Serious Semaglutide Side Effects & a Safe Alternative

Semaglutide, a medication originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes, has recently gained attention for its potential as a weight loss treatment. While it has shown results in clinical trials, it's important to consider drawbacks and limitations. Weight loss is not always healthy, especially if it effects gut health or is too rapid. In this article, we will consider some of the serious side effects associated with using Semaglutide for weight loss in regards to body composition changes, muscle loss, decreased metabolic rate, the potential for rapid weight regain and a sick gut.

Body Composition Changes:

One potential drawback of Semaglutide is its impact on body composition. While it may lead to overall weight loss, there is evidence to suggest that a significant portion of the weight lost may come from muscle mass rather than fat. This loss of lean muscle mass can have negative implications for overall health and metabolic function. Less muscle can actually decrease metabolism long term.

Muscle Loss:

Semaglutide has been associated with wasting or loss of muscle tissue. This may occur due to the drug's influence on certain hormonal pathways. The loss of muscle mass can lead to decreased strength, compromised physical function, and a decrease in basal metabolic rate. This is a similar side effect as starvation, and the risk can be just as real.

Decreased Metabolic Rate:

A decrease in metabolic rate is another potential drawback of Semaglutide. When the body undergoes significant weight loss, it tends to respond by reducing its metabolic rate in order to conserve energy. This metabolic adaptation makes it more challenging to sustain weight loss over the long term. If weight loss is already hard for you, why make it harder down the road?

Rapid Weight Regain:

Many individuals who use Semaglutide for weight loss may experience rapid weight regain once they discontinue the medication. This phenomenon can be attributed to various factors, including the drug's impact on appetite regulation and metabolic adaptations. Without ongoing support and lifestyle changes, the rapid weight regain can be discouraging and may undermine long-term weight management goals.

Digestion and gut health:

One of the functions of Semaglutide is to slow down digestion, which keeps food in the digestive tract longer and decreases hunger. This may reduce the number of calories eaten in one day, but it also causes constipation and may trigger gut inflammation. Long term it may contribute to leaky gut and over eating, once the drug is stopped. A sick gut can also cause immune system issues, mental issues, heart disease risk, and memory issues.

While Semaglutide has demonstrated potential as a weight loss treatment, it is crucial to consider the potential drawbacks associated with its use. A safer, more natural alternative, Berberine, has also shown good results for weight loss, and is being called “Nature’s Ozempic”.

Berberine is a compound derived from various plants and has gained attention for its potential benefits in weight loss. In this article, we will delve into the potential of Berberine as a natural approach to weight loss and examine the scientific evidence supporting its efficacy and safety.

Understanding Berberine:

Berberine is a bioactive compound found in several plants, including goldenseal, barberry, and Chinese goldthread. It has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Berberine possesses various therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.

Berberine and Weight Loss:

Several studies have investigated the impact of Berberine on weight loss and metabolic health. Here are a few key findings:

1. Improved Insulin Sensitivity: Berberine has been shown to enhance insulin sensitivity, which may aid in better glucose control and support weight loss efforts. It’s not a fast pass to eat more carbs, but it may help buffer the healthy carbs you are already eating, so that you see results a little faster on the scale.

2. Enhanced Fat Metabolism: Research suggests that berberine may help promote fat metabolism by increasing the activity of an enzyme called AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of AMPK may lead to increased fat burning and reduced fat storage.

3. Appetite Suppression: Berberine may help regulate appetite by affecting hormones that control hunger, such as ghrelin and leptin. This may contribute to reduced calorie intake and support weight loss goals. The appetite suppression effects of Berberine are moderate compared to weight loss drugs, so it’s easier and safer for your body to adjust to.

4. Reduced Fat Accumulation: Studies indicate that Berberine may inhibit the formation of new fat cells and reduce the accumulation of fat in existing cells.

Safety and Side Effects:

Berberine is generally considered safe for short-term use, but it may interact with certain medications and cause gastrointestinal side effects in some individuals. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have underlying medical conditions or are taking prescription medications.

Conclusion:

While Semaglutide has demonstrated effectiveness as a weight loss medication, it is still too early to see all long term effects, and manyindividuals may prefer exploring natural alternatives. Berberine, with its potential to improve insulin sensitivity, enhance fat metabolism, and regulate appetite, holds promise as a natural approach to weight loss. Further research may be needed to fully understand its long-term effects and efficacy, but it’s been in use much longer than Semaglutide.

It is important to note that weight loss should always be approached holistically, considering factors such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and overall lifestyle modifications. Individual responses to supplements may vary, and it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs and health history.  If you have tried to lose weight on your own and it’s not working, or if you have other health concerns like low energy, skin issues, or hormone imbalance, think about booking an appointment with Angelica Clark PA-C, IFMCP. She takes a functional medicine approach and seeks to find the root cause of the problem.

