GLP-1 agonists actually exist in nature Vol. 1 Issue 1

Pharmacies receive multiple inquiries about injectable GLP-1 agonists like Mounjaro® and Wegovy®.

Due to high cost and supply chain issues, these medications have been hard to come by lately.
Fortunately, natural weight loss alternatives do exist when you know where to look.

What are GLP-1 Agonists?

GLP-1 agonists work by sending a signal to the brain to reduce appetite. GLP-1 tells the rest of the body that we are full or satiated. This communication sends signals to the liver to improve glucose uptake which lowers blood sugar, improves insulin resistance, and increases fat burning.

In the GI Tract, it decreases gastric emptying and peristalsis slowing the rate at which sugars from our food flood the system. Although this can reduce blood sugar fluctuations, it can create GI side effects like constipation and bloating. For folks with a tendency towards slower bowel movements, this could make things worse.

Essential Nutrition

Patients on GLP-1 drugs commonly report eating one full meal a day. Although this seems ideal on paper, unsupervised, it can lead to inadequate nutrient supplementation. If you want to increase GLP-1, expose the gut lining to as much nutrition as possible. This is why starvation diets do not work long-term. Lack of nutrition shifts the microbiome down the path of less bacterial diversity.

Berberine-Botanical

Is step 1 to improve GLP-1 levels naturally.

Kills unfriendly bacteria that shed lipopolysaccharides, a major reason for aging. It increases our own natural, healthy flora, particularly species that improve lean body mass.

Akkermansia is one such species and can improve its levels with berberine.

Akkermansia tends to promote a leaner phenotype. Berberine is a very cost-effective ingredient that boosts GLP-1.

Glutamine

Is step 2 to improve GLP-1 levels naturally.

Improves tight junctions in the gut. It triggers release of GLP-1 telling the brain we feel full.

Probiotic and Glucomannan

Are steps 3 and 4 to improving GLP-1 levels.

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) is a dietary fiber found in amophophallus konjac. It ferments less than inulin, guar gum, and other types of fibers. Less fermentation means less gas and bloat. Administration significantly decreased the levels of fasting glucose serum, insulin, and total cholesterol leading to an improved metabolic profile.

TIPS & TRICKS
Add collagen and silica. Silica turns on the genes that make collagen.

This helps with “Ozempic face.” If our collagen levels fall rapidly due to these medications, we can acquire wrinkles and droopiness in the face. Collagen also plays a role in healthy tendons, ligaments, and bones. Learn steps 5 and 6 in our next newsletter by signing up at www.wholeheartednaturopathic.com.

AUTHOR:
Dr. Amit Dhingra, PharmD, CFMP, BCMTMS