other things.
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• Enrich your menu! Learn how to compose meals so that your diet is filling and rich in vitamins and minerals. Add vegetables and fruit to your meals. Try new flavours - have you had chocolate mousse with avocado? Or spicy leek cream soup? Look for new flavours!
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Berberine for high cholesterol

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We've held back the fireworks when it comes to berberine's weight-loss effects, but... we may be setting them off for another reason. 

Research has proven that berberine lowers total cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL) and blood sugar levels. According to other studies, berberine also inhibits an enzyme called PCSK9. This leads to the removal of bad cholesterol from the bloodstreamand.

How to lower cholesterol naturally

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Berberine will help you if you are struggling with high cholesterol. However, remember that you will get the best results if you implement a few more practical tips into your daily life. See what nutritionist Aleksandra Cudna recommends.

• Decrease the amount of saturated fats in your diet. Avoid fatty cheeses, cream, red meat, processed foods (e.g. sausages, sausages). Choose healthy fats, lean meats and try to eat a fruit or vegetable with every meal.
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• Climittrans fats, which you are most likely to find in candy bars, waffles, cakes, fast food and other processed foods.
• Increase the amount of fibre in your diet - eat fruit and vegetables, as well as whole-grain breads, pasta and coarse cereals. Enrich your diet with sources of soluble fibre, which binds cholesterol in the gut, such as flaxseed, plantain or pulses (chickpeas, broad beans, beans, peas).
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• Incorporate sources of plant sterols and stanols into your diet, e.g. margarines (modern margarines do not have trans fats because the technology to produce them has changed), spreads, yoghurts.
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• Consume more unsaturated fats! Excellent sources include: oily marine fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), nuts (walnuts, almonds), cold-applied vegetable oils (olive oil, rapeseed oil, flaxseed oil), avocados, flaxseed.

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Berberine and the effect on the gut microbiome

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Several clinical studies have shown that berberine - by regulating the gut microbiome - can be used to treat various diseases. The gut microbiome is the totality of bacteria residing in the human gutand. 

In recent years, scientists have been looking extensively at the links between the gut microbiome and the occurrence of specific disease entities. It is known that the quality of our microbiome is important, and this depends on our lifestyle, diet and even genesand.

Berberine helps to maintain the health of our gut microbiome. You can also support your body naturally. Here's what a nutritionist recommends:

• Include fermented dairy products in your diet, e.g. natural yoghurts (preferably with information on the label as to what strains of bacteria they contain), kefirs, buttermilk, acidophilus milk.
• Include a range of foods in your diet.
• Care for a supply of fibre - it is food for probiotic bacteria, so their population can grow (good for us!).
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• Consume fermented foods, such as pickles, sauerkraut, beetroot sourdough and other pickled vegetables. Fermented foods contain significant amounts of lactic fermentation bacteria, which are beneficial to our bodies and support immunity.
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Berberine or metmorphine?

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Metmorphine is a synthetic drug used to treat type II diabetes, reducing blood glucose levels. In studies, berberine has shown similar effects to metmorphine - hence many people wonder which is betterand.

Berberine compared to metmorphineand:

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• causes fewer side effects,
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• does not affect thyroid hormone (TSH) levels,
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• does not reduce testosterone levels,
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• does not hinder muscle mass gain,
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Metmorphine and berberine exhibit similar properties, but differ significantly. Metmorphine is a synthetic substance, while berberine is of plant origin. The substance extracted from berberine has potentially fewer side effects, but remember that it is a dietary supplement. We have no guarantee that it will work, unlike a drug that undergoes rigorous testingand.

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Contraindications to the use of berberine

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Despite the fact that berberine is a plant-derived substance, not everyone can use it.

Contraindications to the use of berberine include hypersensitivity to berberine, pregnancy, breastfeeding, age under 18, liver damage, and use of the following medications: blood sugar lowering, blood pressure lowering, immunosuppressant, sedativeand.

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If in any doubt - ask your doctor to avoid unpleasant side effects or dangerous interactions. 

