Ozempic, the wonder weight loss drug, has seen some bad press recently with reports of pancreatitis, muscle wasting and gastric paralysis becoming a common side effect, with many more starting to show up as well.
There is no free lunch (pun intended) and it was only a matter of time before we started to see some of the dangers of this drug.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection, acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, that selectively binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor. This binding prompts the pancreas to release insulin in response to elevated blood sugar levels and
In layman's terms, Ozempic works by mimicking a hormone that tells the brain you're full, and by slowing digestion to help you think you’re fuller longer.
However, there are healthier alternatives that have a better safety profile that both help weight loss and improve overall health.
Butyrate
Butrate is a short chain fatty acid found in butter as well as some nutraceuticals such as Sunbutyrate from Genestra, increases GLP-1 expression in the colon, and helps improve glucose uptake into muscle cells.
Additionally, and maybe more importantly, butyrate, can improve gut health by increasing levels of healthy gut flora, which can both improve overall metabolism and immune function.
Berberine
Initially indicated as a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent and digestive support aid we now know that it is a protective agent against blood sugar dysregulation and insulin resistance
Berberine can regulate gastrointestinal motility and increase the gut production of butyrate, a short chain fatty acid that provides fuel and anti-inflammatory support in the colon.
Double-blinded, placebo-controlled studies using berberine in those with existing medical conditions have found that it can reduce fasting blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, hemoglobin A1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL measures.
Fiber
As part of the carbohydrate family, fiber is a macronutrient that mostly passes through our digestive system intact, so it generally leads to lower blood sugar rises than other carbohydrates.
Fiber promotes the production of short-chain fatty acids by the microbiome, which can improve metabolic health.
Fiber also appears to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, in part by slowing the rate at which food is absorbed in your gut.
The minimum recommended fiber intake is 22-34 grams a day, but I recommend closer to 50 grams a day.
Some of the best sources of fiber that won’t spike blood sugar include chia seeds, flax seeds, avocado, certain beans, and whole fruits.
Here is a recipe for chia and flax seed crackers that won’t spike your blood sugars and will give you a healthy boost of fiber.
Flax and Chia Cracker recipe
Mix 1/2c ground flax seeds + 1/4c flax seeds + 1/4 chia seeds + 1 tsp sea salt + 1 tsp herb of your choice + 1c water
Let soak for 15 min
Spread on a parchment lined baking sheet
Bake for 20 min at 350, then score lines into the paste, bake for another 20 min, then turn off heat, flip the crackers and let sit in the warm oven for 15 min
Break apart and enjoy!
HMF Metabolic
The probiotic helps to prevent and reduce obesity and diabetes via induction of butyrate and GLP-1.
As mentioned, butyrate increases GLP-1 secretion from intestinal L-cells. And conversely, GLP-1 secretion has been associated with gut flora modulation.
HMF Metabolic was specifically designed to support healthy weight management. It offers a combination of five proprietary probiotic strains that was shown to promote healthy body weight, BMI and waist circumference in one of the largest human trials on the effects of probiotics on weight management.
In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, subjects reported an average decrease in body weight of 1.3 kg, with greater decreases observed in overweight, female
and older participants (over 50 years of age). This probiotic combination also promoted overall wellness, increasing quality of life scores while supporting upper respiratory health and cranial and muscle comfort.
Preclinical research involving these strains also suggests a beneficial role in maintaining a healthy weight on a high-fat diet and promoting healthy lipid metabolism.