10 Potential Benefits Of Berberine For Hashimoto's
The benefits that berberine brings to Hashimoto's are a topic of interest for many users when it comes to discussing an alkaloid found in plants. In fact, berberine for Hashimoto's not only helps improve metabolic health but also positively impacts the symptoms of the disease, offering hope to those seeking effective treatment methods. In this article, we will explore 10 potential benefits of berberine for Hashimoto's, helping you better understand how this compound can support the management of your health.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Key Takeaways
- Berberine may benefit Hashimoto's disease due to its anti-inflammatory properties, blood sugar regulation, cholesterol reduction, bone health enhancement, and weight management.
- Berberine should be used at a maximum of 500mg divided into three doses per day in the evening or before bed for optimal effectiveness.
- Berberine may not be suitable for individuals with diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, or high circulatory pressure.
What is Berberine?
Berberine is an alkaloid found in plants of the Berberis family, including barberry, goldenseal, and Oregon grape. It has neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and lipid-lowering activities. Research has shown that it also significantly impacts carbohydrate metabolism. This compound protects pancreatic β-cells and increases insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues [1].
What Is Hashimoto’s?
Hashimoto's disease, also known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, or autoimmune thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder that can lead to hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. In some rare cases, it can cause hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid [2].
In individuals with Hashimoto's, their immune system often produces antibodies that attack the thyroid, while the number of white blood cells, which are part of the immune system, accumulates in the thyroid, damaging it and impairing its ability to produce thyroid hormones.
10 Potential Benefits Of Berberine For Hashimoto's
Supports The Gut Lining
As Hashimoto's thyroiditis is the most common autoimmune disorder worldwide, the interplay with gut bacteria has garnered interest. There is evidence suggesting that the formation and progression of autoimmune thyroid disorders can be significantly influenced by changes in gut microbiota composition or even by dysbiosis [3].
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, berberine can tighten loose junctions in the intestinal lining, thereby reducing inflammation in the gut. Additionally, it helps eliminate H. Pylori bacteria, which is often present in women with Hashimoto's.
Removes Infections
Studies have shown that berberine can preserve beneficial bacteria while reducing the growth of harmful bacteria and pathogens in the gut [4]. Thus, it can be a great supplement for gut symptoms in those with Hashimoto's, focusing on eliminating infections such as Candida yeast, SIBO, or E. coli.
Balances Blood Sugar
According to the National Institute for Medical Research in London, there is supportive evidence suggesting that one of the effects of increased thyroid hormone levels in the body makes the liver more responsive to stimuli, promoting glycogen breakdown and sugar release into the blood, which affects glucose tolerance in people with Hashimoto's [5].
Berberine can address this condition through its insulin-sensitizing properties. This mechanism works by enhancing glucose metabolism, helping the body break down glucose, reducing sugar production in the liver, and slowing carbohydrate breakdown in the gut microbiome. As a result, blood sugar levels are adjusted healthily, supporting metabolic function, weight loss, satiety, and hormonal balance.
Reduces Cholesterol
After an unhealthy diet, hypothyroidism is the second most common cause of elevated blood cholesterol, a risk factor for atherosclerosis and heart disease in over 98 million Americans [6].
Meanwhile, berberine can alleviate symptoms of PCSK9, an enzyme that helps regulate cholesterol levels, thereby reducing LDL cholesterol (commonly known as "bad" cholesterol) and allowing for better balance between LDL and HDL cholesterol [7].
Supports Bone Health
Bone loss is a common condition in women with Hashimoto's and autoimmune diseases, especially after menopause. Notably, berberine has been evaluated for its ability to influence the activity of osteoblasts and osteoclasts [8], and thus it may help maintain healthy bone density and structure. This is extremely beneficial for individuals with Hashimoto's who are struggling with bone loss.
