Natural Ways to Support GLP-1 for Weight Management

The information in this blog is for learning purposes only and isn’t meant to replace advice from your doctor. Always talk to your healthcare provider before trying any new supplements, especially if you’re taking prescription medications.

What is GLP-1 Anyway?

If you’re thinking about weight loss these days, you’ve probably heard people talking about GLP-1. It can be pretty confusing to figure out what it actually is. Is it a diet? A supplement? A medicine?

Let me clear things up for you.

GLP-1 is actually a hormone your body makes naturally. It helps control your blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. When your body produces enough GLP-1, it does several helpful things:

It cuts down your appetite
It slows your digestion so you feel full longer
It helps your body make more insulin when your blood sugar goes up
It decreases another hormone called glucagon

Those weight loss shots you’ve been hearing about? They’re called GLP-1 agonists, which means they work like or mimic your natural GLP-1 hormone.

Natural Ways to Boost Your GLP-1

At The Only Earth here in High Point, NC, we talk with folks every day about natural approaches to weight management. While some people choose prescription GLP-1 medications, there are several natural options worth considering.

Supplements That Might Help Your Body Make More GLP-1

• Berberine is probably the top single supplement right now that people use as a GLP-1 booster. It comes from certain plants and seems to help your body release more GLP-1.
• Curcumin, a compound found in turmeric, might increase GLP-1 production and help your insulin work better.
• Ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, and some studies suggest it might raise GLP-1 levels.
• Psyllium fiber may help your body release more GLP-1.
• Magnesium seems to maybe also play a role in how GLP-1 works in your body.
• Yerba mate tea may also stimulate GLP-1 release.

We carry all these items at the store, plus some great blends that combine several of these ingredients together.

Foods That Can Help Your Body Make More GLP-1

Your everyday food choices can make a big difference too. Foods that might help boost your GLP-1 include:

• High-fiber foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables help a lot. Think oats, berries, apples, leafy greens, and broccoli.
• Protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, turkey, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
• Healthy fats from avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds.
• Foods that support gut health like Greek yogurt and fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kimchi.

Some food combos seem to work especially well – like eating protein and fiber together (beans and rice), having vegetables before your main meal, or adding healthy fats to your salads.

Support for People Taking GLP-1 Medications

If you’re taking one of the GLP-1 medications, you might need some extra support. These medications can sometimes cause digestive issues like constipation and acid reflux. They can also lead to muscle loss, and because you’re eating less, it can be hard to get all the nutrients you need.

Here are some supplements that might help while you’re on GLP-1 medications:

• Fiber supplements can really help regulate your bowel movements since GLP-1 injections tend to slow down digestion.
• Protein supplements are important because the reduced appetite from GLP-1 injections might mean you’re not getting enough protein, which can lead to muscle loss. Extra protein helps maintain your muscle mass during weight loss.
• Probiotics can support your gut health, which is especially important since GLP-1 injections can change your gut bacteria balance.
• Magnesium glycinate helps with muscle relaxation and sleep, both of which can be challenging during weight loss.
• Vitamin B12 is crucial because GLP-1 injections can interfere with B12 absorption. A sublingual (under the tongue) form can help prevent deficiency.
• Vitamin D supplementation may enhance your weight loss efforts, and many people who struggle with weight already have low vitamin D levels.
• Omega-3 fatty acids improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, both helpful for weight management.
• Chromium helps improve insulin sensitivity and regulate appetite, which can boost your weight loss journey.

We carry a variety of products specifically designed to support folks taking GLP-1 medications, including:

• Youtheory Muscle Guard Protein GLP-1 support
• Youtheory High Potence Multi GLP-1 support
• Source Naturals Real Fast for intermittent fasting, GLP-1 support, and weight management
• Zhou Fast Support+

We’re Here to Help

Our staff at The Only Earth are here to help if you have questions or want suggestions for products that might work for you on your weight loss journey. We’re not here to judge whether GLP-1 medications are good or bad – that’s between you and your doctor. We just want to offer support no matter which route you’ve chosen.

Stop by our store in High Point and let’s talk about what might work best for you.

Remember, always check with your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re currently taking prescription medications.