Natural Ways to Boost GLP-1 with Dr. Ben Bikman

Summary

Professor Benjamin Bman explores the role of GLP-1, a crucial gut hormone in regulating appetite and glucose control. He discusses how impaired GLP-1 secretion can contribute to obesity and presents natural ways to boost GLP-1, such as consuming yerbamate, allulose, and collagen peptides, alongside adopting a low-carb diet and ensuring good sleep. These strategies provide a more holistic approach to managing metabolism and weight, promoting health without relying on drugs that may carry side effects. Bman advocates for smarter eating and lifestyle habits to optimize GLP-1 production for better metabolic health.

Takeaways

• 😀 GLP-1 is an incretin hormone secreted by the L cells of the small intestine in response to food intake, playing a key role in metabolic regulation.
• 😀 One of GLP-1's main functions is to inhibit glucagon secretion, which helps stabilize blood glucose levels by reducing the glucose released from the liver.
• 😀 GLP-1 also delays gastric emptying, prolonging the feeling of fullness, and activates satiety centers in the brain to reduce hunger and prevent overeating.
• 😀 GLP-1 receptors are found in various parts of the body, including the pancreas, stomach, brain, and blood vessels, influencing metabolism and appetite regulation.
• 😀 GLP-1 interacts with the vagus nerve, enhancing the sense of fullness and helping individuals control their appetite more effectively.
• 😀 Inflammation and immune regulation are additional areas where GLP-1 appears to have a positive effect, hinting at its broader role in overall health.
• 😀 People with obesity may have impaired GLP-1 secretion, especially in response to carbohydrate consumption, leading to reduced satiety signals after meals.
• 😀 Studies suggest that individuals with obesity have a blunted GLP-1 response to carbohydrates, making it harder for them to feel full after eating compared to lean individuals.
• 😀 GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide, can effectively promote weight loss but come with concerns such as lean mass loss, mental health risks, and the return of sweet cravings over time.
• 😀 Natural methods to boost GLP-1 levels include consuming yerba mate, which has been shown to increase GLP-1 by 40-50%, as well as allulose, a rare sugar that supports appetite suppression without spiking blood glucose.

Q & A

What is GLP-1, and what role does it play in metabolic function?

GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like Peptide 1) is an incretin hormone secreted by the L cells of the small intestine in response to food intake. It plays critical roles in regulating appetite, glucose metabolism, and overall metabolic function. Notably, it inhibits glucagon secretion, delays gastric emptying, and activates satiety centers in the brain to reduce hunger.

How does GLP-1 impact glucagon secretion and blood glucose levels?

GLP-1 inhibits glucagon secretion, which is important because glucagon increases blood glucose by promoting the liver to break down glycogen into glucose. By reducing glucagon levels, GLP-1 helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

How does GLP-1 help regulate appetite?

GLP-1 regulates appetite by slowing gastric emptying, which prolongs feelings of fullness, and by directly activating the satiety centers in the brain, particularly the hypothalamus. These effects help reduce overall food intake and hunger.

What is the role of the vagus nerve in GLP-1's effects on appetite?

The vagus nerve connects the gut to the brain, transmitting signals related to fullness. GLP-1 enhances this signaling through the vagus nerve, promoting satiety and helping to reduce the desire to eat.

How does GLP-1 interact with the immune system?

GLP-1 has been shown to interact with immune cells, like macrophages, hinting at its potential role in modulating inflammation. This interaction suggests that GLP-1 might influence not only metabolic regulation but also immune function.

Why might people with obesity have impaired GLP-1 secretion?

People with obesity often exhibit blunted GLP-1 responses, especially after consuming carbohydrates. A study found that obese individuals had significantly lower post-meal GLP-1 secretion compared to lean individuals, which may contribute to impaired satiety signaling and overeating.

What are some concerns regarding GLP-1 medications for obesity?

GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide, can effectively promote weight loss, but they come with concerns. These include the loss of lean mass (muscle and bone), increased mental health risks (depression and suicidal behavior), and the return of sweet cravings once the medication is stopped.

What natural methods can help increase GLP-1 levels?

Natural methods to increase GLP-1 levels include drinking yerba mate, consuming the rare sugar allulose, following a low-carb diet, using collagen peptides, and prioritizing sleep. These methods have been shown to either directly or indirectly stimulate GLP-1 secretion.

How does yerba mate contribute to GLP-1 production?

Yerba mate contains compounds like ferulic acid, which can stimulate GLP-1 production. When metabolized by the microbiome into dihydroferulic acid, the effect on GLP-1 secretion is even stronger, with a significant increase in GLP-1 levels, improving appetite control and metabolic health.

How does a low-carb diet influence GLP-1 secretion?

A low-carb diet has been shown to increase GLP-1 levels, both in fasting states and post-meal. Studies indicate that individuals on low-carb diets have higher basal GLP-1 levels and a more robust GLP-1 response after consuming meals compared to those on low-fat diets.