Aids In Safe And Natural Weight Loss
Another characteristic of Hashimoto's disease is that users often struggle with weight loss due to the slow metabolism of the thyroid and the impact of blood sugar disorders.
By suppressing appetite, berberine can provide a natural solution to aid the weight loss process [9]. Additionally, its effect on reducing the production of new fat cells and activating thermogenesis can increase energy expenditure, burning more calories for weight loss [10].
Natural Antimicrobial And Antiviral
When discussing berberine, we cannot overlook its comprehensive ability to combat bacteria. From bacteria to viruses and parasites, it can address and improve various health issues [11].
By disrupting the essential functions that bacteria need to survive and multiply, such as DNA, protein production, and their outer membranes, berberine can assist with common cold symptoms, stomachaches, or any other infections caused by Hashimoto's disease.
Supports Toxin Removal And Liver Health
There is a complex relationship between the thyroid and the liver in health and disease. The liver plays an essential physiological role in activating and inactivating thyroid hormones, as well as transporting and metabolizing them. Conversely, thyroid hormones influence liver cell activity and liver metabolism. Abnormal liver enzymes in serum are observed in hypothyroid disease and may be related to lipid metabolism disorders, fatty liver, or muscle disease due to hypothyroidism [12].
Meanwhile, berberine can reduce fat accumulation in the liver and inflammation by addressing toxins stored in the liver. Additionally, its antioxidant properties help protect liver cells from oxidative stress caused by harmful free radicals [13].
Metabolism Boost
Berberine helps enhance metabolic processes by activating AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an important enzyme in cellular energy balance, thus supporting metabolic health [14].
Berberine is beneficial for individuals with Hashimoto's because, in those with the condition, metabolism may slow down due to reduced thyroid hormone production. This can lead to symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, and difficulty losing weight, which can be quite distressing.
Insulin Sensitivity Enhancement
Berberine improves insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control, reducing unnecessary fat accumulation and supporting weight loss, one of the common symptoms in people with Hashimoto's.
How To Use Berberine For Hashimoto's
Currently, there are no specific recommendations for using berberine to support Hashimoto's disease. However, you can refer to traditional yet safe usage guidelines for berberine as follows: Use 500 mg three times a day. Take it half an hour before meals, and it can be taken on an empty stomach since it does not cause serious side effects.
Additionally, we encourage you to take berberine in the evening or before bedtime to better control blood sugar levels. Furthermore, if you are taking medications related to diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, or high circulatory pressure, blood thinners like warfarin, or sedative or tranquilizer medications, exercise caution when using berberine.
It is best to consistently use berberine for 3 months, then pause and observe the changes in your body. Long-term use of berberine can be harmful because the accumulation of berberine can lead to changes in liver function, gastrointestinal issues, liver and blood toxicity, resulting in inflammatory hemorrhage, immune cell damage, and apoptosis [15].
Combining Berberine with Other Therapies
To improve Hashimoto's condition, in addition to using berberine, you may consider other therapies such as:
- Low-Carbohydrate Diet: Berberine can be particularly effective when combined with a low-carbohydrate or ketogenic diet. This combination can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity more effectively than either method alone.
- Regular Exercise: Combining berberine supplementation with exercise can maximize effectiveness in managing weight and improving insulin sensitivity.
- Probiotics: Berberine can positively affect gut microbiota. When combined with probiotics, it can enhance gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria and inhibiting harmful strains.
- Vitamin D and Omega-3: Combining berberine with vitamin D and Omega-3 supplements can create a comprehensive approach to reducing inflammation, supporting cardiovascular health, and improving metabolic function.
Conclusion
In summary, berberine for Hashimoto's can offer significant benefits for individuals with this condition, from improving thyroid function to reducing inflammation and supporting gut health. While further research is needed to confirm all the effects of berberine, these potential benefits suggest that this natural compound could be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan for Hashimoto's disease.
