Berberine is a key supplement to take when exercising. It has numerous health benefits and has been used as a form of Traditional Chinese & Indian Medicine for centuries. In this article, we are looking at why you should be taking berberine and how it can support your workout.
So, why do bodybuilders take berberine? Bodybuilders take berberine to decrease their body fat levels by improving their metabolism. Berberine increases energy levels into their cells to promote muscle gain. Berberine also helps to improve blood glucose levels, cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure.
Read on to learn more about how berberine can help you with Human Performance Hub.
How Does Berberine Help Bodybuilders?
Berberine has many health benefits. Research into berberine has shown that alkaloid prevents fat accumulation in the intestine by downregulating the genes. This lowers cholesterol absorption and helps to promote weight loss.
Berberine may help benefit in the recovery from intense workouts. Berberine has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to combat oxidative stress markers. This combats the damage associated with intense bodybuilding workouts. .
Studies have shown that berberine improves energy levels. This is because berberine activates brown fat thermogenesis and limits weight gain, rather than building white fat. Energy levels are increased as the body’s energy expenditure is improved.
Does Berberine Affect Testosterone?
Previous studies suggested that testosterone levels in men decreased from taking berberine. However, more recent research has shown that berberine may increase testosterone levels in men, suggesting sex-specific effects. Trials have found that berberine does lower the testosterone levels in women that have polycystic ovaries.
Bodybuilders take testosterone to increase their muscle mass and improve their athletic performance. By taking berberine, male testosterone levels increased and this promotes the growth of muscle mass.
Does Berberine Affect Muscle Gain?
Berberine increases the uptake of glucose into cells, acting very similar to insulin. This is beneficial for muscle building, as it boosts energy production. Berberine can elevate energy storage levels and halt the breakdown of cells, both essential processes to building muscle mass.
Does Berberine Speed Up Metabolism?
Yes, berberine is shown to speed up metabolism. Berberine helps boost mitochondrial biogenesis in your muscle mass and help you to burn more energy, even while you are resting.
Does Berberine Affect Exercise?
While there is limited evidence to show that berberine impacts exercise, it does assist with the results. Berberine heightens insulin regulation and glucose transportation which benefit muscle building and prevents fat gain. If you are looking for more information on how berberine affects exercise, check out our resource on ‘Does Berberine Affect Exercise?’.
Fun fact: Berberine has been used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine for around 5000 years.
Should You Take Berberine Before or After a Workout?
It doesn’t matter if you take berberine before or after exercise. However, it’s important to note however that it has a half-life of around 5 hours.
It’s important to recognise that berberine shouldn’t be taken on an empty stomach as there is a risk of it causing hypoglycemia. It is best to take it with a meal, with most choosing to take one serving in the morning and the second serving with their evening meal. This accounts for the 5 hour half-life and gives you the best use of the supplement.
What Does Berberine Do to the Brain?
Berberine has been found to possess many positive neuroprotective effects. Research has shown that berberine improves the survival, development and function of neurons. Berberine can help protect the brain from toxins and aid with memory retention.
Studies have also found that berberine can act as an antioxidant and support the brain against oxidative stress. This prevents conditions such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Berberine also may improve the symptoms of depression.
Berberine Supplements at Human Performance Hub
Find high-grade berberine supplements at Human Performance Hub. Choose between Berberine Complex Vegetarian Capsules
or Gluco Support Capsules, which contain Cinnamon Extract, Banaba Extract and Ginseng.
Our own Human Performance Hub GI Microbial supplement helps to diversify the gut biome and maximise digestive health.
Alternatively, if you’re unsure about what supplements to take to achieve your goals, contact us today for tailored advice.
