What's (really) going on with GLP-1?
What's (really) going on with GLP-1?
GLP-1 is having a moment, thanks to the new medications on the market that use high-dose synthetic forms to target (quick) weight loss.
But GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) is not new.
Biologically, we are all producing GLP-1 inside our bodies. It's a natural process that regulates blood sugar levels and controls appetite, which is why it is helpful in weight maintenance and weight loss.
It’s also the reason for the new trend of taking synthetic forms of GLP-1. But like all things, there are always contradictions to taking a synthetic product. Of course, that conversation is highly controversial and certainly not black and white. You can read an entire post devoted to my thoughts on Ozempic (and other GLP-1 medications) here.
Conversations on GLP-1 are not as straightforward as we’d like to believe.
Like all things in the body, you need enough, not too little and not too much. Any extreme, even if you think it's a healthy extreme, has downsides and can, in time, lead to resistance (and yes, GLP-1 resistance is really a thing).
Remember, health is not about more or less. It's only about balance.
That's one reason why synthetic forms are hard-pressed to work long-term. They often leave your body out of balance in another extreme. Plus, they misunderstand the cascade of other processes they influence.
Nothing acts alone.
Every process inside your body is acting in a domino effect. One thing influences another and another, completing loops and cycles that determine the outcomes you experience.
That's why it's always best to support natural processes rather than attempt to do the body's job.
But that means you must understand GLP-1 and trust that your body can produce more so you don't feel tempted to expedite the process externally.
Rather than what it is, let me help you understand where it's produced and why.
Your body can produce GLP-1 in three different places:
The intestines
The hindbrain
The pancreas
PSSST... your body is really making it.
Your body produces GLP-1 in response to:
The quality of nutrients you do or don't eat
The health of your gut-microbiome
Meal timing
Blood sugar response
The amount of macronutrients you consume
How much stress you are under
Like most things, production stems from the health of your tier-one hormones, which are set based on nutrient levels, energy production, and the safety response—THE THREE MOST CRITICAL ELEMENTS OF HEALTH.
When I say all healing happens in the same way, it really does. Healing always comes back to achieving BALANCE through:
Supporting your energy levels
Creating safety (actually enjoying your life)
Consuming nutrients
It's not difficult, but it does take work. Yes, more work than popping a quick pill or going in for an injection. It may not happen as fast, but it will be more sustained.
You must trust that your body will produce adequate amounts of GLP-1, assuming it has the conditions and support.
Your job is to learn how to supply those conditions by understanding what it means to support your body (including mind and soul).
Needless to say, there are many ways to support your natural GLP-1 processes (even increase them to manageable levels) without needing external support.
The best ways to support natural GLP-1 production include:
Heal your gut (which comes from increasing your natural detox pathways and adding foods that support your microbiome).
Eliminate processed foods and toxins.
Pay attention to meal timing.
Pay attention to your energy levels (and deal with the things that steal your energy).
Eat seasonally.
Sleep well.
Move more.
Deal with your stress by finding joy in living.
I know, I know. It's not sexy or as fast as external high-dose versions of GLP-1. But it's like a snowball effect. A little change will add up until you eventually hit the same outcomes (or healthier ones).
The natural approach is always the best approach.
You can heal a lot of things if you put in the effort to create space and supply support for your body. Healing those tier-one hormones changes the domino effect of every other function inside your body.
Produce more GLP-1 by healing your hormones.
If you want to jumpstart the process and feel the effects of more GLP-1, join the quick Hormone Reset. It's not easy, but it gives you a step-by-step guide to nourish your body in a way you can feel after five days.
**No fancy supplements or medications**
It's the snowball effect where five days turn into months and months of health.
It's free for paid subscribers, so join the Insiders and get started today!
If you're not in the mood, here are a few practical ways to boost GLP-1 right now:
Eat more natural fiber, combined with protein at every meal.
Get more sleep (7-8 hours per night).
Get 8,000 + steps every day.
Practice present-mindedness (enjoy your life right now).
Give someone a hug that lasts more than 20 seconds (a 20 second hug has been shown to change your chemical reactions inside your body).
You can also try supplementaion.
Remember, supplemention is used to support your life, not to change it. But it can be a good way to nutrify your body, filling in the gaps where nutrients are missing.
Reserach has been shown these supplements may help influence GLP-1 in a positive way: berberine, green tea, curcumin, cinnamon, resveratrol, and ginseng.
Yes, there are currently a million supplements being marketed as GLP-1 enhancers. Do your research. Remember, health cannot be contained to a pill. It involves everything you do.
Don't limit health but see the full potential. It's so much bigger than we let ourselves imagine!
Get the full Hormone Reset here!
Next week, we’ll talk more about the need for fiber and why it’s become another controversial subject in health (sigh).
Let me know if you’re joining the reset in the comments below!