References
- [1] Baska, Aleksandra, et al. “Berberine in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus: A Review.” Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Disorders - Drug Targets, vol. 20, 22 Oct. 2020, https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026620666201022144405.
- [2] Wartofsky, Leonard. “Hashimoto’s Disease.” National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, 5 Apr. 2019, www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/hashimotos-disease.
- [3] Virili, Camilla, et al. “Gut Microbiota and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.” Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, vol. 19, no. 4, 8 Oct. 2018, pp. 293–300, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-018-9467-y.
- [4] Feng, Ru, et al. “Transforming Berberine into Its Intestine-Absorbable Form by the Gut Microbiota.” Scientific Reports, vol. 5, no. 1, 15 July 2015, p. 12155, www.nature.com/articles/srep12155, https://doi.org/10.1038/srep12155.
- [5] Marks, H. P. “Effect of Thyroid Feeding on Sugar Tolerance.” The Journal of Physiology, vol. 60, no. 5-6, 31 Oct. 1925, pp. 402–410, https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.1925.sp002257. Accessed 25 Oct. 2021.
- [6] Dickey, R. A., and S. Feld. “Guest Editorial: The Thyroid-Cholesterol Connection: An Association between Varying Degrees of Hypothyroidism and Hypercholesterolemia in Women.” Journal of Women’s Health & Gender-Based Medicine, vol. 9, no. 4, May 2000, pp. 333–336, https://doi.org/10.1089/15246090050020619. Accessed 16 Nov. 2022.
- [7] Cameron, Jamie, et al. “Berberine Decreases PCSK9 Expression in HepG2 Cells.” Atherosclerosis, vol. 201, no. 2, Dec. 2008, pp. 266–273, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2008.02.004. Accessed 11 Oct. 2019.
- [8] Gu, Liping, et al. “Berberine Suppresses Bone Loss and Inflammation in Ligature-Induced Periodontitis through Promotion of the G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor-Mediated Inactivation of the P38MAPK/NF-ΚB Pathway.” Archives of Oral Biology, vol. 122, 23 Nov. 2020, pp. 104992–104992, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33338754/, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104992. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
- [9] Park, Hyun-Jung, et al. “Berberine for Appetite Suppressant and Prevention of Obesity.” BioMed Research International, vol. 2020, 2020, p. 3891806, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33415147/, https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/3891806.
- [10] Zhang, Zhiguo, et al. “Berberine Activates Thermogenesis in White and Brown Adipose Tissue.” Nature Communications, vol. 5, no. 1, 25 Nov. 2014, https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms6493. Accessed 31 Oct. 2021.
- [11] Warowicka, Alicja, et al. “Antiviral Activity of Berberine.” Archives of Virology, vol. 165, no. 9, 2020, pp. 1935–1945, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7320912/, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00705-020-04706-3. Accessed 28 Sept. 2021.
- [12] Piantanida, E., et al. “The Interplay between Thyroid and Liver: Implications for Clinical Practice.” Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, vol. 43, no. 7, 12 Mar. 2020, pp. 885–899, https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-020-01208-6.
- [13] Ilyas, Zahra, et al. “The Effect of Berberine on Weight Loss in Order to Prevent Obesity: A Systematic Review.” Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, vol. 127, July 2020, p. 110137, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110137.
- [14] Prajwala B. “BERBERINE and ITS PHARMACOLOGY POTENTIAL: A REVIEW.” Researchgate, 2020, www.researchgate.net/profile/Kanthesh-Basalingappa/publication/346439412_BERBERINE_AND_ITS_PHARMACOLOGY_POTENTIAL_A_REVIEW/links/5fc1eb48a6fdcc6cc67740fa/BERBERINE-AND-ITS-PHARMACOLOGY-POTENTIAL-A-REVIEW.pdf. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.
- [15] Singh, Nitika, and Bechan Sharma. “Toxicological Effects of Berberine and Sanguinarine.” Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, vol. 5, 19 Mar. 2018, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmolb.2018.00021.
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