Berberine-the Wonder Blood-sugar Buster

By Author: Vikram Kumar
Total Articles: 9721
Comment this article

Berberine is not as uncommon as some may think it to be and there is a distinct possibility that you have heard or read about it before this. This is a plant extract similar to what curcumin is and for the botanically savvy reader, it’s an alkaloid. It’s not a new discovery and has been used as a natural antibiotic for centuries. A large number of allopathic doctors prescribe this natural medication for patients who choose natural therapies over those that rely on modern chemical-based antibiotics. This extract has proved to be useful in the treatment of numerous microbial infections, yeast, parasites, bacteria and viruses included.

What is it extracted from and what does it do?
Berberine can be extracted from different medicinal herbs. Barberry, Oregon grape root and goldenseal, all contain this alkaloid. Apart from what is mentioned above, in 2008, certain clinical studies proved that it can regulate the blood sugar levels of patients suffering from Type II diabetes as effectively as Metformin (the drug that is very commonly used for the purpose), can. This is no exaggeration. Comparative studies were carried ...
... out and it was found that this natural extract helps in lowering both, fasting as well as post-fasting insulin and blood sugar as effectively as Metformin does. Apart from this, it also helped in reduction of triglycerides by 35%. LDl cholesterol reduced by 21% and blood sugar levels reduced by 7/5 mm Hg. Metformin doesn’t boast of being able to do any of these.

How does it work?
Berberine activates AMPK in the body. This is a primal metabolism-regulating enzyme. The body tends to produce excessive AMPK when its cells produce less energy (ATP) and helps the body survive despite its low energy levels. Severe calorie restriction also results in triggering this enzyme. It stimulates the cells of the body and permits them to absorb more blood sugar, thus improving its insulin sensitivity. Apart from this, this natural extract restricts your liver from producing an excess amount of blood sugar, which in fact is the main reason for most forms of Type II diabetes. It supports your liver, slows down fatty free acid flows into your bloodstream and gives your mitochondria a boost to burn fat naturally.

Dosage
Though Berberine is a totally natural product and the dosage is mentioned on the pack, it is best to take your physicians advice before consuming any kind of medication. This is especially relevant if you are already taking some medicine for your diabetes. However, it is proven to be effective if you take 400-500mg per day. This can be taken at once or in two or three doses over the day. In order to be assured of the accurate dosage it is best to choose a product that contains a standardized extract of Berberine. Goldenseal is different in that it is a whole-herb product. If you are continuing with your Metformin dose, ensure that you take a B12 supplement on a daily basis. There are several products which contain this natural extract and you can check with your doctor before you start off one.

No treatment can work in a limbo and Berberine must be used in conjunction with a sustainable lifestyle and your diet should also be a controlled one. It will surely stabilize your blood sugar levels and help you lead a healthier life.

Resource box:

Berberine is a totally natural product that can prove to be very effective in reducing and controlling your blood sugar levels. Leaner Living Store offers you Berberine in a capsule form and is available online.