The Search For The Ozempic of Nature Is Not Successful

What if Ozempic had a natural, inexpensive, and efficient weight-loss substitute? It has been demonstrated that tripeptide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) and semaglutide drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy) improve weight loss.

Many patients find the monthly cost of about $1,000 to be onerous, and their fees are frequently not covered by insurance.

These medications are agonists (activators) of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptides). After eating, they encourage the body to produce more insulin by imitating the GLP-1 hormone that gut cells release. By lowering blood sugar levels, this aids in the management of diabetes. Although the exact mechanism by which the medications reduce weight is unknown, they do help reduce appetite and cravings, which is probably connected to GLP-1 receptors in the brain. Additionally, the medications serve to promote feelings of fullness by slowing the passage of food from the stomach into the small intestine. Constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or nausea are typical adverse effects.

Alternatives have drawn attention since GLP-1 agonist medications are costly and difficult to obtain. Green tea, cinnamon, and berberine are three supplements that are frequently mentioned. However, there isn't enough proof to say that these lead to weight loss, even though some research and anecdotes support it.

Golden Berberine. 

A naturally occurring substance, berberine can be found in a variety of plants, such as Oregon grape, barberry, and goldenseal. It is an active ingredient of Huanglian, also known as Coptis chinensis, a Chinese herb used to treat diabetes that has been used as a dietary supplement since ancient times.

It has been investigated for impacts on risk factors for diabetes and heart disease because it promotes normal blood sugar levels. Higher dosages are required to achieve the desired effects because berberine is poorly absorbed by the body. Certain supplements come in dihydro berberine, a more readily absorbed metabolite of berberine.

Its mechanisms of action seem to involve decreased liver glucose synthesis and enhanced expression of insulin receptors. According to certain research on animals, berberine may prevent the body from producing fat cells and synthesizing fat. People who took more than one gram of berberine per day for more than eight weeks experienced a loss in weight and body mass, according to a 2022 assessment of berberine research. The uneven results of individual studies and the lack of high-quality research methodologies in many of the studies in this evaluation raise the possibility that the results are not reliable. According to certain research, berberine's effects diminish over time. Before we can say that berberine is a proven weight loss aid, more research is required.

Berberine mostly causes gastrointestinal side effects, such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain. It interacts with liver enzymes that impact how some medications, such as cyclosporine, a crucial medication for transplant recipients, are metabolized. Due to the possibility of uterine contractions, it should not be used during pregnancy. It is advisable to avoid it if nursing because it can also result in a buildup of bilirubin, which is harmful to an infant's brain.

A hint of cinnamon

Cinnamon. 

Cinnamon has been promoted as a dietary supplement for its ability to regulate blood sugar levels and lipid metabolism in diabetics, and some studies have found that it improves these parameters.

There is more to cinnamon than you may think: There are around 200 plants in the cinnamon family that go by this common name. Ceylon cinnamon, also known as Cinnamomum zelanicum, is indigenous to Sri Lanka and is known as "true" cinnamon. Cinnamomum cassia, also referred to as "false" or "bastard" cinnamon, is the most widely used type of cinnamon in the United States. It comes from Southeast Asia and is less expensive.

For cooking, true cinnamon is favored because of its smoother, more delicate flavor. The other distinction between the two is that counterfeit cinnamon has far more coumarin, a taste enhancer that, in excess, can inflame the liver. Although this impact is not considered to be important when cinnamon is used in moderate doses on an occasional basis, it can be harmful when used in high quantities over an extended period.

Ceylon cinnamon is usually used to prevent this negative effect. Cinnamon is a common component in berberine weight loss pills.

It's possible that cinnamon works by imitating insulin to boost muscle uptake of glucose, which helps regulate blood sugar and enhance metabolism. Two to three grams of cinnamon per day, or around one teaspoon per day, has been demonstrated to be beneficial when used in food. It has also been researched about diabetes prevention. However, the results are not all the same.

Some cinnamon powders have been found to have high levels of lead, according to Consumer Reports, which also identifies the ones that pose the greatest risk. If you frequently use cinnamon in your diet, know which kinds are safe because even a quarter teaspoon of some of these brands can be harmful.

