Ozempic and Gut Health
Introduction
I have really tried to stay out of the Ozempic conversations. I am often skeptical of anything that is a “quick fix” because it allows us to by-pass the deep work of creating sustainable wellness. In my opinion, medication should be used acutely or for support when all of the foundations of healing have been addressed. Foundations like stress management, movement, dietary changes, optimal sleep, energetics, and conflict resolution.
However, Ozempic does have a huge tie in to gut health which is important to address and so I present you a deeper look at Ozempic from the perspective of a functional medicine dietitian and gut health expert.
What is Ozempic?
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a synthetic GLP-1 receptor agonist designed to mimic the effects of natural GLP-1. It is primarily used to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic works by stimulating insulin release, reducing glucagon levels, and delaying gastric emptying, which collectively help manage blood glucose levels . Additionally, Ozempic has been linked to weight loss and improved cardiovascular outcomes, making it a comprehensive treatment option for metabolic disorders.
A Deeper Look at GLP-1?
Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone produced in the intestinal epithelial endocrine L-cells and is released after eating a meal. It helps regulate blood sugar, digestion, and appetite. GLP-1 receptors are found in various tissues including the pancreas, brain, and gastrointestinal tract. Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning it binds onto GLP-1 receptor sites and mimics the effect of GLP-1 hormones. It has become a popular medication for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
The Role of GLP-1 Receptors in Gut Health
1. Regulation of Gastric Emptying
GLP-1 slows gastric emptying, which can help manage postprandial blood glucose levels by prolonging the digestive process. This mechanism is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes, as it aids in preventing rapid spikes in blood sugar after meals .
2. Appetite Control
GLP-1 receptors in the brain and gut play a crucial role in regulating appetite. Activation of these receptors promotes feelings of fullness and reduces food intake, which can aid in weight management and help prevent obesity-related gut dysbiosis .
3. Gut Microbiota
Emerging research indicates that GLP-1 can positively influence the gut microbiota composition. A diverse and balanced gut microbiota is associated with better metabolic health and reduced inflammation.
4. Intestinal Barrier Function
GLP-1 enhances the intestinal barrier function, reducing gut permeability and the risk of endotoxemia—a condition linked to metabolic disorders and inflammation. This protective effect helps maintain gut integrity and overall health.
Ozempic Downfalls
As with all medications, Ozempic does have side-effects. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and burping have all been reported side-effects. Some additional chronic issues have been reported as well such as intestinal blockages and stomach paralysis. As someone with digestive issues, it’s always important to weigh the pros and cons of any medication. As I mentioned above, addressing the foundations of health are always step one. We can also look at natural ways to increase the effectiveness and production of GLP-1 in the body.
How to Support GLP-1 Receptors Naturally
Eat More Gluten
Gluten is broken down by DPP-4, an enzyme that also breaks down GLP-1. With more gluten in the diet, DDP-4 can’t break down GLP-1 as effectively. Many people with digestive issues avoid gluten and sometimes for good reasons. However, most people generally avoid it because they were told it was a “bad” food, not realizing it has a pleathora of benefits. So if you can tolerate it, add it back in. Focus on high quality sources like European sourced wheat and organic, locally made sourdough breads.
Incorporate Somatic Therapy
We all know stress is bad, in fact chronic stress can actually decrease the bioavailability of GLP-1. We often put stress management at the end of our already long daily to-do list and so often it gets missed. Instead of stress manangement, we have to learn how to hear the innate wisdom of our own bodies. Somatic therapy is a way to calm the nervous system and hear the messages from our own body. It helps us get out of the analytical mind and into the sensations of feelings of the body which stores some potent wisdom.
Eat Less Saturated Fat
Eating too many foods high in saturated fats like butter, baked goods, coconut oil, palm oil, fatty cuts of meat, sausage, bacon, etc. can reduce the amount of GLP-1 the body produces. These foods can be a great part of a balanced diet, however, when too much of our daily calories come from saturated fats, it can have a negative impact on our overall health.
Investigate Microbiome Diversity
A diverse microbiome is key to full-body health. Bacterial diversity creates resiliancy, enhances immune function, improves digestion, elimination, nutrient absorption, inflammation and so much more. When we are looking specifically at GLP-1, gut dysbiosis was found to decrease the bodies ability to use GLP-1 effectively. This may also explain why Ozempic doesn’t work for certain people. If you have an altered microbiome and can’t use GLP-1 effectively, putting more of that hormone in the body won’t be helpful because the receptors have been desensitized. If you want to learn more about microbiome testing, check out our PROGRAMS.
Adding in Probiotics + Resveratrol
A study found that the co-administration of probiotics and resveratrol significantly decreased glucose and insulin resistance, and increased GLP1 and total antioxidant capacity compared to the diabetic group. Treatment with probiotics and resveratrol also returned intestinal histological changes in diabetic rats to normal.
Conclusion
GLP-1 receptors are essential for maintaining metabolic health, with significant implications for gut health. As with any medication, the pros and cons of taking Ozempic have to be weighed. On one hand it can offer benefits from its ability to regulate blood sugar and decrase weight which can lead to a balanced microbiome and decreased inflammation. On the other hand it can have many potentially detrimental impacts on the gut. As research continues to explore the complex interactions between GLP-1 signaling, gut microbiota, and metabolic health, new therapeutic strategies may emerge to better manage diabetes and also honor the integrity of the microbiome.
References
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