Exploring ozempic and 8 Natural Alternatives

You may have been hearing a lot about a pharmaceutical drug called Ozempic and how it works for weight loss.

Known generically as semaglutide, it’s prescribed for the management of Type 2 diabetes. This med belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and is given by subcutaneous injection.

GLP-1 is a hormone in everyone’s body that helps to regulate (specifically, to lower) blood sugar levels. By mimicking the action of GLP-1, semaglutide helps to increase insulin secretion, which then reduces glucose production in your liver.

In doing so, there is less glucose secreted by the liver, and this helps manage blood sugar levels in people who have Type 2 diabetes.

I am glad that people are waking up to the idea of balancing blood sugar and insulin, as well as the more complex idea that cravings can be controlled by working on these mechanisms.

Prescriptions for Ozempic and other diabetes drugs have increased dramatically due to commercials and promotions about its value for weight loss. You can certainly talk to your physician about it.

Now let’s talk about a few natural approaches that some people consider.

1. Dietary changes: A low-carb, no-refined-sugar diet can only help!

2. Physical activity: Regular exercise is a cornerstone of weight management.

fLY from facing page contributes not only to dry skin, but also dry eyes, nostrils, and lips. The first thing to do is start hydrating the day before your flight by drinking lots of water. Then continue hydrating right on through your flight. Also, avoid salty foods before and during your flight, and carry lip and moisturizing lotion.

Lung conditions. People with any lung condition including, but not limited to, COPD, emphysema, severe asthma, or a lower respiratory infection, are at higher risk of serious complications when flying. That’s because oxygen in the air decreases at high altitudes.

If you have any lung condition or even heart or circulatory conditions, consult with your physician before scheduling a flight. Flying is often not recommended for people with these conditions.

Blood pressure. Generally, flying is safe for those with high blood pressure. Still, if you have high blood pressure, Penn Medicine, in “5 Things to Know before You Fly,” recommends you take precautions. Get up and move around while in flight. Also, avoid salty snacks, alcohol, and sedatives before and during your flight. Be sure to carry your blood pressure medication with you as well. If your hypertension is more serious, consult with your doctor before flying.

3. Cinnamon: It’s not a substitute for blood sugar medication; however, some studies suggest it helps. Sprinkle it!

4. Berberine: This herbal has been studied for its potential effects on lowering blood sugar levels and has strong evidence for its use.

5. Alpha-lipoic acid: Sometimes used for neuropathy, alpha-lipoic acid has also been studied for its benefit to blood sugar.

6. Banaba leaf: Provides “corosolic acid,” which may improve insulin sensitivity, helping you to use blood sugar more effectively. It blocks the absorption of some carbs in the gut, leading to a reduction in blood-sugar spikes after eating.

7. Holy basil: Also known as tulsi, it increases insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity. It reduces cortisol, which is a stress hormone associated with weight gain.

8. Resveratrol: It improves insulin sensitivity and activates AMP-activated protein kinase, an enzyme that scoops up glucose from the bloodstream.

For a longer version of this article and more natural remedies that work well, as well as recipes, please visit my website, suzycohen.com.

This information is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or treat your disease. For more information about the author, visit suzycohen.com.

Colds, flu, and viruses. When you have a cold or sinus infection, it increases the risk of middle ear pain caused by cabin pressure. So this may not be the best time to fly. If you do fly, follow the suggestions for airplane ear above.

Also, if you fly with one of these ailments, which are highly contagious, it puts other passengers at risk. This can be especially serious for passengers with weakened immune systems, certain health conditions, and the elderly. So if you’re infected, postpone your trip if possible.

If you must fly and are particularly at risk for serious illnesses such as coronavirus, you can research the measures each airline is taking to reduce your risk for COVID-19 and choose the airline with the most stringent precautions.

When you fly, protect yourself and others by wearing a fitted mask with multiple layers for added protection or, better yet, an N95 mask.