Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Cathy
A recent study indicates the medication Metformin promotes remyelination in rats. Metformin is a medication used in people with type 2 diabetes to help lower their blood sugar. They believe metformin would also be beneficial for people with multiple sclerosis (MS).
First, they looked into fasting where the rats ate every other day which slowed cellular aging. Second, they gave the rats metformin to lower blood sugar levels. Both approaches showed promising results for myelin repair.
Keep track of your blood sugar with a FREE Carbohydrate Tracker! See more details at the bottom of this post.
According to the Neurology Advisor in 2016, twenty MS patients received metformin. After six months there was a significant decrease in the number of new or enlarging lesions.
Watch for side effects
But… before you run out buy some metformin. You need to realize this is a prescription-only medication. Most doctors aren’t going to write you a prescription based on a study and not fact.
Plus, metformin is hard on your liver and it comes with other common side effects including:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloating
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Heartburn
- Muscle pain
- Nausea
- Urination issues (difficulty or pain)
- Vomiting
Instead, there are natural remedies that will give you the same effect seen in this study. Fasting is something you can do easily starting today. Dr. Terry Wahls promotes fasting for MS in her book The Wahls Protocol.
The Wahls Protocol
Dr. Terry Wahls overcame her Secondary Progressive MS due to eating a nutrient-dense diet. She has three different levels in her book depending on where you are at with your current diet.
All three levels include 6-9 cups of vegetables each day. Level one is for beginners who are currently on the standard American diet. It cuts out dairy and gluten. Level two becomes a little more strict by cutting out grains and legumes.
Level three is extremely strict, this is the diet Dr. Wahls followed. It’s also a ketogenic diet which includes fasting and watching your blood sugar. It also means eating only twice a day and fasting for 12-16 hours each night.
I follow level 2.5, meaning I follow level three but I don’t worry about being in ketosis. I was losing too much weight so I needed to up my carbohydrates to stop the weight loss. Unfortunately, I’m also sensitive to avocados and coconuts so I have a harder time increasing my healthy fats to stop weight loss.
I highly recommend reading The Wahls Protocol. You can purchase it online, at your favorite bookstore, or check it out at your local library. You can watch Dr. Wahls in her Minding Your Mitochondria TEDx Talks on YouTube. The video has over 3,293,000 views.
Is Berberine Better Than Metformin?
If you’re like me, you want something natural and not full of synthetic chemicals or fillers. China and India have used berberine from plants for thousands of years. It is the perfect natural alternative.
Benefits of berberine:
- Improves cholesterol
- Improves liver function
- Lowers high blood sugar
- Lowers insulin resistance
- May cause stronger heart conditions
- Reduces triglycerides
Berberine and metformin “exhibited an identical effect in the regulation of glucose metabolism.” In the regulation of lipid metabolism, berberine is better than metformin.
This is the berberine I use: Thorne Berberine
“Compared with metformin, berberine exhibited an identical effect in the regulation of glucose metabolism, such as HbA 1c, FBG, PBG, fasting insulin and postprandial insulin. In the regulation of lipid metabolism, berberine activity is better than metformin.”
– The United States National Library of Medicine
How Berberine Benefits MS
Researchers gave berberine to mice during the onset of EAE (an established model of MS). Within the first three days, the EAE mice were much better compared to mice, not on berberine. Researchers also discovered permeability in the blood-brain barrier was much better.
Finding the Root Cause of MS
Getting to the root cause of your MS can be tough. But if you are dealing with bacteria, parasites, or yeast overgrowth they all feed on sugar. That includes your blood sugar. By lowering your blood sugar your not feeding them and helping them to grow.
Possible triggers to MS:
- Diet (processed foods, refined sugar, refined carbs, food allergies, etc.)
- Infections (bacterial overgrowth, parasites, viruses, and yeast overgrowth)
- Environmental Toxins (heavy metals, mold, pesticides, plastics, etc.)
- Chronic Stress (especially emotional stress)
- Genetics (you can’t change your genes but you can change your gene expression by living a healthy lifestyle)
Berberine is an antibacterial, antifungal, and antiparasitic. It helps to improve the digestive system and to lower blood sugar levels. Studies show berberine to be just as effective as metformin without the side effects.
It’s a good idea to get your ‘hemoglobin A1C’ tested. This test checks your average blood sugar level from the past three months. My son is a type 1 diabetic, he gets tested every three months, and people without diabetes don’t need to test as often.
- Best = 5.2 or lower
- Normal = 5.3 – 5.7
- Prediabetes = 5.7 – 6.4
- Diabetes = 6.5 or higher
If you are unable to get tested through your doctor you can use an online lab. I like to use Walk-in Lab or Health Testing Centers. Order it online then choose which local lab you prefer and that’s it. Easy to use and convenient.
They don’t go through your insurance but they have different sales throughout the year so watch for that. I find it more convenient than going through my doctor.
There’s a free carbohydrate tracker below to help you stay on the correct path to wellness.
Stress
Stress is a toxin, it’s what set me back several years ago. It not only raises your blood pressure but it also raises your blood sugar. I know from experience how hard it is to get stress under control. But it’s extremely important to learn how to handle it.
It’s impossible to avoid stress entirely but it’s how YOU react to the stress that will help. Stress can bring on a flare which is the last thing you need.
Stress management ideas:
- Avoid negative people
- Enjoy nature and smell the flowers
- Exercise (tai chi, yoga, The MS Gym)
- Get some sunshine (vitamin D)
- Go for a walk
- Listen to calming music
- Meditate
- Pet your cat or dog
- Play with your kids
- Read a good book
- Soak in a warm tub
- Take deep breaths
- Watch a funny movie
Here is a relaxing song by Coldplay:
Reducing Inflammation
Berberine also helps with infections caused by bacteria and fungi. Many people with multiple sclerosis also have a yeast overgrowth called Candida. Bacteria, candida, and parasites all feed on sugar even blood sugar.
Berberine is excellent at lowering blood sugar levels. There aren’t enough human studies but there is plenty of animal studies. They support berberine’s ability to reduce inflammation.
Quick Links To Information In This Post:
What is the Wahls Protocol?
Addressing the Root Causes of Multiple Sclerosis
What Causes Chronic Inflammation in MS?
In Conclusion
Fortunately, Berberine is generally well tolerated for most people. Don’t take it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. And don’t give it to young children since their brains are still developing. Don’t take berberine extract for an extended amount of time. The extract is stronger than supplements. Large doses can cause constipation, cramping, and digestive problems.
Always speak to your doctor first if you are on any other medications.
All information in this post is for informational and educational purposes only. Speak to your doctor for medical advice.
Carbohydrate Tracker
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