See also:

• CBD
• CBD oil
• Black cumin oil
• Cordyceps
• Reishi
• Echinacea

Side effects of berberine use

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Possible side effects of berberine use include abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating. Unpleasant side effects usually affect people who use excessive amounts of berberine or take it with medications that interact with itand.

Persons on permanent medication must consult berberine supplementation with their healthcare provider. In this way, they can avoid dangerous interactions - e.g. berberine with sedative medications.

Berberine dosage

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Berberine dosage should be tailored to individual needs and expectations. The usual dose used is 500 mg 3 times a day. The dosage should not exceed 1500 mg of berberine per dayand. It is recommended to take berberine for 8-12 weeks.

What is the best time to take berberine? 

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Research indicates that it is best to consume berberine before meals, maintaining equal intervals between supplementation. This is, for example, consuming it before breakfast, lunch and dinner, every four hours or soand.

Berberine has a half-life of several hours, so it is necessary to spread the dose evenly to achieve stable blood levels.

Berberine - when effects?

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The effects of berberine can be observed after approximately 3 months supplementation of a 500 mg portion in 2-3 capsules per day. This is what scientific studiesand suggest, and this is how long it takes for parameters (e.g. sugar or cholesterol levels) to normalise.

Before starting supplementation, perform tests (e.g. lipidogram, sugar levels or other tests that relate to your health problem) and compare the results after 3 months.

Which berberine is best?

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There are dietary supplements containing berberine available on the market. The most common forms are sulphate (better absorbed) and hydrochloride (cheaper for the manufacturer, less absorbed). We have a choice of tablets, capsules and also teas. Berberine is often found in a formulation together with, for example, chromium, curcumin or cinnamonand.

If you are looking for a good berberine product, look for berberine HCL (sulphate) and pay attention to the amount of pure berberine per 100 grams of the preparation. Additives in the form of other active ingredients are a secondary consideration. Remember, however, that these are dietary supplements and not medicinesand.

Standardised extracts

YANGO, Berberine Premium™

4.7

• Active ingredients: berine 588 mg
• Form: capsules
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• Dose:  3 capsules daily
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• Sufficient for: 30 days
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Product description

A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.

Pros and cons

A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.

Additional information

A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.

A dietary supplement with berberine, whichóra has a positive effect on sugar-insulin balance and reduces the risk of heart disease. It can support the weight loss process.

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98% HCl

Aura Herbals Berberine 500 mg

4.6

• Active ingredients: berine
• Form: capsules
• .
• Dose: 1 capsule per day
• .
• Sufficient for: 60 days
• .

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Product description

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

Pros and cons

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

Additional information

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

.

Detoxification

OstroVit Berberine HCl 97% VEGE

5.0

• Active ingredients: berine
• Form: capsules
• .
• Dose: 1 capsule per day
• .
• Sufficient for: 90 days
• .

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Product description

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.

Pros and cons

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.

Additional information

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It may support weight loss, protect the liver and have a positive effect on the gut microbiome.

97% HCl

Pharmovit Berberine HCl

4.7

• Active ingredients: berine
• Form: capsules
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• Dose: 1 capsule per day
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• Sufficient for: 60 days
.

See price

Product description

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It can promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

Pros and cons

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It can promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

Additional information

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It can promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

User review

Berberine supports sugar and insulin metabolism, the cardiovascular system and liver function. It can promote weight loss, protect the liver and positively influence the gut microbiome.

See also articles on health:

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• Thyroid testing
• Blood tests
• Cervical cancer
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• Liver
• Fatty (oily) liver
• Hepatic tests
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• How to take care of your mental health

Every now and then a dietary supplement comes on the market advertised as a cure (sic!) for our greatest ills. Before buying berberine, read carefully what the scientific research suggests and think about changes to your diet and lifestyle.

What other space-age and world-changing supplements do you associate with? Or have you used any? Leave me a comment below the post, I'm looking for topics and enthusiasm to cool down.

Summary

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