Anyone tried Berberine?: go.clevelandclinic.org... - Thyroid UK

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Anyone tried Berberine?

Bearo profile image
16 Replies

go.clevelandclinic.org/NDM0...

I’m obviously not very good at posting links! This article (American) is about Berberine, which is a supplement I’ve not heard much about. Westin Child’s mentions it, but he would, as he sells supplements! Although not directly affecting thyroid, one of the claims for Berberine is that it helps with insulin resistance and weight loss (among other things). I’m interested in the claim that it can lower blood glucose and improve gut microbiome.

Does taking it affect thyroid meds? Does anyone have any experience with Berberine? Any recommendations for a good product?

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Bearo
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helvella profile image
helvellaAdministrator

Berberine has been discussed several times here. This is a link to mentions of it:

healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...

Bearo profile image
Bearo in reply tohelvella

Yes, thanks, as soon as I posted, the list of related posts appeared - I never see that when I’m typing my post - only after I’ve pressed the send button.

Beware Gastro symptoms. I stopped Berberine after a week because of diarrhoea and gastritis. The general view is that it may ‘regulate’ thyroid levels which are affected by SIBO, high blood sugar, high cholesterol etc. So - you may find levels going up or down but this should not be to detriment of feeling well.

It’s being hyped up as a panacea for all ills but especially as a replacement for Metformin and other diabetic drugs.

Still lots of research needed on this supplement. Use with caution.

in reply to

I second this! Gave me tummy issues

Imaaan profile image
Imaaan in reply to

Can you share the brand of supplement you took and the amount pls.

in reply toImaaan

Simply Pure Vegan 100% Berberine Capsules x 90, 500mg, Gluten Free, GM Free

amzn.eu/d/d2WECBV

This is expensive but I bought it as it has no additives. I took just 1 capsule of 500 mg intending to work up to recommended 1500 mg.

May give it another go when I feel better and take it literally ‘with’ food rather than ‘after’ or ‘before’. Have found that does make a difference if your stomach is mardy.

Imaaan profile image
Imaaan in reply to

Thank you for the info and your prompt response is much appreciated.

in reply toImaaan

😉

Bearo profile image
Bearo

Yes, I’ve read about the tummy problems. I also read that problems can be avoided by lowering the dose and splitting the dose throughout the day and always taking just before food.

It sounds quite powerful/strong effects so to be treated with caution. I probably won’t try it.

Hi Bearo. Yes, I do indeed have experience with Berberine, and use it quite regularly particularly for candida due to it's effective antifungal and antibacterial properties. Berberine has several health benefits including help with type 2 diabetic management; effective management of blood sugar; treatment for mouth ulcers, and test results have shown that it has the ability to turn white fat into brown fat, which is lean fat and calorie burning. Slim people have a higher percentage of brown fat to white fat, and the reverse is the case for the overweight and the obese. Berberine is not the complete answer to substantial weight loss though, but is may help. I would certainly recommend you try it, but be sure to buy only the pure kind without other added ingredients. It often comes in 500mg capsules, and for effective treatment protocols, it it recommended to consume 500mg 3 x daily. I have read numerous medical articles on it's usage and effectiveness, and all point to success in varying conditions. In regards to Westin Childs, I have come to the conclusion, he is rather a supplement salesman, and if you take everything he recommends, your bank balance would be pretty depleted. I thought he was a medically trained physician, but have since learned he was a Chiropractor, which has it's merits in certain fields, but I am sceptical in regards to Endocrinology and Immunology. Anyways, give it a go, it's worth a try.

Bearo profile image
Bearo in reply to

Thanks, your experience gives me a bit more confidence.

arTistapple profile image
arTistapple in reply to

Dr, Myhill’s protocol is also very heavy on costs too. Vits and minerals, food sources etc.

Imaaan profile image
Imaaan

For a sibo protocol, I took metagenics candibactin-br which contains berberine. I was on 4 pills a day but lasted only 12 days out of the 30. I had to stop due to it causing an insane amount of diarrhea. To be fair , I was taking 4 pills of oregano as well and maybe that was too much for my system. Another reason for my watery diarrhea could be that the formula contained other herbs including ginger which is known to increase the mmc transit time.

I plan on trying a supplement that contains berberine only at a lower dose God willingly.

in reply toImaaan

I wish you well Imaaan. Finding the right supplements is a mine field

Imaaan profile image
Imaaan in reply to

Minefield .....aint that the truth. Thank you for the well wishes and likewise. I hope your overall health improves ❤️

We're all but a lab 🐀

I share your scepticism. I’m wary too of some of his advice about thyroid hormones too. Think he’s a bit of a JOLT (Jack of All Trades)

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