Help for blood sugar and cholesterol

By Mike Ventresca, Vital Choice Healthstore

Berberine, a natural compound isolated from a variety of plants, including European barberry, goldenseal, goldthread and Oregon grape, appears to be highly beneficial. Clinical studies have shown significant success with irritable bowel syndrome, acute diarrhea, high blood pressure, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome, weight management, type 2 diabetes, and elevated blood lipids. Today, I’d like to briefly discuss blood sugar and lipids.

Berberine has been extensively studied for its ability to lower blood sugar. It appears to work in several different ways, including decreasing insulin resistance (effectively making the body’s insulin more effective) and increasing glycolysis, the body’s process of breaking down sugar in cells. According to research, when compared to common medications like metformin, berberine was as effective as drugs, but with no significant side effects.

When looking at its ability to reduce blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides), in some ways, berberine outperformed common medications. Compared to statins, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for high cholesterol, berberine was found to lower total and LDL cholesterol but, unlike the medications, additionally reduced triglycerides while increasing HDL.

If you’re interested in trying berberine, two excellent options are available from Vital Choice and Enzymedica. Both offer 500mg of berberine per capsule from sustainably grown barberry.

Please note, berberine may interfere with the absorption of some antibiotics. Also, because of its ability to lower blood glucose, it is recommended to closely monitor your blood sugar levels if you are already taking oral hypoglycemic drugs.

Mike Ventresca is the owner of Vital Choice Health Store, 9243 Sprague Road in North Royalton’s Timber Ridge Plaza. Call 440-885-9505 or visit VChoice.com. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.