5 benefits of berberine: Is it essential?

When it comes to taking care of your wellness, there are many facets of health to consider, all of which are important. From physical exercise and dietary nutrition to mental health and emotional wellness, the mind and body form an intricate connection. 

One of the best ways to supplement your health is by using vitamins, supplements, and non-food items to get you the nutrients your body needs to thrive. One nutrient to consider is berberine. Berberine is a nutrient found in plants and berries. 

Is berberine essential and how can it benefit your body? Let’s take a closer look below. 

What Is Berberine?

Before we can break down the nutrients of berberine and whether or not it’s essential for us, it’s important to understand what berberine is and where it comes from. In short, berberine is a chemical compound that comes from a few types of plants. The European barberry, the goldenseal, the Oregon Grape, the Phellodendron, and tree turmeric are rich sources of this nutrient. 

There are a few distinct characteristics that set berberine apart. First, it has a bright yellow color to distinguish it from other nutrients and plants. Think of the color of turmeric, or of goldenseal or goldthread which are rich in berberine. Another characteristic of berberine is its bitter taste. Again, think of the taste of turmeric by itself.  

What Are The Benefits of Berberine?

Let’s take a closer look at some common berberine benefits and how this nutrient can support your wellness. 

• Diabetes

Likely the most well-known benefit of berberine is its use for diabetes. Berberine is effective at naturally reducing blood sugar levels in the body. Here’s why. When we eat foods, our bodies use enzymes to break the foods down into sugars and other components to be absorbed by the bloodstream. While a healthy level of blood glucose is essential, those with diabetes can experience spikes in blood sugar that can be dangerous due to a lack of insulin. 

This is where berberine comes in handy. Berberine triggers the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) enzyme to help regulate metabolism and move all this sugar into the cells. This reduces how much blood sugar goes into the liver, helping reduce overall blood sugar levels. 

While more research is necessary to understand the extent of berberine’s benefits for diabetes and blood sugar, this nutrient can promote lower blood sugar levels throughout the body. 

• Supports Cardiovascular Health

Berberine also supports heart health. It does this in many ways. First, berberine supports lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels by supporting a faster clearance of LDL cholesterol from the body. It can also help with a variety of cardiovascular risk factors. 

Berberine can help stimulate the release of nitric oxide, which supports blood pressure and relaxation for the arteries. It can also help support antioxidant activity, relieving oxidative stress from free radicals in the body. Berberine may also show increased support for heart contractions! 

• Promotes Weight Loss

If you’re interested in losing weight, berberine may be able to help in this area, too. It’s important to understand that no supplement is a magic weight loss pill. Berberine may be able to aid in weight loss when paired with a healthy lifestyle, nutritious and balanced diet, and moderation in all areas of life. 

• Soothes Digestive Issues

Do you have digestive issues? Berberine may be able to help. From a basic stomach age to diarrhea and poor gut health, taking berberine can help support and balance the digestive tract while offering relief. With properties that support relief of inflammation and antimicrobial uses, berberine has a positive impact on gut health. 

• Helps Treat Liver Disease

When it comes to nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases, berberine may be able to help support lower fat content in the liver. It’s important to pair the use of berberine with lifestyle changes, dietary changes, and even prescription medications.

Is Berberine Essential?

Berberine is one of the most powerful natural health compounds available to humans today. Taking berberine in safe quantities is an excellent way to support heart health and a range of other aspects of wellness. 

When considering berberine, many wonder if this nutrient is essential. Is berberine essential? While it comes with a range of benefits for the mind and body, more research is needed to understand exactly how berberine interacts with the body and whether it’s essential. Be sure to speak to your doctor about berberine and whether it’s right for you! 

Caution When Taking Berberine

While there is a range of benefits to berberine and what it can do for your body, it’s important to keep a few precautionary tips in mind. First, berberine may lead to mild diarrhea, constipation, gastrointestinal upset, and gas. 

It’s also important to avoid berberine when pregnant or breastfeeding as this compound may be unsafe to give to little ones. When taken in recommended dosages, adults have seen advantages to health and wellness without side effects in most cases.