There’s a lot of buzz about “Nature’s Ozempic” lately. Let’s talk about it! Ozempic, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimics a hormone your body naturally produces to regulate appetite, blood sugar, and digestion. It’s effective for many people, but it’s not a cure-all. Once you stop using it, you might find yourself back at square one unless your body is equipped to maintain those benefits on its own. While there’s no single “Nature’s Ozempic,” there are ways to support your body in naturally optimizing GLP-1 production and improving your metabolism.
Focus on Gut Health: Your gut is central to metabolic health, nutrient absorption, and detoxification. Here’s how to nurture it: Increase Fiber Intake: Fiber acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut. Aim for fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. Add Probiotics and Fermented Foods: Yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, or a high-quality probiotic can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. Test for Sensitivities: Food sensitivities can wreak havoc on your gut. A simple test can help identify triggers (like almonds for one of my clients!) and reduce inflammation. Manage Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can impair your gut and metabolic health. Boost Protein Intake: Protein is essential for muscle maintenance, metabolism, and satiety. Ensure every meal includes a healthy source like lean meats, eggs, tofu, or legumes. Test and Target: One of the best tools I recommend is the DUTCH test. It evaluates not only your hormone levels but also adrenal function, cortisol patterns, and gut health markers. This personalized approach helps you uncover underlying issues and make focused, effective changes.
What About Supplements Like Berberine? Berberine, a plant-based compound, is often compared to medications like metformin for its effects on blood sugar regulation. While it’s helpful for some—especially women with PCOS—it doesn’t necessarily cause extreme weight loss. Many women I’ve worked with have used GLP-1 medications, only to regain weight or face metabolic challenges after stopping. If you’re ready to take control, start with the basics: gut health, inflammation management, and nutrient support. And if you haven’t had a DUTCH test or it’s been a while, now’s the time to get one. Click here to order your DUTCH test)