Doctor Lost 6 Pounds in 30 Days Testing This Supplement
Like many of us, Dr. LeGrand Peterson struggled with elevated blood sugar levels after the holiday season. As a naturopathic doctor who helps patients optimize their health, he decided to turn his personal challenge into an opportunity to test a promising supplement. Read on to discover exactly how this natural compound helped him lower his blood sugar by 17 points and lose 6 pounds—and learn if it might work for you.
What is Berberine?
According to WebMD, berberine is a yellow-colored chemical found in several plants, including European barberry, goldenseal, and goldthread. It's gained attention for its potential to "help regulate how the body uses sugar in the blood" and has shown promising results in scientific studies for diabetes management and metabolic health.
Why Consider Berberine for Blood Sugar Control?
"I had recent blood work done over the holidays, and my results came back with some alarming things," Dr. LeGrand explains in his post. "My blood sugar levels were elevated at 102 milligrams per deciliter, but what concerned me most were my insulin levels, which were elevated for the first time." With a family history of type 2 diabetes, he decided to take action, noting that "elevated blood sugar levels can definitely impact your energy, your mood, it can impact your ADD like I have."
Understanding Safe Dosage
WebMD reports that berberine has been safely used in doses up to 1.5 grams daily for 6 months, though side effects may include diarrhea, constipation, gas, and upset stomach. Dr. LeGrand started conservatively: "I took 500 milligrams of berberine twice a day, so a total of 1000 milligrams."
The First Two Weeks: Initial Results
"The first week, I wasn't expecting to really notice anything," Dr. LeGrand shares. His blood sugar levels showed minimal improvement, moving from 107 to 106 mg/dL. "I decided to stick with 500 milligrams of the berberine twice a day just to see if we just needed some time to see if they could make a change. And it still didn't change much. I went from 106 to 105 milligrams per deciliter."
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Finding the Optimal Dose
"Moving into the third week, I decided to increase my dosage to 500 milligrams three times a day, for a total of 1500 milligrams," Dr. LeGrand reports. "Boy, did that make a difference. It went from 105 milligrams per deciliter all the way down to 102 milligrams per deciliter."
Achieving Target Blood Sugar Levels
By week four, persistence paid off. "I finally did successfully get to that 99 milligrams per deciliter where I was trying to aim for after a couple of hours after eating," Dr. LeGrand notes. With continued use, he achieved even better results: "Sure enough, my test results came back where I tested my blood sugar levels after a few hours after eating, it got to 90 milligrams per deciliter."
Unexpected Weight Loss Benefits
"I lost about six pounds, pretty much a pound every single week, by just adding berberine on top of all the other health things that I do on a regular basis," Dr. LeGrand shares. This aligns with research suggesting berberine may help with various metabolic issues, including high cholesterol and blood pressure.
Important Safety Considerations
While Dr. LeGrand's experience was positive, WebMD emphasizes certain precautions. Berberine should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and anyone considering it should consult with healthcare providers, especially those with existing medical conditions or taking other medications.
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A Comprehensive Approach to Blood Sugar Management
Dr. LeGrand says that supplements are just one part of the solution: "If you truly want to tackle your blood sugar situation, then you should definitely think about starting to cut back on your sugar and maybe even go through an experiment of eliminating your sugar altogether." This holistic approach, combining supplementation with lifestyle changes, may offer the best results for those seeking to optimize their metabolic health. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.
