GLP-1 Supplements
Erica Armstrong
|
Jun 20, 2023
GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy can be life-changing for people who have struggled with the chronic disease of obesity. However these medications are also expensive, rarely covered for those not meeting criteria, and often need to be taken life-long for sustainable results. For these reasons, many people come to us looking for alternatives.
As MD/DOs, we have the ability to prescribe these GLP-1 medications.* However, we also take a more root cause approach to healthy metabolism. This can include reducing inflammation, working on sleep and stress, balancing blood sugar, and using targeted supplements that improve the way that the body and hormones function. Some supplements have been shown to increase GLP-1 production and we utilize these in practice as part of our holistic approach to metabolism.
GLP-1 Supplements
Berberine
The main ingredient of our Root Metabolism Support Supplement is berberine, referred to in many publications as “nature’s Ozempic.” Berberine has also been shown to increase GLP-1 production via intestinal cells (1, 2).
Additional benefits of berberine may include:
- Lowering Cholesterol (3)
- Lowering Blood Pressure
- Improving Insulin Sensitivity
- Regulating metabolism
- Reducing glucose production in the liver, thereby helpful for fatty liver
- Increasing nitric oxide (NO) production, which helps widen arteries
- Slowing carbohydrate absorption from the gut
- Rebalancing the microbiome and as part of SIBO treatment
Root Metabolism Support supplement contains Berberine and ALA , which activate adenosine mono-phosphate kinase (AMPK), the master metabolic switch, which can improve metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and boost mitochondrial function. The dose of berberine in Root Metabolism support is 1 gram (1,000mg) which is equivalent to the dose used in studies linking berberine to weight loss. This meta-analysis showed weight loss with Berberine at an optimal dose of 1 gram/day (4).
Pomegranate Supplements
Optimal gut health affects metabolism in many ways, from involvement in hormone balance, to inflammatory weight gain, to microbial balance. “Postbiotics,” are molecules produced by the bacteria of the microbiome that affect the way the body functions. There are several “good bacteria'' that have been associated with healthy weight. Akkermansia is a gut bacteria that can lead to weight loss by increasing GLP-1 production (5). While supplements containing Akkermansia are limited, we can increase Akkermansia colonization in the gut through food as medicine. Pomegranate is a prebiotic that feeds Akermansia to support its colonization.
Root’s Low Fodmap Prebiotic contains concentrated pomegranate without the sugars of drinking pomegranate juice.
Molecules produced by gut bacteria and their influence on our weight hormones is one important example of why optimizing gut health is also important for weight.
Putting it all together:
GLP-1s in a Holistic Approach
GLP-1 medications and supplements are important tools for weight loss, but they are only part of the tools in a functional medicine approach. The benefits of a holistic approach can help reduce side effects of medications, reduce the amount of medication needed, assist in a successful wean of medication at the appropriate time, and most importantly, help people actually feel well in addition to losing weight.
Here’s a case study to illustrate what it looks like to have a personalized plan for metabolism and optimal health and wellness at Root.
Rachel (name changed for privacy) came to Root with eczema rashes on her arms and chest, brain fog, low energy, heavy periods, and Eosinophilic Esophogitis (an allergic type of reflux). She was taking a PPI medication to reduce stomach acid twice a day. She had a history of hypothyroidism and family history of autoimmune disease.
Her initial labs showed:
High LDL cholesterol
High CRP (marker of inflammation)
Insulin resistance
Elevated liver enzymes
Low vitamin d
Low vitamin b12
Iron deficiency
We initially focused on improving nutrient status and stress to set her up for healing. Shortly after, we started her on our proprietary Root anti-inflammatory protocol using the MRT® test as a guide. MRT is the most comprehensive food sensitivity test and protocol for calming inflammation. Our process using MRT nearly always results in weight loss if the body was holding onto excess weight. This was true for Rachel, She lost 13 pounds in the first month.
The rash on her arms and chest had completely cleared up with MRT for 3 weeks. She felt more energy and started walking every morning. Her brain fog was better and she now was more motivated to go out and socialize with her friends.
In month 2, we did targeted gut health testing and rebalanced the microbiome using berberine, which was also beneficial for her metabolism. We weaned her PPI medication and she continued to be symptom free without this medication.
Labs were repeated 3 months later and here is the note from her Root doctor:
“These labs are truly impressive. Your LDL (bad cholesterol) went from very high at 189 to normal/optimal at 93. Your inflammation marker (CRP) is now normal. Blood sugar and insulin resistance are reversing. Liver enzymes went from high to normal. Vitamin B12 and ferritin is improving.Your vitamin D is now high optimal. You can stop the vitamin D supplementation and just restart vitamin d 2000 IU in the fall. Congrats on improving your health at the root causes for the long term :)”
Rachel’s case is one example of what our members can experience.
Due to her strong autoimmune and inflammatory component, we chose MRT. However, following our patented Root Plate™ is another common way our members lose weight, reduce cravings and reverse insulin resistance. Root dietary advice is highly personalized based on many factors, including the amount of effort that is feasible for the member.
Summary
GLP-1 medications and supplements reduce cravings, improve insulin resistance and help regulate metabolism. Our work at Root does this too. With or without medications, our members often have reduced food cravings within a week of two using the patented Root Plate™ and supplements like Metabolism Support.
*GLP-1 Medications are only prescribed if indicated after discussion with your Root physician. As an insurance-free practice, Root does not participate in prior authorizations (PA). A prior authorization is a lengthy process of getting the medication approved by insurance before the pharmacy is able to fill the medication. Trying to use insurance for GLP-1 medications would require a PA. PAs commonly result in delays and disappointments. Avoiding this process gives you immediate access to the GLP-1s at transparent pricing. You may also find that by working with your Root team, you didn’t need a GLP-1 medication to achieve your goal.
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