Supplements to Boost GLP-1 Naturally

Boosting GLP-1 naturally can be a game-changer for your health, offering benefits like improved appetite control and enhanced metabolic function. This powerful hormone, released after eating, supports insulin secretion, slows digestion, and promotes feelings of fullness. Are there natural ways to stimulate GLP-1 activity? Absolutely!

GLP-1 Basics

The glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone is naturally released after eating and  plays a central role in regulating satiety and blood sugar levels. This short-acting hormone enhances insulin secretion from the pancreas, slows gastric motility, and reduces gastric emptying, which suppresses appetite and food intake.

GLP-1 also enhances beta-cell function in the pancreas and supports cardiovascular health. It promotes neuroprotection by influencing brain signaling pathways. GLP-1 receptors are found in several parts of your brain, spinal cord, stomach, and small intestine.

Natural GLP-1 Enhancers

Nature provides several nutrients, herbs, and spices that, along with dietary and lifestyle habits, stimulate your body’s natural GLP-1 mechanisms. Below are some well-known traditional herbs and phytonutrients that naturally support GLP-1.

Berberine

Berberine, a plant-derived polyphenol found in deep, yellow-colored herbs, has been used for centuries in China, India, native North America, and other cultures. Research demonstrates that berberine naturally increases the production of GLP-1 as well as insulin secretion, improving glucose tolerance. Additionally, berberine reduces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and aids healthy cell apoptosis.

A systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials showed that berberine is safe and effective for supporting multiple aspects of metabolic health. Other demonstrated benefits include protection of the brain and nervous system, cardiovascular system, cholesterol and lipid health, gut-microbiome support, and more.

Wellness Resources Berberine Ultra™ features raw Berberis aristata extract, enhanced in a phospholipid complex for higher bioavailability and tolerability. A single 550mg capsule of Berberine Ultra™ provides four times better bioavailability compared to 500mg of Berberine HCl.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular culinary spice well-known for its health benefits. It supports healthy weight and blood glucose levels by enhancing your satiety. A small clinical trial showed that 3 grams of cinnamon at a meal resulted in enhanced activation of GLP-1.

Wellness Resources Cinnamon Plus™ contains CinnulinPF®, the only clinically tested cinnamon extract on the market. This special water-soluble extract of cinnamon's polyphenol Type-A polymers are bioactive factors that support healthy insulin function and antioxidant activity.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol, another plant-based bioactive compound, supports GLP-1 activity through several mechanisms. These include improving insulin sensitivity, glucose and lipid management, antioxidant protection, and modulation of inflammatory compounds within the pancreas and intestinal tract. Resveratrol also provides numerous other anti-aging benefits for the brain, cardiovascular system, skin, mitochondria, and more.

Resveratrol Ultra 500™ contains 500mg of standardized 98% active trans-resveratrol, offering superior bioavailability compared to most resveratrol supplements that contain only 50% trans-resveratrol.

Turmeric

The golden spice turmeric, containing curcumin/curcuminoids, effectively supports GLP-1 activity. Like other phytonutrients, the benefits of turmeric extend well beyond this aspect. Turmeric provides antioxidant support for the brain, heart, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, mitochondria, liver, and bones. It also provides immunomodulatory functions, activates AMPK and fat burning mechanisms, and much more.

A recent study evaluated the effect of curcumin in ob/ob mice, which are mice bred to be obese and have leptin and insulin resistance. Results showed that curcumin enhanced GLP-1 release, increased metabolic activity, and enhanced gut barrier integrity by modulating the gut microbiome.

Turmeric also modulated other signaling molecules and enzymes such as DPP-4, glucose transporters, PPAR-gamma, and others to promote healthy blood sugar, insulin, and cholesterol metabolism.

Wellness Resources Turmeric Gold contains a patented, enhanced absorption turmeric extract with superior curcuminoid bioavailability. Turmeric is also found in Repair Plus and Brain Protector.

Whey Protein

Adding whey protein to the beginning of your meal enhances GLP-1 levels. A 2023 meta-analysis review published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition demonstrated that consuming whey protein prior to a meal elevated GLP-1 levels, enhanced insulin function and slowed gastric emptying rate. Whey protein intake of up to 55 grams prior to the meal provided the most significant metabolic impact.

Daily Protein and Daily Protein Plus provide 21-26 grams of protein per scoop without any added sugar or sweeteners. These whey protein products provide an easy, tasty way to start off your day, engage your metabolic functions, and turn on energy!

Dietary Fiber and Short Chain Fatty Acids

Did you know that dietary fiber aids the natural mechanisms associated with GLP-1 activity? Fiber feeds your beneficial bacteria, which in turn increases the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate in the intestinal tract. SCFAs naturally stimulate and enhance the release of GLP-1 and promote the synthesis and release of the leptin hormone, enhancing metabolic activity and suppressing appetite. 

SCFAs are post-biotics, which engage in other essential health-promoting metabolic activities. This includes supporting insulin secretion or sensitivity, enhancing pancreatic beta cell function, improving glucose metabolism, and supporting mitochondrial function.

The overall American population lacks adequate fiber intake and consumes up to seven times less dietary fiber than non-Westernized countries. The Institute of Medicine recommends that adult men consume 30-38 grams of fiber per day, while women require 21-25 grams. However, most adults consume 10-15 grams or less per day, far below the recommended amount. Previous generations often consumed more than 50 grams of fiber per day.

Wellness Resources Fiber Helper™ and Tributyrin Plus™ (a beneficial SCFA) provide enhanced GLP-1 support and other benefits for gut microbiome health.

Cost Effective Natural Support

Natural solutions like Wellness Resources’ Fiber Helper offers enhanced GLP-1 support and many other benefits for gut microbiome health for about a dollar per day. Similarly, one serving of Tributyrin Plus, which provides the SCFA butyrate, Berberine Ultra, and the other quality nutrients listed above are also available for about a dollar per day.

Dietary fiber, protein, and phytonutrients have stood the test of time as essential for human life. Adding a few key items to your diet and lifestyle is a small investment that provides innumerable benefits for your whole body and is without a long-list of side effects.

Consider the practicality and wisdom of choosing natural, safe and effective God-given nutrients that have been used and trusted for thousands of years. Optimize your body’s GLP-1 function for better health and wellbeing.

Additional resources:

Fiber Sets the Foundation for Healthy Weight Loss

Fiber and Your Gut Mucosal Lining

Breakthrough Turmeric Extract Optimized for Absorption and Health Benefits

Butyrate Aids Digestive Tract Health: Discover New Tributyrin Plus