Important Supplementation to Consider When on a GLP-1 agonist

Weight loss is one side effect of GLP-1 use. There are many more.

What is a GLP-1 Receptor Agonist actually doing?

• Stimulating insulin secretion

• Promoting insulin sensitivity

• Suppressing glucagon release

• Reducing appetite via the CNS

• Inhibiting gallbladder contraction and bile flow

• Slowing gastric emptying

• Altering stomach acidity

• Decreasing thirst signaling

GLP-1 is naturally produced by the body, so it’s not a bad thing. It only becomes dangerous, in my opinion, when we’re using it at inappropriate times and/or in excess.

Some of the above functions sound great. Others should be of concern when this drug is being taken excessively, inappropriately, or for months to years without need from the body.

What are the causes of weight gain?

It’s not just about appetite. There are very real reasons why some people may hold onto weight that don’t include having an insatiable appetite.

• Chronic inflammation or chronic illnesses such as CFS/ME, long covid, and autoimmunity

• Chemical and other toxicant exposure - major cause of weight rebound

• Genetics

• Gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, poor gut motility

• Chronic stress (either emotionally or from factors such as lack of sleep), history of traumatic events such as abuse

Without addressing some of these causes, the weight will inevitably want to creep back up. So either the GLP-1 RA use is indefinite, or routine changes have to be made when trying to get off of one.

How can we offset some of the nutrient deficiencies that result from chronic GLP-1 RA use?

• Make sure you get an adequate amount of mineralized water each day. 30-40oz is not enough for the average mobile person.

• Don’t stop moving. Workouts are still important for peristalsis. Walking daily at least.

• Slow/mindful eating to increase the chances of proper digestion in the “rest and digest” state.

• Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, B12, Vit D, and proteins rely on an acidic environment to absorb properly - these may be needed in a supplement if your stomach acidity is altered due to GLP-1 RA use.

• With decreased gallbladder contraction may come decreased digestion of fats and fat-soluble vitamins: A, D, E, and K. Omega-3’s are also important to look at taking.

• If you’re consuming less, make sure protein is top of mind when you do consume food. This is especially important for women, who have a greater tendency towards osteopenia/osteoporosis. Depending on your level of activity and goals, anywhere from 0.8-2g of protein per kg of body weight is necessary to feed the slew of very important bodily functions that protein contributes to.

• Similarly to above, fiber from sources such as lentils, beans, asparagus, and apples, to name a few, should be prioritized. These increase short-chain fatty acid production in the gut to support good gut bacteria and decrease inflammation. These also signal release of GLP-1 naturally.

GLP-1 RAs are shown to decrease inflammation. Isn’t that a good thing?

In general, yes, immune specificity and reducing chronic low-grade inflammation are good things. GLP-1 RAs are not even close to the only option for this.

My whole career is built off of making this process as comprehensive and organized as possible so the people I work with can be effective and efficient with their time spent healing.

⭐️Weight loss a different way⭐️

You don’t have to suffer with the following signs and symptoms:

• Low-grade fever

• Feeling hungover every morning

• Never feeling well-rested

• Wandering aches and pains

• Achey neck pain, jaw tension, muscle spasms

• Constant runny nose, phlegm in the back of your throat, or allergies

• Brain fog

• Acid reflux

• Getting sick easily

• Heat intolerance

• Tossing and turning at night

• Stomach pains

• Bloating

• Increasing food sensitivities

• What feels like uncontrollable cravings

• Neuropathy

• Swelling

• Feelings of dread or constant anxiety

• Decreased or zero libido

• Recurrent injuries at new or old sites

These signs and symptoms, especially in random combinations are non-specific and confusing. They can come and go, change in relation to each other, and feel debilitating one day and fine the next.

Maybe pinpointing the exact diagnosis name is less important than systematically moving through body systems and organs to optimize their function and output.

I’ve been in the space where I didn’t know why I felt like shit but I did. It took looking at my life cellularly, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. There are physical and non-physical things that need to be done to combat these signs and symptoms.

Inflammation is rampant, digestion isn’t effective, blood and lymph flow aren’t optimal.

Once the body rediscovers it’s innate flow, weight drops off. Not from a GLP-1 RA or from dieting, but from the body feeling safe again.

If you’re interested in this way of healing from a chronic illness and dropping the weight that currently exists to keep you safe, you can find complimentary videos here. These are for people who are looking for a different way to heal so there is a short form to fill out before being granted complimentary access to the group.

Finally, is there an herbal choice that supports healthy digestion and weight management?

Bitters.

Herbs may include feverfew, gentian, wormwood, and bitter melon.

Phellodendron is an option that contains berberine. Berberine taken with milk thistle helps with bioavailability.

My philosophy is that herbs are best taken in a formula. The synergistic effects create beneficial properties that wouldn’t be there otherwise. It also ensures that the body isn’t getting too much of one thing, while other pathways or functions are being ignored.

Herbs are an important part of my process when working with others. The benefits always span multiple bodily systems.

This does not constitute medical advice and is for educational purposes only. Cessation or commencing of drugs, herbs, or other supplements should be done with your provider’s guidance.