Impacting approximately one in five adults, patterns of elevated blood lipids, central adiposity, raised insulin and abnormal glucose reflect metabolic dysfunction (1). Disturbingly, these imbalances can gradually manifest over several years, promoting infertility, immune dysfunction, cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease and more (1,2,3,4). Accordingly, it follows that by supporting metabolic balance practitioners can achieve meaningful impacts in the lives of individuals.

Energy overload explained

Human metabolism is made up of cells, tissues and organs connected by signalling pathways that enable the swift absorption of nutritional energy (5). Following absorption, energy is stored as glycogen within skeletal muscle (5). Once glycogen capacity is met, energy is then converted into triglycerides and packaged into lipoprotein transporters, which deposit energy into subcutaneous fat (5). In effect, muscle and body fat act as storage reservoirs that accommodate excess energy, which can be drawn upon in times of need (5). However, in metabolic dysfunction, energy overconsumption beyond reservoir thresholds leads to changes that distort metabolic control (6,7).

Storage overload drives metabolic dysfunction

Several factors can influence the body’s ‘holding capacity’ when it comes to stored energy. For example, inadequate exercise, poor nutrition, and ageing diminishes muscle mass, resulting in reduced glycogen metabolism and storage (8,9). In addition, individual body fat thresholds  that differ between men (23%), women (38%) and children (30% to 34%) also impact storage capacity (10,11,12). In metabolic dysfunction, energy intake that exceeds reservoir limits begins to accumulate in organs (7,13,14).

Within these tissues, energy is stored as visceral fat, which has been shown to lower hepatic insulin sensitivity (13). Problematically, this reduces the functional role of insulin that moderates gluconeogenesis  within the liver. Following this, unregulated gluconeogenesis  increases circulating glucose, which triggers greater insulin output. Outside of this, compensatory insulin production stimulates lipid synthesis, which further promotes visceral fat accumulation – driving a vicious cycle of energy overload, visceral fat and hyperinsulinaemia (13).

Visceral fat provokes chronic metabolic disease

Observed in approximately 70% of type 2 diabetics (13,15), visceral fat is strongly related to the progression of metabolic dysfunction (7,13,16,17). Described as the ‘twin cycle’ effect (7), research has uncovered the mechanisms through which visceral fat contributes to dysregulated energy metabolism (13). Namely, fat accumulation within the pancreas manifests as an overabundance of fatty acids within cells. This in turn upregulates metabolic processes that produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) (18), which inflict pro-inflammatory damage within pancreatic islet beta cells  (β-cells) (19,20,21). Over time inflammatory damage within the pancreas diminishes β-cell function. Inevitably, this leads to reduced insulin output and the development of type 2 diabetes (13) - highlighting the importance of addressing the twin cycle to preserve metabolic health.

Berberine, silymarin and chromium supports metabolic dysfunction

Natural medicines have been shown to improve metabolic pathology and lower visceral fat. Specifically, a unique blend of Berberis aristate (Indian barberry) containing 1,000 mg/day of berberine hydrochloride paired with silymarin extract derived from Silybum marianum (milk thistle) provides enhanced clinical effects (22). Notably, the combination of berberine and silymarin over 6 to 12 months in patients with metabolic dysfunction was shown to:

• Lower total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and elevated triglycerides (23,24).
• Increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels (23,24).
• Achieve greater lipid-lowering effects compared to metformin treatment (24).
• Reduce fasting glucose, post prandial glucose, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting insulin and insulin resistance comparable to 1,500 mg/day of metformin (24).
• Achieve a 21.6% greater reduction in visceral fat compared to a placebo in conjunction with a 20%-25% caloric deficit diet and 30 minutes of exercise daily (23).

In addition to these herbs, the essential micronutrient chromium has also been shown to improve glucose control and support weight management (25,26). Therefore, these findings support the therapeutic value of Indian Barberry and Milk Thistle for Blood Glucose Metabolism and Liver Function Support.

Let’s talk about stress

Metabolic dysfunction is strongly linked to chronic life stress (27,28), which can sensitise patients to stressful stimuli (29,30) and is associated with insulin resistance (31), hyperglycaemia (32) and overeating behaviours (28). Although exposure to stress is an unavoidable part of life, Practitioners are uniquely positioned to support their patient’s mental wellbeing. By combining the Clinically Effective Stress, Anxiety and Mood Range with strategies that improve diet, lifestyle, social and physical health, practitioners can help to build patient resilience and improve their adaptation to stress.

Solutions to combat a chronic health crisis

To support metabolic health, science offers new understandings with promising potential. By addressing the twin cycle, Indian Barberry and Milk Thistle for Blood Glucose Metabolism and Liver Function Support can help lower blood lipids and assist in the normalisation of blood glucose. Combined with enhancing diet quality, encouraging weight loss, promoting physical activity and managing life stress, practitioners can successfully achieve life-changing impacts in clinical practice to promote cardiometabolic wellness.

For more information on metabolic health visit metagenicsinstitute.com.au or metagenicsinstitute.co.nz, or contact our Clinical Support team on 1800 777 648 (Australia) or 0508 227 744 (New Zealand).