Supplements

Weight Management

OptiGut III

Berberine Complex

Berberine is a compound found in several plants, including the roots, rhizomes, and stem bark of plants like Berberis vulgaris (barberry), Berberis aristata (tree turmeric), and others. It has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for various health purposes, including as an antimicrobial agent and for its potential benefits on metabolic health. One of the areas of interest in recent years has been its potential role in weight loss and the management of obesity. Our berberine complex is vegan, non-GMO and manufactured in the USA. Contact our offices to place an order.

Advantages of Berberine for weight loss:

Metabolic Effects: Research suggests that berberine may have several metabolic effects that could support weight loss. It appears to improve insulin sensitivity, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and reduce cravings for sugary and high-calorie foods. Berberine may also influence lipid metabolism, potentially lowering LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Appetite Control: Some studies have shown that berberine may help reduce appetite and food intake, which can contribute to weight loss by promoting a caloric deficit.
Fat Reduction: Berberine may also impact the way the body stores fat. It has been suggested that it can inhibit the growth and development of fat cells and promote the breakdown of fat.
Gut Microbiota: Berberine can affect the composition of gut microbiota. A healthy gut microbiome is increasingly recognized as playing a role in weight management, and berberine may help promote a balanced gut microbiota.
Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can contribute to obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Berberine has anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially benefiting overall metabolic health.
Dosage: The appropriate dosage of berberine for weight loss can vary among individuals. Typical dosages in research studies range from 500 mg to 1500 mg per day, often divided into two to three doses.
Safety: Berberine is generally considered safe when used for short periods at recommended dosages. However, it can interact with certain medications, and long-term use or high doses may lead to adverse effects. It's important to discuss berberine supplementation with a healthcare provider, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Lifestyle Factors: Berberine should not be seen as a standalone solution for weight loss. Combining berberine supplementation with a healthy diet and regular physical activity is likely to yield the best results for weight management.

Key points about Banaba Leaf:
1. Blood Sugar Regulation: Banaba leaf extract contains corosolic acid, which may help regulate blood sugar levels. It is often used as a natural remedy for managing diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity.
2. Antioxidant Properties: Banaba leaves are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from oxidative stress and damage caused by free radicals.
3. Weight Management: Some studies suggest that banaba leaf extract may aid in weight management by supporting healthy metabolism and reducing cravings for sugary foods.
4. Heart Health: Antioxidants in banaba leaves may have a positive impact on cardiovascular health by reducing the risk of heart disease.
5. Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Banaba leaf extract may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can benefit overall health and potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to inflammation.
Key points about Bitter Melon:
1. Blood Sugar Control: Bitter melon is well-known for its potential to lower blood sugar levels. It contains compounds like charantin, which may have insulin-like effects, helping to regulate glucose metabolism.
2. Weight Management: Bitter melon can support weight loss efforts by reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness due to its high fiber content.
3. Antioxidant Properties: Bitter melon is a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect cells from oxidative damage.
4. Immune System Support: Some research suggests that bitter melon may have immune-boosting properties, helping the body fight off infections and illnesses.
5. Digestive Health: Bitter melon may aid in digestion and help alleviate common digestive issues like indigestion and constipation.
6. Skin Health: Topical application of bitter melon extract has been used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions like acne and eczema.

Berberine offers potential benefits for weight loss and metabolic health, but its effectiveness can vary from person to person. It is crucial to approach weight management holistically, focusing on overall lifestyle factors, diet and consulting with a physician such as Dr. Starpoli.

What medications does berberine cross react with?

Berberine has the potential to interact with several medications, and it's important to be aware of these interactions if you are considering berberine supplementation, especially if you are taking other medications. Some medications that may interact with berberine include:

Antibiotics: Berberine may have antibiotic properties and could interact with antibiotics such as tetracycline, doxycycline, and ciprofloxacin. It might reduce the effectiveness of these antibiotics.
Anticoagulants/Antiplatelet Drugs: Berberine may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulant medications like warfarin or antiplatelet drugs like aspirin. This interaction can potentially lead to excessive bleeding.
Antidiabetic Medications: Berberine may enhance the blood sugar-lowering effects of antidiabetic drugs, including insulin, metformin, sulfonylureas (e.g., glipizide), and thiazolidinediones (e.g., pioglitazone). Combining berberine with these medications may lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), so close monitoring is necessary.
Immunosuppressants: Berberine may have immunomodulatory effects and could potentially interfere with immunosuppressive medications like cyclosporine. This interaction may impact the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapy.
Drugs that Affect Liver Enzymes: Berberine may affect liver enzymes involved in drug metabolism, potentially altering the blood levels of medications metabolized by the liver. This can affect the efficacy and safety of drugs like statins, certain antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications.
CYP3A4 Substrates: Berberine may inhibit the activity of the CYP3A4 enzyme in the liver, which is responsible for metabolizing many drugs. This can lead to increased blood levels of drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4, potentially increasing their effects and side effects.
Glycoprotein-P Substrates: Berberine may inhibit P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a protein involved in drug transport, leading to changes in the absorption and distribution of drugs that are P-gp substrates.

Discuss berberine supplementation with Dr. Starpoli, especially if you are taking any of the medications mentioned above or have underlying health conditions. Your healthcare provider can help you assess the potential risks and benefits of using berberine in conjunction with your current medications and provide guidance on the appropriate dosages and monitoring.

Akkermansia muciniphila

Akkermansia, a beneficial microbe that when deficient has been associated with weight gain and obesity and is known to be a gut lining builder. Nurture your body's microbiome and help keep your gut healthy. We advise the addition of Akkermansia to any weight management program or as an adjunct to weight loss procedures such as endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG).

