Berberine is a popular supplement to manage blood sugar, metabolism, weight, and insulin. With its growing popularity, we get more and more questions about its side effects.
Berberine is mostly well tolerated, but it can cause some side effects. Here, you will find information about common side effects, who should not take berberine, drug interactions, and how to avoid side effects.
Where Does Berberine Come From?
Berberine is found in the following plants:
- Berberis Aristata
- Goldenseal
- Oregon Grape
- Tree Turmeric
It has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese Medicine for centuries.
Berberine is a great option for you if you are looking to manage:
- Blood Sugars
- Insulin
- Weight
- Cholesterol
- Gut Health
- Metabolism
It is a natural compound, but a biologically active compound, and it can affect multiple systems in your body.
Is Berberine Safe?
Studies that are currently available conclude berberine is safe for most healthy adults if used properly and with recommended dosing.
Berberine has been the focus of many studies that have lasted weeks to months with only a few serious adverse effects documented.
There are many different reasons that cause people to react to berberine differently, such as:
- Dosage
- General health
- What other medications they take
- Other medical conditions
- Quality of the product
Because of this, it is good to be informed of the possible side effects before trying any new supplements.
Most Common Berberine Side Effects
Most side effects that people take berberine and which have been reported deal with the digestive system.
1. Stomach Discomfort
For some people, berberine can irritate the digestive system and upset the stomach and lead to some discomfort and digestive abnormal feelings, but this is usually temporary and can go away as the body gets used to it.
2. Bloating
Due to the influences that berberine can have on gut bacteria and the digestive system, digestive changes can be noticed for the first few weeks of berberine use.
3. Constipation
When berberine is taken in high doses, people can experience constipation. This can be avoided by drinking plenty of water and plenty of fiber.
4. Diarrhea
Some people, especially those that take berberine in low doses, can also experience diarrhea. Because of this, it is widely recommended that people take low doses of berberine.
5. Nausea
Taking berberine in large doses can lead to mild nausea and digestive discomfort. In general, people are advised to take berberine in low doses and also to eat while taking it. This can help improve digestion.
Why Does Berberine Cause Digestive Side Effects?
Based on the current understanding of berberine, it can alter digestive systems and gut microbiomes. This can affect:
- Gut Bacteria
- Digestive Enzymes
- Intestinal Activity
- Nutrient Metabolism
And can lead to digestive discomfort. People usually adapt to berberine and these side effects lessen over time.
Does Berberine Cause Low Blood Sugar?
Some people worry that berberine could cause low blood sugar.
Because berberine may affect glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, there is a chance that blood sugar could drop more than expected in some situations.
This risk may be more likely in combination with:
- Blood sugar lowering medications
- Insulin
- Blood sugar lowering supplements
People with Diabetes should talk to their doctors before taking berberine.
Does Berberine Increase or Decrease Blood Pressure?
Some studies of berberine’s effects on health and wellness of the heart and metabolism show promising results.
If you take blood pressure medications, be cautious of using this and other supplements, as they may affect your blood pressure when used in combination.
Always talk to your doctor before taking berberine with other medications.
What Medications Does Berberine Interact with?
One of the biggest safety issues with berberine is that it will most likely interact with a lot of other medications.
Because of berberine’s ability to affect the functioning of certain enzyme systems, drug interactions are most likely to happen in the following:
Diabetes Medications
Berberine and blood sugar lowering medications may cause low blood sugar.
Blood Pressure Medications
Blood pressure may be even lower when several different methods are used.
Blood Thinners
If you take blood thinners, talk to your doctor about taking berberine.
Cholesterol Medications
It should be evaluated if berberine will interact with the medications that are used to lower cholesterol.
Immunosuppressant Drugs
Berberine may affect the metabolism of some drugs, and this will require medical advice.
Who Should Not Use Berberine?
Berberine is not a good option for some people, even though it may have many benefits for some people.
Consult your doctor before taking berberine if you:
- Are pregnant
- Are breastfeeding
- Have kidney disease
- Have liver disease
- Take other medications
- Have diabetes
- Have low blood pressure
This will help you avoid complications and drug interactions.
Berberine and Pregnancy
Pregnant women should not take berberine unless a doctor prescribes it.
There is no concrete evidence to prove that it is safe during pregnancy, so it is better to avoid it.
Berberine and Breastfeeding
The same advice applies to breastfeeding women.
Berberine has the potential to pass through biological systems and it is better not to take it during breastfeeding.
Can Berberine Affect the Liver?
There is no evidence to suggest that berberine, when taken properly, is bad for the liver.
In fact, some studies suggest that berberine may be able to help with some liver related issues.
Liver problems should definitely warrant a doctor’s consultation.
Can Berberine Affect the Kidneys?
There is no evidence that berberine is damaging to the kidneys when taken in recommended doses.
People with kidney problems should definitely see a doctor before taking it.
How to Reduce Berberine Side Effects
If you are worried about the side effects, there are a couple of ways to mitigate that.
Start With a Lower Dose
You can start by taking a smaller dose and then increase it if you feel comfortable.
Take During Meals
Taking berberine with meals decreases the chances of digestive distress for some folks.
Stay Hydrated
Being well hydrated affects positive digestion and overall good tolerance.
Take a Quality Supplement
A quality product is a good supplement.
Some signs of a quality supplement:
- Honest labeling
- Third party testing
- Manufactured with care
- Good dosing
Consider Liposomal Berberine
Formulations of liposomal berberine are made with enhanced absorption and bioavailability.
Berberine in advanced delivery systems are often easier to tolerate and are an improvement to traditional systems.
How Long Do Berberine Side Effects Last?
For many, the slight digestive side effects disappear in:
- Several days
- A few weeks
as the body adapts.
It is important to see a health care professional if symptoms are severe or persisting.
FAQs
Is Berberine Safe Long-Term?
Studies of berberine have shown that it has a good tolerance level, but if it is to be used long-term, it should be discussed with a health care provider.
Can Berberine Cause Weight Gain?
There is a lack of evidence suggesting that berberine causes weight gain. In fact, the studies are predominately on weight management and metabolism.
Does Berberine Cause Fatigue?
While fatigue is actually not a common side effect reported, it is another side effect that varies by individual.
Can I Take Berberine Every Day?
A lot of studies have been done on the daily use of berberine. The correct duration of use is predicated by personal goals and should be discussed with a professional.
Final Thoughts
Berberine has research to back that it is generally a safe supplement for most healthy adults, but does have side effects that are more common among new users to the supplement.
The most common side effects include:
- Stomach aches/ Digestive discomfort
- Bloating
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Luckily, these side effects are often mild and only last a short time.
The quality of the supplement, the dosage, and a healthcare professional's support make a difference in the outcomes of this supplement. As with any supplement, the most important thing with berberine is the informed and responsible use.
Disclaimer
This article was written for the purposes of education, and should not be taken as actual medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about your use of berberine before taking it or any new supplement, especially if you use other medications or if you have other health conditions.
