GLP-1 What should we know

What is GLP-1 and what does it do? GLP-1 is Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (and yes, there is a 2). GLP-1 is secreted in the small intestine and relays messages to other areas in our body. Listed effects of GLP-1 include: 1) reduced glucagon secretion from the liver (thereby slowing down the release of glucose, or blood sugar, into the bloodstream during periods of fasting or reduced food intake), 2) increased insulin production, 3) decreased appetite, and 4) decreased intestinal motility (causing food to move slower through the digestive system, thereby further improving blood sugar and reducing appetite).

GLP-1 like agonist drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound) mimic GLP-1 and increase the body’s effects, as if one were increasing their own GLP-1. Because of the drug’s strong effects on appetite, coupled with increased side effects, supplements, such as protein (a natural GLP-1 agonist) and multivitamins are becoming the norm for many individuals using GLP-1 prescriptions due to malnutrition.

GLP-1 is naturally increased by foods that are high in protein, fiber, and good fats. Foods such as chicken, fish, grass-fed meats, and eggs are great sources of protein. Whole grains such as wheat, millet, and oats (also naturally high in beta-glucans) contain soluble fibers (gums) that act as natural GLP-1’s. Healthy fats include avocado, coconut, nuts, and eggs. Vegetable consumption also increases natural GLP-1 secretion during digestion, via the production of short-chain fatty acids.

Other foods such curcumin (turmeric), as well as supplements, can help compensate for a GLP-1 deficiency. PGX Fibers, from Natural Factors, has clinical research showing GLP-1 stability and reduced blood sugar. Spices (such as cinnamon and curry), coffee, resveratrol, and other polyphenol-rich foods (chocolate, berries, green tea, mate) have GLP-1 modulating benefits as well. Recently, Berberine has taken the stage as a natural GLP-1 support. Finally, gut health is crucial for GLP-1 production, making probiotics a must.

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References

  1. GLP-1 Agonists: What They Are, How They Work & Side Effects
  2. Natural supplement retailers can capitalize on Ozempic craze—and offer alternatives
  3. Curcumin Compensates GLP-1 Deficiency via the Microbiota-Bile Acids Axis and Modulation in Functional Crosstalk between TGR5 and FXR in ob/ob Mice - PubMed
  4. Polyphenols from whole millet grain (Setaria italica) alleviate glucose and lipid homeostasis in diet-induced obese mice by increasing endogenous GLP-1 - PubMed
  5. Ingestion of coffee polyphenols increases postprandial release of the active glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1(7-36)) in C57BL/6J mice - PubMed
  6. Natural supplement retailers can capitalize on Ozempic craze—and offer alternatives
  7. Resveratrol and diabetes - PubMed
  8. Berberine Metabolites Stimulate GLP-1 Secretion by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction - PubMed
  9. The acute effect of a β-glucan-enriched oat bread on gastric emptying, GLP-1 response, and postprandial glycaemia and insulinemia: a randomized crossover trial in healthy adults | Nutrition & Metabolism | Full Text