Natural Ways to Boost GLP-1 Hormone

“Visit MRC Columbus to Learn More About the Incretin Effect”

So what is the incretin effect? Incretins are peptide metabolic hormones released in the gut after food intake that trigger insulin secretion to help manage your blood sugar levels by reducing hunger. Not surprisingly, the primary two incretin hormones are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) that are also the key ingredients in today’s revolutionary semaglutide and tirzepatide weight loss drugs approved for obesity.

The “incretin effect” phenomena in healthy individuals accounts for the fact that oral ingestion of glucose will trigger a significantly higher amount of insulin secretion than an intravenous load. So how important are GIP and GLP-1 gut hormones for ensuring efficient blood glucose management during daily food intake? Well, these are the hormones that lower blood sugar, suppress glucagon release, and slow stomach emptying to enhance insulin sensitivity.

Plus the therapeutic potential of your body’s incretin system, especially using GLP-1 to slow gastric emptying to keep you feeling full longer, naturally slows the digestive process for better nutrient absorption that is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes and obesity. Not surprisingly, increasing GLP-1 naturally is best approached by consuming a personalized, protein-forward menu plan with healthy sources of minimally-processed foods, such as fatty fish (salmon, tuna), healthy fats (avocado, olive oil), low-carb whole foods (leafy greens, broccoli), and fermented foods (Greek yogurt) for gut health.

Who qualifies for GLP-1 weight loss medications?

Generally speaking, adults in the United States who have a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 or higher, which indicates obesity, as well as overweight individuals with a BMI of 27 or higher combined with at least one weight-related medical condition (high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, MASH) can be prescribed GLP-1 or GLP-1 and GIP prescriptive medications for long-term use alongside making key lifestyle changes like routine exercise to help prevent muscle loss. A professional healthcare provider must assess the person’s overall health, including their history of failed weight loss and potential medication interactions. Insurance plans may require documented failure of traditional weight loss (eat less, workout more) approaches. Medical exclusions also include not prescribing these incretins for those with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or pancreatitis.

WHY GLP-1 USERS NEED A STRUCTURED WEIGHT LOSS PLAN

For starters, those users who qualify for a prescription medical weight loss plan with a GLP-1 receptor agonist only (or in combination with chemically-produced GIP hormone) for rapid weight loss may experience significant loss of lean muscle mass. So, without a structured weight loss plan that has been personalized for their body’s unique needs, fast weight loss can lead to metabolic disruptions and rapid weight regain. In addition, to a tailored dietary approach, overweight and obese individuals need resistance training to maintain an efficient metabolism.

Simply stated, lifestyle changes build habits for when the GLP-1 medication is stopped and studies suggest that weight typically returns if behavioral changes are not adopted. For optimal results, you should consider working with a weight loss specialist at MRC Columbus that can provide the one-on-one coaching needed to personalize your weight loss program to eat less food without risk of malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies that often result in low energy levels or loss of physical strength.

Since rapid weight loss on GLP-1 medications can cause up to 40% of the lost weight to come from loss of muscle mass, a dietary approach that is protein-forward is essential whenever you consume significantly fewer calories each day. Soluble fiber (flaxseeds, carrots) ferment in your gut to produce short-chain fatty acids to stimulate natural GLP-1 secretion, and protein-forward meats and vegetables (fish, poultry, tofu, eggs, spinach) provide amino acids that stimulate production, while healthy fats (omega-3s) reduce cravings.

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In addition to protein-forward foods, it is recommended that you eat earlier in the day by launching your morning meal soon after waking up with high-quality sources of protein and then avoid food intake at least a couple of hours before bed. Berberine, cinnamon and curcumin are compounds that may also increase GLP-1 secretion naturally. Even simple tips like eating slowly promotes more GLP-1 hormone release. If you’re trying to decide whether a prescription-based weight loss plan or a more holistic metabolic weight loss program is right for you, contact MRC Columbus GA today. One of our weight loss coaches will be in touch to discuss how hormone imbalances, genetic factors and key lifestyle habits may have slowed your metabolism and led to unintended weight gain. After all, hormonal balance can be restored and disrupted metabolic rates can be reset with a personalized approach.