 Clarkwellnesswaco.com

(254) 386-8149

For the berberine, this can be ordered through this link: https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/aclark1619931259

Be sure to consult with your health care provider first before starting this or any products recommended on this blog. We usually recommend Berberine Synergy by Designs for health which is with alpha lipoic acid to help improve insulin sensitivity. Usual dosing is 400-500mg before meals 3x daily and you would need to watch for symptoms of hypoglycemia ( low blood glucose levels).

References:

1. Astrup, A., et al. (2021). Semaglutide 2.4 mg for the treatment of obesity: Key elements of the STEP trials 1 to 5. Obesity Science & Practice, 7(1), 49-59.

2. Frühbeck, G., et al. (2021). The American Association of Clinical Endocrinology, The Obesity Society, and American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery Medical Guidelines for Clinical Practice for the perioperative nutritional, metabolic, and nonsurgical support of the bariatric surgery patient. Surgery for Obesity and Related Diseases, 17(1), 21-106.

3. Hong, J., et al. (2018). Effects of semaglutide versus dulaglutide on abdominal fat distribution in subjects with type 2 diabetes and obesity: A randomized, controlled, double-blind trial. Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism, 20(4), 962-972.

4. Koliaki, C., et al. (2019). Adaptations of energy metabolism and the role of the metabolic regulators insulin and adiponectin in weight regain. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 8(3), 350.

5. Pérez-Rubio, K. G., et al. (2012). Effect of berberine administration on metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion. Metabolic Syndrome and Related Disorders, 10(5), 387-390.

6. Yin, J., et al. (2008). Berberine improves glucose metabolism through induction of glycolysis. American Journal of Physiology-Endocrinology and Metabolism, 294(1), E148-E156.

7. Huang, C., et al. (2012). Berberine inhibits 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation through the PPARγ pathway. Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 417(1), 79-83.

8. Lan, J., et al. (2012). Meta-analysis of the effect and safety of berberine in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipemia

3 Quick Ways to Boost Energy

Life requires good energy, but do you sometimes feel like your batteries are a bit low? It’s perfectly normal. Here are 3 ways to recharge quickly and in a healthy way.

1. Hydrate!! Dehydration is one of the leading causes of headaches and low energy in the afternoons. Drink 8-10 ounces of water, eat an orange (fruits and vegetables are full of water!), drink a protein shake or try some hot tea. Every cell in your body needs water. Hydration helps promote circulation and definitely helps boost energy.

2. Move! Just 10 minutes of walking can boost energy for up to 2 hours! Sitting in front of a computer for hours on end is mentally exhausting, and it can make you emotionally tired, but guess what? Your feet are not tired, and they need to move. Let them carry you OUT of the office and into the park or on a date with your family. Maybe you just need a quick walk to get water or coffee. Just get up and get moving. If you can get 30 minutes of walking or another type of cardio done before work, you may love how you feel for the whole rest of the day!

3. Eat complex carbs. If you are eating keto or anti-candida, you may experience low energy, especially at first. Remember that carbohydrates are fuel, and they can provide good energy when you need it. No need to eat too many or the wrong kind. One small serving of blueberries or even a small spinach salad with your favorite dressing can deliver the carbs you need. Add a few nuts and seeds, or even beans, and you can have a boost of carbs with good protein to keep blood sugar stable. If you are very active you may need more whole grains like old fashioned oats, brown rice or quinoa.

It’s completely natural to have more energy some days than others. If you are tired, try to get some rest if you can. Stress can also deplete energy, so we have to de-stress to recharge. Just be sure that hydration, movement and eating healthy foods is also a part of the plan, and you will feel back to 100% quicker than you think. If you have tried and tried to increase energy and it’s not working, think about booking an appointment with Angelica Clark PA-C, IFMCP. She takes a functional medicine approach and seeks to find the root cause of the problem.

Leaky gut

Have you heard about the terminology "Leaky gut"? This is a popular description of gut issues used in Functional Medicine.

Leaky Gut is often the cause of a wide variety of symptoms. These pesky side effects can often seem unconnected and get mistaken for a variety of conditions. Some of them have been given their own name or designation, like RA or fibromyalgia. It’s important to know the warning signs so that ultimately, we can can understand when it’s actually leaky gut and get down to the root cause of the issues. Then, we can help the gut start to heal and get on a path to optimal wellness, rather than more side effects. Healing takes time, but it’s completely worth it. Gut health leads to improvement in all aspects of life.

First, let’s talk about what it is and how it happens. Leaky gut happens when the gut walls start to loosen. They are supposed to be like a taught mesh, only letting very small nutrients through, like glucose, fats, protein and vitamins. However, when the gut is damaged by inflammation, candida, gluten, too much sugar, drugs, toxicity or unhealthy fats, it starts gradually breaking down and loses it’s taught quality. It starts to leak larger food particles into parts of the body that aren’t prepared to break it down, like the blood stream.

