Everything you should know about GLP-1
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has become popular in the last decade for many reasons. Apart from it being a hormone that naturally exists in the human body, it has also become a basis for some scientific studies in the area of obesity and blood sugar reduction.
In this article, we will explore GLP-1 as a hormone and its function, how GLP-1 as a drug can influence certain health conditions, and how you can increase GLP-1 secretion naturally in your body.
What is GLP-1?
GLP-1 is an incretin hormone produced by the cells in the small intestine that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and digestion. It is a fullness hormone and triggers your hypothalamus to tell your body that the tank is full. GLP-1 is primarily triggered and secreted 10-15 minutes after eating. It regulates blood sugar levels, creates a feeling of fullness, and slows down gastric emptying.
GLP-1 has also been synthesized as a medication for type 2 diabetes and obesity. This class of drugs is known as GLP-1 agonists, and they mimic the function of the naturally occurring hormone. These agonists are part of a treatment plan and are often used to lower blood sugar levels and help in weight loss.
What is its main function?
GLP-1 has many functions in your body and is pivotal in the following ways:
- Regulating blood sugar
GLP-1 stimulates insulin production, which helps you store glucose (blood sugar) in your muscles, liver, and fat cells. In this way, the hormone helps to regulate blood glucose levels.
- Inhibits Glucagon
GLP-1 reduces the secretion of glucagon, the hormone responsible for increasing blood sugar levels. Glucagon makes the liver convert stored glucose into usable form. It also stops the liver from storing glucose and triggers the body to make glucose from other sources, thus reducing blood sugar levels.
- Slows down stomach emptying
This hormone slows down the emptying of your stomach, thereby keeping you full. GLP-1 does this by increasing nutrient absorption while reducing weight gain. Nutrient absorption happens in the small intestine, and as this goes on, this hormone regulates your blood sugar so that you don’t get hungry too quickly.
What are examples of GLP-1 drugs?
The naturally occurring hormone is administered as a drug because people who suffer from obesity have developed a low sensitivity to it. The drugs bind to the GLP receptors in the body to trigger the effects of the GLP-1 hormone. The higher the dose of the drug, the more extreme the effects.
Some examples of GLP-1 drugs are:
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Ozempic (Semaglutide)
Ozempic is a prescription injection given once a week, often used alongside a nutritious diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. It also helps to lower the risk of heart attacks, kidney problems, and strokes in patients with type 2 diabetes. It has some side effects, like nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Other side effects are changes to your face and rebound weight gain
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Rybelsus
If you don’t like injections, Rybelsus is another semaglutide that you can take orally. It is taken once daily, 30 minutes before eating, drinking, or taking other medications. You can switch from Ozempic to Rybelsus and back if you want to. Just like Ozempic, you might experience similar side effects. However, more extreme effects can be serious allergic reactions and pancreatitis.
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Trulicity (Dulaglutide)
You’re only supposed to take Trulicity once a week, and you can give it to children above the age of 10. Trulicity has some kidney benefits and can reduce the risk of MACE in heart disease patients. The drug is not a weight loss treatment, but a study showed that adults who took the highest dose of Trulicity lost up to 10 pounds in 9 months. Some of its side effects include low appetite, indigestion, and vomiting. Severe side effects can be allergic reactions like swelling of the face.
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Victoza (Liraglutide)
Victoza is an injection for type 2 diabetes that is taken once a day. It can be administered at any time of the day without eating for patients over the age of 10. It can cause headaches, appetite changes, and indigestion as side effects. In worse cases, patients could have kidney problems or gallbladder diseases.
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Byetta (Exenatide)
Byetta is to be taken twice daily before morning and evening meals. You might need this drug if you notice spikes in your blood glucose after meals, and it can help with weight loss. You might experience an injection-site lump, constipation, and diarrhea when taking this medication. In severe instances, you might have pancreatitis and thyroid cancer.
Benefits of GLP-1
GLP-1 agonists are beneficial in many ways, such as:
People who use GLP-1 medication experience significant weight loss, which could be a game changer for people with obesity or those looking to reduce general body weight.
Naturally occurring GLP-1 is beneficial in reducing blood sugar. Medications that mimic the hormone also do the same thing as they help to increase insulin secretion, which triggers your body to store more glucose.
GLP-1 medications can suppress alcohol addiction by reducing the effects of alcohol deprivation. By reducing these effects, there is less desire for alcohol, which reduces relapse to alcohol addiction.
GLP-1 vs Ozempic
As we have learned, GLP-1 is a naturally occurring hormone, while Ozempic, a semaglutide, is a synthetic drug derived to mimic the effects of GLP-1. They both act to regulate insulin and appetite, but Ozempic is designed to have a more lasting effect. Ozempic binds to GLP-1 receptors, which signals your pancreas to release insulin. The major difference between GLP-1 and Ozempic is that Ozempic leaves you with side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and hypoglycemia. More serious effects would leave you with gallbladder disease and pancreatitis.
How to get GLP-1 naturally?
There are many ways to increase GLP-1 secretion in your body naturally. Some of such ways would include:
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Eating whole foods
Foods like eggs, avocados, and high-fiber grains are effective in increasing GLP-1 levels. Soluble fibers like oats, barley, and whole wheat help slow down digestion and help with nutrient absorption, thus increasing GLP-1 levels.
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Try dietary supplements
Certain supplements, like our Boost Drops, help stimulate GLP-1 secretion in the body. This product works to repair metabolism via a carefully curated formula containing powerhouse ingredients like Rhodiola, which has been scientifically proven to reverse insulin resistance and boost GLP-1 secretion in the body. It also contains African mango complex, Active-8 Amino Acid, Maca, and Astragalus, all of which directly boost metabolism.
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Exercise
Exercise and GLP-1 have the same effect in that they both improve insulin function. Research shows that an exercise session can improve GLP-1 function for those with type 2 diabetes. 150 minutes or more of moderate to intense exercise can significantly affect your GLP-1 levels and also help you lose weight.
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Keep your gut healthy.
A balanced gut helps your body produce GLP-1. You can have this by having a diverse diet and eating fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, or kimchi. Try to reduce your intake of antibiotics and only use them when necessary. Be sure to manage your stress levels by exercising and relaxing.
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Eat foods rich in 2-Oleoyl Glycerol (2-OG)
You can boost GLP-1 production by adding foods rich in 2-Oleoyl Glycerol (2-OG), like olive oil and animal fats from chicken, almonds, walnuts, avocado, and salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take GLP-1 without diabetes?
Yes, GLP-1 medications can be used to treat obesity in people who do not have diabetes.
Who should not take GLP-1 medications?
Pregnant or lactating mothers or patients should not take GLP-1 medications with kidney disease, severe liver, or gastrointestinal disease.
Does fasting increase GLP-1?
Yes, fasting can increase GLP-1 levels as it causes the body to use stored glucose without producing more glucose.
Wrapping Up
Several other GLP-1 agonists are available. However, it is even more beneficial to increase GLP-1 levels naturally or via supplements like Boost Metabolism Repair, as this has no side effects. Subscribing to a balanced diet of whole foods, soluble fibers, and healthy fats and exercising can significantly increase GLP-1 levels.
In cases where GLP-1 medications are necessary, seek the advice of a healthcare expert for a proper prescription.