Discover how berberine can help you curb your sweet tooth and reduce sugar cravings naturally.
Editor's Note: This post was originally published in September of 2022 and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness in August 2023.
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
Feeling like your sugar cravings are taking over? That your carb cravings have gotten out of control? Before finding berberine sugar cravings plagued us too!
We're a little ashamed to admit it, but we had a bit of a problem with eating too many foods high in sugar. OK, a big problem! Pizza, breadsticks, croissants. We never met a cookie, cake, or brownie we didn't like, even though we knew a diet high in carbs and sugary foods can be a major contributor to weight gain over time.
Despite knowing the adverse health effects of consuming too much sugar and its impact on weight, we just couldn't help ourselves!
But when we added berberine to our daily supplements, we started to notice a difference almost immediately! berberine is a natural compound found in plants like goldenseal and Oregon grape root that can significantly help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin production.
As a result, berberine can decrease sugar cravings and even stop sugar cravings. Research, including several studies, indicates that berberine can be as effective as diabetes medications in controlling blood glucose levels.
When our insulin sensitivity is on point, we're less likely to have sugar cravings. This powerful herbal supplement might be the answer you're seeking. If you're looking for a natural way to resist those sugar cravings, give berberine a try. Your body (and your sweet tooth) will thank you!
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What is Berberine?
Berberine is an organic supplement that has caused some buzz recently for its ability to control blood sugar spikes and its anti-inflammatory properties. Sourced from flowering plants like golden seal, oregon grape, and tree turmeric, berberine is often likened to turmeric—a popular supplement known to reduce inflammation and support gut health. Both house curcumin, an alkaloid safeguarding the body from oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease.
Does Berberine Stop Sugar Cravings?
Here's a simple breakdown of the link between berberine and sugar cravings and how berberine might be your unsung hero in the battle against those pesky urges to consume a lot of sugar or carbs.
Improves Insulin Sensitivity
Imagine your body as a car. Insulin is like a key that helps glucose—the fuel—get into cells efficiently. Berberine enhances this process. By elevating insulin sensitivity, berberine facilitates glucose use, stabilizing those sugar levels that lead to cravings.
Steadies Your Blood Sugar Levels
So, you've had a meal, and now your blood sugar rises. What goes up must come down, right? The problem is, when it comes down too quickly, you crave quick fixes—like sweet treats. Berberine smooths out this roller coaster ride to lower elevated blood glucose levels steadily. It lowers blood sugar levels gradually, keeping you from reaching for sweets impulsively.
Now, let's take a detour to your gut, where trillions of microbes live. Some are naughty, urging you to eat more sugar. Berberine can help shift the balance, favoring the good guys who crave healthier food. Though this area is still under research, the potential is exciting.
Influencing Neurotransmitters
Several studies suggest that Berberine can potentially influence the sugar receptors in your brain that are involved in your brain's reward system, thus reducing cravings. However, studies have not been conclusive, and further studies are needed to prove this theory out.
How Does Berberine Help With Weight Loss?
Improves Your Mental State
Berberine positively influences the gut bacteria and can help to improve our mental state since it can help your brain to regulate norepinephrine, and serotonin, our happy transmitters.
Reduces Stress
It can help to relieve the negative impacts of cortisol and help to reduce your perceived amount of stress.
Reduces Inflammation
Berberine contains polyphenols, a category of compounds from plant-based foods that act as antioxidants in the body. Meaning they neutralize harmful free radicals that can potentially damage your cells.
Thorne Berberine 1000 mg
This berberine supplement has a lot of great potential health benefits is a great choice for anyone looking for a natural way to prevent heart disease, decrease their blood pressure, and manage their blood sugar levels. Keep in mind that when purchasing berberine there is variability in potency among products, so it's important to choose a reputable brand like Thorne.
Some studies have shown that berberine has some promising signals that it can interact with neuronal pathways in a way that might suppress hunger, while others argue that individuals who take berberine might feel less hungry simply because of its effect on their digestive system.
Though berberine has myriad health benefits, including supporting heart health and blood pressure, it's not a weight loss panacea. Berberine does offer some potential benefits to help you lose weight, but it's not a substitute for healthy eating and exercise. It's also far from being as potent as prescription weight loss medications.
Keep in mind that when purchasing berberine, there is variability in potency among products, so it's important to choose a reputable brand like Thorne.
What Are The Side Effects of Taking Berberine?
Before supplementing with berberine, it's a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure it is safe for your specific health needs, especially if you are taking any blood thinning medications, medication for diabetes, or if you are pregnant.
Berberine has roots in traditional medicine, like Chinese and Ayurvedic practices, and is generally deemed safe for adults.
Suggested Reading: Anti Inflammatory Snacks List: Boost Your Health with These 5 Easy Recipes
Since the FDA does not regulate herbal supplements, it's important to research any weight loss supplement you plan to purchase thoroughly. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a natural compound like berberine:
- Look for any fillers listed on the ingredient list
- See if the brand tests for potential contaminants
- Review the product to see if the brand has done any scientific studies to show how their product works
Make sure you purchase from a reliable source- reputable sources should be GMP Quality, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Project Verified.
How To Take Berberine
Take berberine before your largest meal of the day, typically dinner, or before eating meals high in sugar or carbohydrates. Take 1 capsule of berberine – 1000 mg. Depending on the potency of the berberine you take, you may want to spread your intake across the day, especially if you have a sensitive stomach.
We've been totally impressed by how well berberine has virtually eliminated our cravings for sugar, resulting in lost pounds. If you find it difficult to pass a bakery without longingly looking through the window or can't end the night without a little something sweet, those cravings are likely caused by insulin resistance, and chances are good that you will also find relief with berberine.
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