Ever heard about this supplement named berberine? Yet another very known supplement (ayurvedic medicine) which is conceived from the barks, twigs and the leaves of various plants like Oregon grape, barberry and tree turmeric.
Majority of the population across the world is suffering from type 2 diabetes (which is very common now), joint aches, fatty liver, high cholesterol levels and what not. Berberine is one such supplement that is prescribed by the doctors to treat all the above health issues.
Berberine has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine as an antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, and antidiarrheal. Berberine’s effects on glycemic control, blood cells, liver function, and anthropometric parameters in people with metabolic disorders have been the focus of most human research.
Table of Contents
What is Berberine?
Berberine is a bioactive substance that can be extracted from a wide range of plants, including European Barberry, Goldthread, Goldenseal, Oregon Grape, and Tree turmeric. The scientific name refers to it as an alkaloid. It is frequently used as a dye and has a pale (yellowish) color.
For thousands of years, the medication has been used in ayurvedic medicine. This can alter the cells of the body in a variety of ways and multiple ways throughout the body.
Who Should Not Take Berberine Supplement?
Berberine can be used to treat a variety of metabolic health conditions, such as diabetes, obesity, and heart issues. However, if you are a lactating mother or a pregnant woman, or even it is your child who is still under 18 years, you should completely avoid taking this supplement.
Let us further dive into the topic to know whether who should take this supplement and who shouldn’t:
Children: Berberine should never be given to newborns. It can result in kernicterus, a rare form of brain damage that can affect children with severe jaundice. Jaundice is when the blood contains too much bilirubin, which causes the skin to turn yellow.
When old red cells break down, a chemical called bilirubin is made. The liver typically removes it. Berberine may delay the liver’s removal of bilirubin.
Pregnant or Lactating Females: Berberine should never be taken in any form if you are pregnant or even if you are lactating. Berberine, according to researchers, has the potential to cross the placenta and harm the fetus. Kernicterus, a sort of cerebrum harm, has been created in babies presented to berberine.
Berberine is also extremely dangerous to take if you are nursing. Breast milk can carry berberine to an infant, potentially causing harm.
Diabetes: Blood sugar can be lowered with berberine. Berberine has the potential to treat those patients who are taking insulin or other medications to control their blood sugar. Use with caution in diabetic patients.
In infants, high blood bilirubin levels: A chemical called bilirubin is made when old red blood cells break down. The liver typically removes it.
Berberine may delay the liver’s removal of bilirubin. This can have negative effects on the brain, especially in infants with high blood bilirubin levels. Don’t use it.
Blood pressure is low: Berberine may lessen high blood pressure. In patients with low blood pressure, use it with caution.
The 3 Best Berberine Supplement Brands of 2023
There are so many brands selling berberine supplements. You will find en number of brands, but isn’t it so confusing to find one particular brand that would actually do justice to its name!
If the supplement has been prescribed by the doctor, nothing like it. However, if it has not been advised by anyone, still you would like to consume it – here are some best brands to offer the best berberine supplements to you.
- Berbamax – Overall Best Berberine Brand
- Thorne Research Berberine – Highly Rated for Lowering Blood Sugar Levels
- Doctor Recommended Berberine Plus – Best berberine Supplement For Insulin Resistance
1. Berbamax – Overall Best Berberine Supplement
Diabetes is known as a silent killer. Berbamax is one of the best supplements that contain 97% berberine HCL. This is a top-quality product that will help you get relief from managing blood sugar levels, and fatty liver, it boosts metabolism and helps maintain your weight.
This supplement is a top-notch product because it also helps you to maintain your heart health, cholesterol levels, and other lipids in the blood, which is a great thing.
2. Thorne Research Berberine
These are vegetarian capsules, meant to be taken orally as and when advised by your physician. The best part is that these capsules are gluten-free. So all those who are allergic to gluten can easily consume these capsules.
However, in case of major gluten issues, you need to consult your doctor.
3. Doctor-Recommended Berberine Plus
It is well researched ayurvedic medication that is given to those patients who are suffering from health issues like obesity, higher blood sugar levels, higher cholesterol levels, and type 2 diabetes. It also helps in maintaining a healthy liver and a healthy microbiome.
Benefits Of Berberine
It is a compound found in Oregon grape, tree turmeric, goldenseal, barberry, and other plants. Obesity, diabetes, inflammation, gut health, PCOD, and cancer are some of the major health diseases that can be subdued by consuming Berberine (but only if prescribed).
Principally, the medicine is utilized for dealing with different circumstances like elevated degrees of cholesterol, fats/lipids in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and hypertension. Additionally, it is utilized for liver disease, burns, canker sores, and other chronic conditions.
Berberine can make your heart beat faster. People with certain heart conditions benefit from this as well.
Additionally, the medication regulates the body’s use of blood sugar. Additionally, it may benefit diabetics. The medication could likewise have the option to kill microorganisms or diminishes enlarging.
Berberine appears to be capable of reducing blood sugar to a degree comparable to that of some anti-diabetic medications, as demonstrated by clinical trials conducted on individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Berberine may reduce body weight and fat mass in people with metabolic disorders and improve blood lipids and liver enzymes, according to limited research. However, the majority of the currently available trials examining the effects of berberine on the aforementioned outcomes lack quality in terms of their methodology.
Are There Any Side Effects of Berberine?
In normal doses, berberine appears generally safe; however, additional long-term research on its safety is required. Berberine supplementation has been linked to gastrointestinal side effects such as flatulence, constipation, and stomach pain in some individuals.
Berberine has a high potential to interact with several drugs, some of which can make serious side effects more likely.
Berberine may cause severe side effects that include:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting and nausea
- Drug reaction to older people
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Hypoglycemia
- Constipation
- Stomach ache
- Headache
- Body aches in some individuals
Precautions
If you are allergic to Berberine or any other medications that are related to it, tell your doctor before taking it. There may be inactive ingredients in the product that has the potential to cause severe allergic reactions as well as other serious issues.
Berberine has a high potential to cause adverse drug reactions, some of which could be severe. Due to its ability to lower blood sugar, it can increase the risk of hypoglycemia and cause gastrointestinal upset when taken in large quantities.
Berberine vs Metformin
Various researchers say that berberine and metformin share many elements that are the same and both could be valuable for treating type 2 diabetes.
Berberine, on the other hand, should not be considered as an alternative to metformin without first being discussed with the patient’s physician.
Based on clinical research, a doctor will prescribe the right amount of metformin to a patient. How a supplement will match that amount is impossible to predict.
Berberine can connect with metformin and influence glucose levels, making them harder to make due. Consuming berberine and metformin together prompted a 20% drop in the effect of metformin.
Berberine may one day be able to replace metformin as a way to control blood sugar.
Where To Buy Berberine Supplements?
Medical sources tell that berberine can be a promising supplement in treating various diseases like diabetes, obesity, heart health, gut health, and many other skin conditions. It is easily available at various leading pharmacy stores.
Apart from there, you can also find berberine supplements at many e-commerce websites.
However, I would suggest to buy berberine supplements from the official website only where you will find genuine supplements without any duplicacy.
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