Glucose Control

Meet the only medical probiotic on the market for the management of Type 2 diabetes. Pendulum Glucose Control is backed by a clinical trial that shows it actually helps reduce A1C levels and manages after-meal blood-glucose spikes in individuals with Type 2 diabetes taking metformin.Powerful probiotic for the management of Type 2 diabetes, packed with unique strains of good gut bacteria that unlock your body's natural metabolic power. People with Type 2 diabetes are shown to be deficient in Akkermansia, which can be associated with healthy weight management.

IBS Support

UltraGI Replenish^® is a medical food formulated to provide specialized macro-and micronutrient support for patients challenged by compromised gut function with digestive disorders including malabsorption. It is designed to complement an eating plan that excludes common food allergens and supports healthy gut function.

Formulated with prebiotic isomalto-oligosaccharides (IMOs) and nature-identical human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs, as PreBiome 2’-FL™)
- IMOs encourage production of short-chain fatty acids to address mucosal and intestinal issues
- Nature-identical HMOs as 2’-fucosyllactose (PreBiome 2’-FL™) selectively nourish beneficial bacteria to promote intestinal microbial balance
L-alanyl-L-glutamine is an advanced alanine-glutamine dipeptide designed for enhanced absorption, stability, and solubility
- L-glutamine is a valuable energy source for intestinal mucosal cells
Contains a total of 15 g protein per serving—12 g of pea/rice protein blend and 3 g of added amino acids and Sustamine^®
Provides essential nutrients to address malabsorption, including:
- Methylated vitamin B₁₂ and calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a bioavailable folate
- Antioxidant nutrients (e.g., vitamins C and E) to combat free radicals, including those that contribute to mucosal oxidative stress
- Zinc as zinc gluconate to support gastrointestinal mucosa integrity

Bloating and FODMAP Intolerance

FODZYME^® is the world's first enzyme supplement that breaks down FODMAPs.

While FODMAP elimination diet is the first step often recommended in trying to figure out dietary intolerances that may be causing bloating and distention, it is not a diet that one can remain on for the rest of their lives. FODZYME^® gives you back your freedom.

The FODZYME^®enzyme blend breaks down the FODMAP molecules like fructan, galacto-oligosaccharides, and lactose into more digestible simple sugars.

GI Repair Program

GI Repair is a powerful probiotic that helps relieve occasional gas, bloating, diarrhea and constipation. GI Repair contains a powerful butyrate-producing strain.

Naturally found in the human GI tract, this strain is named for its ability to produce high amounts of the short-chain fatty acid butyrate. It has been associated with digestion support and immune health.

C. butyricum strains have been investigated for potential protective or ameliorative effects in a wide range of human diseases, including gut-acquired infection, intestinal injury, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, neurodegenerative disease, metabolic disease, and colorectal cancer. In this review we summarize the studies on C. butyricum supplementation with special attention to proposed mechanisms for the associated health benefits and the supporting experimental evidence

IBD Support

UltraInflamXPlus 360°® is a medical food formulated to provide strategic macro- and micronutrient support for patients with compromised gut function resulting from inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Provided in a proprietary, vegan pea/rice protein base, this formula addresses increased nutrient needs and potential deficiencies in these patients. This formula features CurQfen®, a clinically studied, patented curcumin blend designed for greater bioavailability and more reliable clinical outcomes. It has been demonstrated to result in up to 45.5 times more free curcuminoids in human plasma compared to standard curcumin extract. UltraInflamX Plus 360° also features XNT ProMatrix®– a proprietary protein matrix technology designed to enhance the delivery of a high quality xanthohumol compound for increased bioavailability and stability.

**Please note that we are proud to be able to offer you our supplements which are of the highest quality possible. We are always dedicated to our patients and their needs. You are, however, under no obligation to purchase these supplements from our office or website and your quality of medical care will in no way be affected by your decision to purchase or not purchase these products.

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Recent studies have shown that these herbal based therapies, taken together, are at least as effective as rifaximin (the standard SIBO antibiotic therapy) for resolution of SIBO.

Candibactin-AR®

CandiBactin-AR^® features concentrated essential oils from red thyme and oregano blended with other herbal extracts from the aromatic mint family. The traditional use of thyme oil is focused on supporting the health of the gastrointestinal and upper respiratory tracts. The encapsulation of these oils in a softgel allows them to be blended with dry leaf extracts of sage and lemon balm. These herbs are added to the formula to help protect and stabilize the fragile essential oils, as well as for their added benefit in supporting healthy digestive function.

Candibactin-BR®

CandiBactin-BR^®combines berberine hydrochloride, Oregon grape extract, and coptis root extract, with a proprietary extract of Chinese herbs—including ginger, licorice, and skullcap—to support detoxification of the liver and gallbladder, as well as healthy immune, detoxification, and elimination functions.

Gastrointestinal Health Support

Weight Management

OptiGut III

Akkermansia muciniphila

Glucose Control

IBS Support

Bloating and FODMAP Intolerance

GI Repair Program

IBD Support

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Candibactin-AR®

Candibactin-BR®

Concentrated Ultra Prostagen^™ features concentrated extracts of saw palmetto and stinging nettle combined with other select nutrients to support healthy prostate and urinary function.

Order Now

Gastrointestinal Health Support

Weight Management

OptiGut III

Akkermansia muciniphila

Glucose Control

IBS Support

Bloating and FODMAP Intolerance

GI Repair Program

IBD Support

Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO)

Candibactin-AR®

Candibactin-BR®

Concentrated Ultra Prostagen™ features concentrated extracts of saw palmetto and stinging nettle combined with other select nutrients to support healthy prostate and urinary function.

Order Now

Concentrated Ultra Prostagen^™ features concentrated extracts of saw palmetto and stinging nettle combined with other select nutrients to support healthy prostate and urinary function.