Berberine: what it is for and recommended quantity

Berberine is a natural herbal medicine that has properties that help lower blood sugar and control cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and can be indicated in cases of diabetes, metabolic syndrome or to protect against cardiovascular diseases.

Furthermore, berberine appears to have components that promote the reduction of body weight and increase the body’s ability to burn fat, and can also be very useful in weight loss diets.

Berberine is a nitrogenous vegetable substance that acts as a natural herbal medicine and is extracted from plants, such as Phellodendron chinense e Rhizoma coptidisand it is important that it is used in accordance with the guidance of a doctor, nutritionist or herbalist.

What is it for

According to some studies, berberine can be used to:

1. Control diabetes

Some studies have shown that the use of a berberine supplement by people with type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome helped to balance blood sugar levels and improve the functioning of insulin, a hormone necessary for the transport of glucose to the tissues, maintaining normal blood levels.

This effect is similar to the action of medications used to control diabetes and, therefore, berberine could be used to enhance the effect of medications, according to medical advice.

2. Help with weight loss

Berberine has the effect of increasing the cells’ ability to produce energy, stimulating both the burning of fat and the reduction of fat production in the body.

This happens because berberine improves the function of fat-regulating hormones, such as insulin, adiponectin and leptin, in addition to reducing the expression of genes that stimulate the accumulation of fat in the body.

3. Reduce cholesterol

In addition to helping with weight loss, berberine has also shown good results in reducing total cholesterol, bad LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, heart attack and stroke.

Furthermore, when used together with medications and a balanced diet, it also helps to raise good cholesterol, also called HDL, which acts as a cardiovascular protector.

4. Protect the brain

Because it has a powerful anti-inflammatory effect, berberine also helps protect the brain against problems such as memory loss and Alzheimer’s, also protecting the neurons of patients who have suffered a stroke and reducing the consequences of the problem.

5. Regular a flora intestinal

Berberine has an antimicrobial effect and acts in the intestine, inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria that are harmful to the body. As a result, it also favors the multiplication of beneficial bacteria, which improve intestinal transit, increase intestinal protection and produce substances that help regulate blood glucose.

6. Control blood pressure

Berberine is also capable of helping to control blood pressure, as it is capable of promoting the relaxation of blood vessels, and may be indicated in the treatment of high blood pressure.

Recommended quantity

In general, a dose of 500 mg of berberine 3 times a day is recommended, which should be taken 30 minutes before main meals. However, it is important that the doctor is consulted so that the most appropriate dose can be indicated for each person.

Possible side effects

Berberine consumption is normally safe for health, but when used in excess, this substance can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and flatulence.

When not indicated

Berberine is contraindicated for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as it can cause changes in the structure of the uterus, in addition to being passed on to the baby through breast milk.