Ozempic is a medication for weight loss that involves weekly injections. It seems to be the latest weight loss craze!
How does it work?
It works by reducing hunger by mimicking a hormone that our bodies make when we are eating food called GLP-1. It also slows down the release of food from the stomach so you feel fuller for longer. It is said to reduce “food noise” so you are not thinking about food all the time if this is an issue for you. It also helps to lower blood sugar. The benefits of the drug only work whilst you take it.
What are the side effects?
Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain and stomach paralysis, gallbladder, pancreas and kidney problems, changes in vision, low blood sugar causing dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
Some users of this drug have also reported “Ozempic face” which is more loose, sagging, wrinkled skin on the face with a hollowed out appearance.
Eek !
Is there anything we can do naturally that acts in the same way without the side effects?
The good news is we can naturally increase GLP-1 with fermentable fibre as satiation (feeling full) hormones last longer after eating it. Yay!
Eating fibre increases production of a hormone similar to Ozempic.
Yet another reason why prebiotic fibre and resistant starch is so important for our health let alone our gut microbiome. Its also why extreme low carb diets are not ideal as you never get enough fibre even if you are eating lots of low carb green vegetables.
And the RIGHT kind of fibre makes a difference when it comes to increasing GLP-1. Not all fibre is equal. To get the extra boost of satiation hormones you need to eat fibre that your gut bacteria can digest. Beans and legumes are perfect and a proven longevity food so add them to your soups and salads especially lentils, white beans (cannellini, navy & lima) and red kidney beans. Other fermentable fibre includes oats and barley.
Be aware of processed foods that claim to have added fibre to them as often its fibre that is not super beneficial for you being fibre that passes through without triggering the release of any hormones.
Are there any supplements that also act in a similar way to Ozempic?
Berbersorb capsules contain an active ingredient that has been shown in studies to reduce body weight and maintain healthy blood sugar and cholesterol.
Whilst it is always ideal to obtain fermentable fibre first and foremost from food, sometimes this may not be possible. Gut Synbiotic is a fabulous source of fermentable fibre that is tasteless and odourless. Its also FODMAP friendly.
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