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by Skippack Pharmacy
Hearing about GLP-1 medications everywhere and don’t know what they are? You’re not alone! Glucagon-like peptide, or GLP-1, is a hormone made in the body that has many metabolic processes. GLP-1 receptor agonists are a group of medications that mimic the natural GLP-1 hormone that is released in our body after consuming a meal. We are constantly learning more about its role in weight loss and the results have been incredible!
Want to learn about how to increase the GLP-1 levels in your body in ways other than taking medications? Follow along to discover how to increase GLP-1 levels in your body naturally!
Table of Contents
- GLP-1 Hormone
- Increase GLP-1 Levels Naturally in Your Body
- Moderation is Key
- Conclusion
- Additional Sources
GLP-1 Hormone
GLP-1 is most commonly known for stimulating insulin release after eating a meal. Insulin is a hormone that helps the body regulate blood sugar levels by lowering blood sugar levels when they are too high. It is released after eating a meal and moves the sugar into the body’s cells so that it can be used for energy or stored for later use. GLP-1 also inhibits release of glucagon, another hormone that regulates the body’s sugar levels. Glucagon releases sugar into the bloodstream to raise blood sugar levels when they are low. Inhibiting glucagon will block the release of sugar into the bloodstream when it is not needed. Therefore, maintaining adequate levels of GLP-1 is important for keeping blood sugar levels stable.
GLP-1 also slows down the movement of food throughout our body. This helps reduce the spike in blood sugar after eating a meal. It also allows for a slower, more even absorption of nutrients throughout the body. Slowing down the movement of food also helps you feel fuller for longer.
GLP-1 suppresses appetite, and therefore food consumption, which helps with weight loss. It does this through many processes. GLP-1 receptors are found in parts of the brain that regulate appetite and feelings of fullness. GLP-1 binds to its receptor and signals that you are full, which reduces hunger. It can also bind directly to our hunger hormone, ghrelin, and block it to reduce appetite.
Increase GLP-1 Levels Naturally in Your Body
Exercise
Starting an exercise routine can be intimidating. Start small and find something you enjoy. Consistency is key so find something that you can stick to. It can be as simple as going for a walk a few days a week. Try to incorporate both cardiovascular activities and strength training if possible for the best results. Exercise has many health benefits, including enhancing GLP-1 secretions.
Sleep
Listen to your doctor and focus on getting enough good quality sleep! Poor sleeping patterns have been associated with hormonal imbalances, which can decrease GLP-1 production. Practice creating a bedtime routine and consistent sleep schedule to optimize GLP-1 production. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a day!
Manage Stress
When our body is stressed it can release a stress hormone, cortisol, which can decrease GLP-1 production. Look into healthy ways to manage stress such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or any exercise that works for you!
Hydrate
Dehydration can reduce GLP-1 production and increase hunger. Aim for the recommended 8 ounces a day to improve GLP-1 levels. Try to carry around a water bottle to drink throughout the day.
Increase Protein Consumption
Protein has been shown to naturally increase the release of GLP-1 in the body. Some great sources of protein include fish, chicken, tofu and lean cuts of beef.
Increase Fiber Consumption
Fiber promotes feelings of fullness and release of GLP-1. Focus on eating more whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes!
Healthy Fats
Not all fats are “bad.” Healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, can actually increase GLP-1 levels. Remember that these foods still need to be eaten in moderation, like any other food, as they are higher in calories. If you are ever unsure if something is considered a “healthy fat,” check nutrition labels for unsaturated fats!
Moderation is Key
As we discovered, there are many ways to boost your GLP-1 levels naturally. However, everything is good in moderation. Just because exercise can positively affect GLP-1 levels, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t run a marathon everyday. Although sleep can be beneficial, that doesn’t mean you should sleep for an excessive amount of hours a day. Eating excessive fats, fibers and protein can lead to an excessive intake of calories, which will cause weight gain. We want to do everything that we do in moderation. Focus on aiming for the recommended amounts that we discussed. For example, 8 oz of water and 8 hours of sleep. Start small and set goals!
Conclusion
There are many ways to increase your GLP-1 levels. Keep in mind that these are just general tips. Speak with your doctor for a personalized plan to start your weight loss journey today! Interested in a weight loss drug to maximize your results? Skippack Pharmacy is proud to offer compounded semaglutide to our patients! Please visit our Weight Loss page to learn more!
Additional Sources
- https://henrymeds.com/blog/how-to-increase-your-glp-1-naturally/
- https://www.statwellness.com/natural-ways-to-boost-glp-1-to-support-weight-loss/#:~:text=Protein%20is%20an%20essential%20macronutrient,PYY