Green tea

Green tea is another component that has been linked to weight loss. For ages, green or black tea, which is made from the Camellia sinensis plant, has been a widely consumed beverage.

Because black tea undergoes fermentation whereas green tea does not, the plant's potent antioxidants, known as catechins or polyphenols, are retained. These substances aid in shielding cells from harm and inflammation. Owing to these antioxidant properties, there is some evidence that drinking green tea may lower the risk of heart disease, but there is little evidence that it can lower the risk of cancer.

Ancient Chinese people promoted the supposed weight-loss benefits of green tea. Increased metabolic rate (caffeine and antioxidant catechins), better fat utilization, and lower hunger are the mechanisms believed to be involved in possible weight loss.

Some supplements contain ECTC (epigallocatechin gallate), the primary catechin found in green tea. According to a recent analysis, green tea extract (GTE), typically taken as an ECTC supplement, has a slight weight-loss effect. For optimal weight loss outcomes, the authors recommend combining the supplement with food and exercise lifestyle modifications.

When taken more than 800 mg per day, GTE in the form of the supplement ECGC may increase the risk of gastrointestinal malignancies and liver damage. Even if you drink up to five cups of green tea a day, this impact is quite uncommon.

Green tea mimics the effects of GLP-1 agonist medicines and increases GLP-1 synthesis, according to recent social media posts. However, there have been a few conflicting clinical investigations, and experts suggest that any impact on GLP-1 production would be minimal and transient.

Green tea and chemotherapy drugs may interact. Green tea contains less caffeine than coffee or black tea, but those who are sensitive to it should be aware of the possible side effects.

L-theanine is another amino acid found in green tea that has anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties. Some people claim that drinking green tea makes them feel "alert and calm."

The beverage is part of the anti-inflammatory diet, and catechin consumption can improve general health. While ordinary green tea is created from a tea bag or loose-leaf preparation brewed in water and the leaves discarded, matcha green tea is a powder made from the leaf that is meant to be combined with water in its entirety. Therefore, compared to a cup of green tea prepared with a tea bag, a cup of matcha has a significantly higher concentration of the antioxidant catechins.

The methodical, careful approach

Studies on the effects of berberine, cinnamon, and green tea on blood sugar regulation have been mixed, and they haven't always produced noticeable weight loss. Herbs and supplements are not advised by the American Diabetes Association for the treatment of diabetes. It's crucial to talk to your healthcare physician about any supplements. The majority of point-of-care databases utilized by healthcare providers today will have information regarding possible interactions between supplements and drugs, even if your provider is unfamiliar with the supplement you are taking.

Additionally, keep in mind that supplements are not subject to the FDA's same regulations as drugs, and several products have been found to include either more or fewer of the listed substances or ingredients not on the list. Any supplement that has the USP emblem on it has at least been tested to make sure it contains the ingredients it says it does.

Although berberine shows promise, there is currently insufficient evidence to support its use in weight loss.

Savor cinnamon as a delicious addition to food and drinks while keeping in mind that it may also help regulate blood sugar. I frequently add a tiny bit of cinnamon to my coffee (I use a brand of widely accessible fake cinnamon that doesn't contain a lot of lead) or sprinkle it over fruit first thing in the morning. Due to the possibility of liver damage, avoid taking large doses of bogus Cassia cinnamon for prolonged periods. To prevent needless lead exposure, especially for small children and expectant mothers, check the brand of cinnamon you're buying.

Even if green tea doesn't help you lose weight, it can still be a good addition to your diet due to its antioxidant properties, which can help avoid heart disease risk factors and possibly even cancer. Although I have to admit that I don't particularly enjoy the taste of green tea, I frequently mix matcha powder into hot beverages. It is generally advised to avoid the GTE supplement ECGC due to the possibility of liver damage.

Thus, the search for the Ozempic of nature continues. GLP-1 weight loss medications will soon become less expensive. Eli Lilly has reduced the cost of single-dosage vials of tripeptide for people who choose not to use ready-to-use injectors. Over the next few years, the market is expected to be adjusted by Medicare negotiations and the availability of comparable agents. Meanwhile, use the Mediterranean or anti-inflammatory food guidelines to give your body health benefits and incorporate fun movement into your daily routine. Both of these strategies have been shown to help people control their weight and maintain general physical and emotional well-being.