CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — It’s all over the internet and maybe even in your own neighborhood: a celebrity, friend or neighbor who’s had sudden changes to their appearance. Chances are, it’s due to Ozempic or Wegovy – prescription injections that work by mimicking glucagon, a naturally occurring hormone.

The artificial hormones found in these drugs help you to feel full and aid in blood glucose management. But while the body results can be dramatic, a backlash is building.

The downside of GLP-1 drugs

GLP-1 stands for glucagon-like peptide 1, and these drugs were originally created to help diabetics. As such, they’re effective in helping to reduce glucose levels, which aids in making the body more sensitive to insulin.

Per Joel Bikman, a longtime nutrition executive and the co-founder of a science-based health and wellness company, clever drug manufacturers discovered that by considerably increasing the dosages, these drugs had a powerful effect on weight loss – albeit with some alarming side effects, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rapid heartbeat, vision changes, fainting or dizziness and more. 

“With side effects like these, it’s little wonder that people are losing weight,” Bikman said. “They’re not eating anything.”

On top of the painful injections, and the expensive monthly price tag, Bikman shared that perhaps the most disturbing side effect is the type of weight people are losing.

“Up to half of the weight lost using these drugs is muscle, not fat,” he said. “That means their metabolic health is actually much worse off than it was previously.”

Bikman pointed to a Healthline report showing some users gaining substantial weight back quickly, with others gaining even more weight than they had before once they stopped using the expensive injections.

Natural ways to boost GLP-1

Given the potential side effects of GLP-1 prescription drugs, many Utahns are seeking alternative methods to naturally boost GLP-1 levels in the body. Bikman recommends the following five evidence-based strategies:

• Dietary fiber: Fiber-rich foods can stimulate the release of GLP-1, helping to regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety.
• Protein-rich foods: Beef, salmon and eggs are ideal sources of protein that can help regulate blood sugar levels and curb cravings.
• Regular exercise: Aerobic exercise and especially resistance training have been shown to increase GLP-1 levels in the body. 
• Intermittent fasting: Studies have shown that fasting can increase GLP-1 secretion, which may contribute to improved glucose metabolism and weight management.
• Berberine supplementation: Berberine, a compound found in several plants, has been studied for its potential to enhance GLP-1 secretion. Research suggests that berberine supplementation can improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, partly by increasing GLP-1 levels.

Berberine: a super supplement

Bikman shared that berberine has long been used in traditional medicine for several health benefits, but there are now dozens of clinical studies that show the power of berberine in daily supplementation. 

“From cardiovascular support to help with weight loss, to supporting glucose metabolism, providing immune benefits and more, berberine is simply one of the best supplements a person can take,” he said. 

But Bikman warns that not all berberine is the same. 

“Unfortunately, most berberine supplements aren’t absorbed well by the body,” he added. “That limited bioavailability minimizes the potential benefits.”

A more effective berberine

After using different berberine brands, Bikman was unsatisfied with what was available in the marketplace. 

“If most of the berberine wasn’t being absorbed, then the potential benefits were greatly reduced,” he said. “That bothered me, and I knew there had to be a better solution out there.”

This led Bikman and the team of nutrition experts into a deep dive on how to maximize the benefits of berberine. The result is what Bikman believes to be the most potent berberine supplement ever developed: HLTH Code Berberine.

The difference? Superior bioavailability

In addition to exploring multiple sources of berberine, the HLTH Code team discovered two essential additions: broccoli seed extract and turmeric.

“Broccoli seed extract contains sulforaphane along with other beneficial compounds that synergistically work to increase the bioavailability of the berberine,” Bikman said. “Turmeric has been included due to its benefits with blood flow and nutrient absorption.

“In other words, these two ingredients help the berberine get utilized more effectively and efficiently within the cells, leading to optimal benefits and health outcomes.”

HLTH Code Berberine is soy- and gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan-friendly and contains no artificial ingredients.

Can HLTH Code help with your health and weight?

Bikman explained that taking berberine with your worst meal is the most effective approach. 

“Take two HLTH Code Berberine capsules with your meal that has the highest glycemic load,” he said. “Most people notice a decrease in blood glucose after taking HLTH Code Berberine, while many people notice an improvement in energy and sleep quality.”

If you have any questions on the suitability of taking this product, consult with your health care provider.

Your satisfaction is guaranteed

If you’re nervous about trying something new and making changes to your nutrition plan, don’t be. Bikman stands by HLTH Code Berberine and is willing to guarantee your satisfaction.

“You have nothing to lose (except maybe some extra pounds) and everything to gain – in terms of wellness and confidence,” he said.

Indeed, if you’ve been looking for improved wellness and healthy weight management, then HLTH Code Berberine could well be your answer. For exclusive savings on your first order, visit getHLTH.com and enter the discount code SGN at checkout.

• S P O N S O R E D  C O N T E N T •

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2024, all rights reserved.