Metformin is the most common medication that is prescribed to my female clientele who have PCOS, Diabetes, or are pre-diabetic.
Although it was discovered in 1922, Metformin wasn’t used in the human population until 1957 in France and it didn’t hit the United States until 1995. Sadly, it is now the most commonly prescribed medication on the market with over 78 million Americans having blood sugar dysregulation.
Metformin designed to support proper blood sugar regulation by increasing insulin sensitivity.
While it helps some people get their blood sugar levels regulated, it also causes great digestive disturbances. I’ve had many clients come to me hoping that they can help them solve the dilemma of why they have chronic diarrhea, constipation, nausea, and/or vomiting. For most of the clients, the moment that their digestive problems coincided with the start of taking Metformin.
Metformin depletes Folate & Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and Folate are both necessary nutrients for optimal health. Folate is necessary for DNA synthesis and repair. It is also essential for neural tube development for the fetus. Vitamin B12 is most commonly known for energy production, but it’s also essential for nerve function, brain function and red blood cell production. Both deficiencies can lead to anemia if not addressed.
Berberine – an ancient herb – shows comparable results to Metformin with added bonuses!
In a recent study Wang, et al. (2018), Berberine reduced blood sugar levels just as well as Metformin, but Berberine also lowered cholesterol levels in the participants better than the commonly prescribed statins.
Berberine has many health benefits, including the beneficial modulation on the gut microbiome and cancer-risk reduction. It doesn’t deplete B12 and Folate. I have yet to see a client who has had similar gastrointestinal upset as I have seen with the use of Metformin.
Wang, H., Zhu, C., Ying, Y., Luo, L., Huang, D., & Luo, Z. (2018). Metformin and berberine, two versatile drugs in treatment of common metabolic diseases. Oncotarget, 9(11), 10135.
Metformin found to contain high levels of NDMA, a cancer-causing agent.
Sadly, Metformin is being recalled because of it’s high levels of a cancer-causing agent, NDMA. If you are anything like me, you are asking why any level of a carcinogenic substance would be included in a medication that is supposed to be helping someone achieve better health. The truth is that medications aren’t created for health – they are created for wealth. (I’ll give you a hint, it’s not your wealth!)
I’ve linked you to two of the reports that were recently written exposing the agent.
I know you want to fix your blood sugar regulation imbalance.
We deserve to know the truth and to be able to make informed decisions as to what we are putting into our bodies. If you would like to have a conversation about balancing blood sugar levels, click the Schedule a Foundation Session so that we can get you eating and moving optimally to support a healthy lifestyle.
