Berberine Benefits: Which Are Real And Which Are Hype? [50f24e]

The Hidden Link Between Pain and Blood Sugar: What You Need to Know

Pain is a complex physiological response that can have far-reaching consequences on our overall health. While it's often associated with inflammation, injury, or infection, research suggests that chronic pain may also play a significant role in regulating blood sugar levels.

When we experience physical discomfort or pain, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline into the bloodstream. These hormones stimulate the release of stored glucose from energy sources such as glycogen stores, causing blood sugar levels to spike temporarily. This acute response is normal and helps us respond quickly to immediate threats or dangers.

However, when chronic pain becomes a persistent issue, it can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to fluctuations in blood sugar levels that may not return to normal even after the initial stress has passed.

Insulin Resistance: The Pivotal Connection

Chronic inflammation caused by prolonged pain leads to insulin resistance – a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin. Insulin is diabetic blood sugar chart essential for facilitating glucose uptake from the bloodstream into muscle and fat tissue, regulating blood sugar levels. When insulin receptors are damaged or down-regulated due to chronic stress, it triggers increased glucagon production in the pancreas.

Glucagon stimulates liver glycogenolysis (the breakdown of stored glycogen) and gluconeogenesis (new glucose synthesis), which results in even higher blood glucose readings despite continued high insulin levels. This creates a metabolic impasse where cells become trapped with too much or too little insulin, unable to stabilize normal blood sugar fluctuations.

Managing Chronic Pain: The First Step Towards Balancing Blood Sugar

While pain and stress undoubtedly have significant effects on blood sugar regulation, researchers are starting to investigate potential treatments that alleviate both chronic conditions simultaneously. Studies suggest combining alternative therapies such as acupuncture or massage with standard pharmaceutical interventions for better results in managing pain-related comorbidities.

Exercise has also emerged as a promising strategy in stabilizing glucose levels by promoting cellular regeneration and improving overall metabolic health.

Physical Activity: Unlocking Cellular Recovery

During exercise, muscle contractions stimulate the release of myokines – beneficial signaling molecules that support insulin sensitivity. Regular physical activity helps improve glucose metabolism, increase tissue responsiveness to insulin, and even promote weight loss – all factors essential for reducing blood sugar levels.

Additionally, incorporating high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or yoga practice into daily routines can mitigate stress-induced cortisol spikes by balancing nervous system functions while boosting endorphin production. This contributes positively towards the regulation of glucose stores and their subsequent low blood sugar prediabetes release during times of demand.

Maintaining Healthy Blood Sugar Levels in the Face of Chronic Pain

While it may be more challenging to achieve optimal blood sugar control when experiencing chronic pain, focusing on maintaining stress levels, regulating sleep patterns, monitoring mealtime carbohydrate intake, managing milk thistle for blood sugar mental health through lifestyle adaptations can all play a significant role in this journey.

You might have heard the buzz around berberine, often referred to as “nature's Ozempic”. Berberine is a powerhouse for many things, from reducing inflammation to regulating blood sugar levels. Tune in to hear which benefits the science supports (and the surprising ones it doesn’t) and get a simple dosing guide. And if you have any additional questions you would like answered in the future, let me know in the comments! Watch/Read Next… Diets Debunked: The Noom Program: Diets Debunked: Weight Watchers: Genetic Testing for Weight Loss Isn’t Worth it. Here’s what is: How to Heal Your Gut Naturally: Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:00 What is berberine? 01:37 Weight loss 02:34 Cholesterol 05:52 Blood sugar 08:47 Gut health 11:15 SIBO 12:53 Berberine dosing guide Featured Studies Biological properties and clinical applications of berberine: Berberine: Botanical Occurrence, Traditional Uses, Extraction Methods, and Relevance in Cardiovascular, Metabolic, Hepatic, and Renal Disorders: The Effect of Berberine on Reproduction and Metabolism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs: The effect of berberine supplementation on obesity parameters, inflammation and liver function enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs: The effect of berberine supplementation on lipid profile and obesity indices: An umbrella review of meta-analysis: Berberine decreases plasma triglyceride levels and upregulates hepatic TRIB1 in LDLR wild type mice and in LDLR deficient mice: Berberine decreases cholesterol levels in rats through multiple mechanisms, including inhibition of cholesterol absorption: Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine for the Treatment of Dyslipidemia in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs: Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone or Combined with Statins for the Treatment of Hyperlipidemia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs: The Effect of Berberine on Metabolic Profiles in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of RCTs: Overall and Sex-Specific Effect of Berberine on Glycemic and Insulin-Related Traits: Effects of berberine and barberry on selected inflammatory biomarkers in adults: Berberine improves intestinal epithelial tight junctions by upregulating A20 expression in IBS-D mice: Berberine Enhances Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function by Promoting Vitamin D Receptor Activity: Berberine influences multiple diseases by modifying gut microbiota: Berberine Improves Intestinal Motility and Visceral Pain in [...] Mouse Models: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Berberine Hydrochloride in Patients with Diarrhea-Predominant IBS: Efficacy and safety of berberine in preventing recurrence of colorectal adenomas: A systematic review and meta-analysis: Berberine and rifaximin effects on small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: Berberine and health outcomes: An umbrella review: Bioavailability study of berberine and the enhancing effects of TPGS on intestinal absorption in rats: Efficacy of berberine in patients with type 2 diabetes: Get the Latest Updates Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest - DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Music featured in this video: "Modern Technology" by Andrew G, *Full transcript available on YouTube by clicking the “Show transcript” button on the bottom right of the video.