Q. Dear Terry, “One of my friends has ‘metabolic syndrome’ and started taking berberine. She has already made improvements in just a few months. I recently found out that I have metabolic syndrome and I want to try the natural route too. How much berberine should I take and how long until I see results?” – Josie L., Columbia, MO

A. Dear Josie, I think diet can make a huge impact on our overall health, especially when it comes to metabolism. I believe it’s important to restrict all sugar and foods made with sugar, refined flour, and carbohydrates. That means soft drinks, sweetened and diet, crackers, candy, cookies, bread, pasta, cakes, and ice cream. While I understand this takes a huge effort, it can make a real difference. Click on my healthy diet plan for more information. Some additional diet resources include: www.ketogenic-diet-resource.com, www.drperlmutter.com, and www.dietdoctor.com. You should also read the books, Grain Brain by Dr. David Perlmutter and Wheat Belly by Dr. William Davis.

When it comes to metabolic syndrome, berberine is one of my favorite choices for dealing with blood sugar, blood pressure, increased weight, and other metabolic health issues. Berberine is a botanical compound extracted from a plant source, just as curcumin is extracted from turmeric. In clinical research, berberine helped lower weight, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels. A separate clinical trial showed that berberine helped lower fasting and postprandial (after a meal) blood sugar levels. These effects occurred in the very beginning of the study and during the entire three-month study period. The results were similar to the group treated with metformin, a drug frequently used for type 2 diabetes. Berberine also helps with vasodilation, which is a huge benefit for lowering blood pressure. Another study demonstrated that berberine reduced triglyceride numbers by 35 percent – in just three months!

I prefer berberine that comes from the bark and root of Indian Barberry (Berberis aristata). There are also enhanced absorption methods for berberine. I would take 500 mg of berberine three times per day, or with each meal, for at least three months.  

Healthy Regards!

Terry . . . Naturally