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certified integrative medicine dietitian, nutritionist, and certified holistic health coach.
She is also a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Berberine definitely can fall into that bucket.
But theres good reason why berberine deserves some consideration.
What are the benefits of berberine?
But Foroutan says berberines potential for improving gut health is the number one reason its used by health practitioners.
Its anatural antimicrobial, meaning it helps to keep gut microbes in balance, she says.
certified integrative medicine dietitian, nutritionist, and certified holistic health coach. She is also a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Berberine activates an enzyme called adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK), which is an insulin-dependent process.
However, more robust clinical trials need to performed before this benefit is conclusive.
Heres Exactly How It Can Affect Your Poop
4.
Consuming berberine could improve your mood
Some scientific evidence shows a connection between consuming berberine and lowering depression.
While this is a promising connection, more human studies need to be done to establish a strong connection.
It also isnt recommended that anyone pregnant, nursing, or a child consume berberine.
Not into swallowing pills?
The taste of these powders is slightly sweet since they are sourced from the berries the berberis shrubs produce.
(Barberries and goldenseal are two common ones.)
certified integrative medicine dietitian, nutritionist, and certified holistic health coach. She is also a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
Though it can be harder to find, you might also get berberine as a tea.
Again, barberry andgoldensealare going to be the most common formsjust like the powders.
Because its an antimicrobial, many people report digestive symptoms when they first start using it, she says.
This is because berberine kills off pathogenic bacteria and yeasts in the digestive tract.
She says these side effects likely only last the first week or two of taking berberine.
After that, the body tends to adjust and the symptoms subside.
(If they do not, see a doctor ASAP.)
Berberine is very versatile!
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