Common symptoms of leaky gut:

1. Gas and bloating. One of the causes of leaky gut is candida overgrowth, and candida releases gas. This symptom will get worse when you eat sugar, and it tends to get worse over time.

2. Gut pain. Leaky gut results in a lot of inflammation, which causes pain. It’s generally an aching pain and not extremely sharp, so don’t mistake severe pain for leaky gut. Leaky gut causes a more bothersome pain that just keeps coming back and causes discomfort.

3. Headaches. Leaky gut can cause tension headaches due to the increase of inflammation. The headaches will be worse when you are stressed or not eating well.

4. Achy or arthritic joints. Leaky gut can cause leaking of gluten and dairy particles into the bloodstream. Normally, the gluten or dairy food particles would be broken down into smaller parts, like minerals, fat, glucose, or protein. When the full food particles go into the blood stream, it causes pain in the joints. It may be severe enough to be mistaken for arthritis or other conditions.

5. Red or inflamed skin (rosacea, acne or psoriasis). The gut is a gateway to every organ, including the skin, which is our largest organ. It takes a lot of great nutrition to keep this organ healthy, and with a leaky gut, you loose too many nutrients. Even when you are eating healthy, so if you aren’t eating healthy all of the time, it will be worse.

6. Brain fog is common with a leaky gut. One of the nutrients lost to the leakage is vitamin b-1, and this is a vitamin used for brain health, memory and focus. Other b- vitamins can be effected as well, so this leads to brain fog and can even cause memory issues that can mimic more serious conditions.

7. Low energy. Leaky gut causes low energy due to the nutrient loss as well as the inflammation. Inflammation takes a lot of energy. Think of a burning flame needing fuel to keep burning. This symptom will never get better until the gut is taken care of.

8. Depression or anxiety can result from leaky gut due to the gut and brain connection. Serotonin, the feel-good neurotransmitter, is made in the gut and the brain. When the gut is damaged, the amount of serotonin

production is effected, often declining, which can cause depressed moods and a lack of well-being. Leaky gut can also lower levels of other neurotransmitters, like GABA, which helps slow down racing thoughts that are often associated with anxiety.

9. PMS or PCOS is often triggered, or aggravated by leaky gut due to the way it effects hormones. Leaky gut causes a loss of major nutrients that help produce hormones, like magnesium. This causes low sex hormone levels, like low progesterone, which then results in conditions like PMS.

10. Hypothyroidism (weight gain) can be associated with leaky gut due to the loss of iodine and amino acids. Iodine is a mineral used to create the thyroid hormone, and l-tyrosine is an amino acid that is also used. When these nutrients are unavailable, whether through lack of nutrition in your eating plan, or from losing the nutrients to leaky gut, the thyroid hormones decrease and cause low energy and weight gain, along with numerous other symptoms.

The gut is the gateway to all other organs and systems of the body. A healthy gut creates a healthy body, and a sick, leaky gut can result in a tired, sick body. The good news is that the gut is highly responsive to healing. You can essentially have a new, healthy gut within 3-6 months, as long as you change your lifestyle habits accordingly. Here’s a few things you can do today to help heal your gut.

1. Stop eating gluten. Gluten is though to perhaps be the main perpetrator to causing leaky gut. It increases inflammation and pain in the gut as well as in other areas of the body. When you stop eating it, pain and inflammation decreases, which creates an environment ideal for gut healing. Dairy can also cause inflammation and gut damage, so cutting out the extra dairy can be helpful (don’t do ice cream and if you eat cheese, go light on it).

2. Take a probiotic to help balance out gut flora. Probiotics boost immunity, lower inflammation and promote healing. You can also eat yogurt to help your gut heal. A plant based yogurt, like coconut milk yogurt, may work best.

3. Eat a balanced diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. This will help lower inflammation, provides additional nutrition for healing, and increases fiber, which is critical for a healthy gut. When you eat meat, make sure it’s high quality (organic, grass fed beef, wild caught fish, or free range chicken) and chew your meats thoroughly. This improves digestion which can help reduce belly pain and discomfort.

4. Drink plenty of water. This helps keep you regular which is essential for gut balance. Not drinking enough water can result in uncomfortable constipation and indigestion.

5. Take a high quality multivitamin to help with nutrient status while you are healing. A capsule will be easier on digestion than a tablet.

6. Work with a practitioner that can test you for leaky gut or other conditions that require special eating plans or additional changes. Angelica Clark PA-C, IFMCP is a certified Functional Medicinal practitioner that can help you heal your gut and improve your GI symptoms.

After you make these critical lifestyle changes and help your gut heal, you may feel like a new person! A higher energy level, laser focus, quicker weight loss and great moods are just a few benefits that are well worth the wait.