Plant-Based Approach: 3 Natural Alternatives to Ozempic

Berberine, butyrate generators and curcumin are three natural alternatives to ozempic that provide similar benefits to its GLP-1 compounds.

Ozempic — it’s arguably the buzziest medication for weight loss on the market right now. Typically used to treat type 2 diabetes, Hollywood has leaned on the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist for its weight loss abilities, but along with this benefit has come hesitancies and potential side effects. Also, there are simply people who are unable to take certain medications and for those individuals, alternatives for weight loss can make a great deal of difference in their lives. Without suggesting that any of these natural ozempic alternatives is better than or creates the same outcomes as any prescription drugs, this list provides guidance on what to consider and alternatives for weight loss to speak to your doctor about.  

Berberine, butyrate generators and curcumin are three natural alternatives to ozempic that may offer similar support without the potential side effects. Let's delve into each of these and learn their many benefits.

Berberine
Berberine is a natural substance found in several plants, including the barberry plant. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine to provide powerful support for digestive health, and perhaps most notably for its ability to promote healthy blood sugar levels.1

Research has suggested that berberine can help support insulin sensitivity, which optimizes insulin’s role in the body and which can, in turn, support healthy blood sugar levels. It does this by activating an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which plays an important role in regulating the body’s metabolism.2 Additionally, berberine may help maintain healthy lipid profiles and support weight loss.

Butyrate Generators
Butyrate generators, other natural alternatives to ozempic, are dietary components that help gut bacteria produce butyrate, a beneficial short-chain fatty acid. Butyrate plays a major role in gut health by providing energy to the cells lining the colon. This energy helps these cells work efficiently, supporting a strong gut lining.  This is critically important as the most cutting edge research has revealed the intimate connection between the gut and just about every other system in the body- the brain, the heart, the musculoskeletal system and metabolism to name a few. As such, a healthy gut supported by butyrate can set the stage for the body to maximize its ability to support blood sugar levels.3

Incorporating butyrate generators into our diet, such as certain types of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, can have various health benefits. Additionally, adding supplements featuring Butyragen™ into your daily routine can help further promote the production of beneficial butyrate in the gut to support digestive health and overall well-being.

Curcumin
Similar to Berberine, curcumin is a naturally occurring compound found within the turmeric plant's roots. Known for its potent antioxidant properties, straight curcumin is the most common form of this compound and is often used in supplements that can provide antioxidant support for overall health and well-being — making it a great natural ozempic alternative. Supplements featuring curcumin also help support healthy AMPK expression and assist in regulating energy production and metabolism — playing a key role in maintaining cellular balance and overall health.

Tetrahydrocurcumin is a metabolite of curcumin that’s been shown to have similar antioxidant effects but with better bioavailability — meaning it's easier for the body to absorb and use.4 This form of curcumin may be more effective than straight curcumin in some cases. Water dispersible turmeric, on the other hand, is a form of turmeric that’s been processed to make it more soluble in water. This can make it easier to incorporate into foods and supplements, allowing for more easy consumption while still providing the same potential health benefits of curcumin.

Looking for natural alternatives to Ozempic to take a more plant-based approach but get similar benefits? InfiniWell’s GI Prime and Senescent Regulator can help you do just this while supporting digestive health and overall well-being. 

SOURCES

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/berberine-diabetes
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6434235/#:~:text=The%20combined%20application%20of%20berberine,inflammatory%20response%20in%20the%20body.
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8560891/
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6272158/