GLP-1 Medications vs. Holistic Healing ~ What it really takes to thrive
There’s so much noise about GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy in the media at the moment. You may be watching sudden shifts in people whom we admire or follow online and feeling all the FOMO (fear of missing out) that we are not dropping weight like it’s melting off our bones…
When you are on a journey to healing your body holistically it can feel like a long haul with very subtle shifts and I know how desperate you are to see changes.
Thoughts I honour that may circle may be along the lines of… “It's not fair that others are cheating” or “They’re taking the easy way” another I have seen is “If only I had the money to invest I could do that too”
But I don’t really think any of those hold true when we get to the crux of it all.
Things like liposuction, surgical weight loss procedures and fat burning pills or medications have been around for a long time let’s be honest.
But they haven’t deeply resonated with you, or with me… I know this or you wouldn’t be here reading my articles on natural holistic wellness.
Let’s start by looking at the facts
GLP-1 (glucagon-like-peptide-1) agonists like Ozempic (semaglutide) and Wegovy are a class of medications that mimic the effects of the natural GLP-1 hormone that our bodies make and distribute in a healthy gut.
GLP-1 Insights
GLP-1 is naturally made in the intestinal mucosa and within the pancreas
Secretion of this chemical is stimulated 15-30 minutes after a meal is eaten
GLP-1 receptors are found in the brain, gastrointestinal tract and the pancreas.
In the brain, GLP-1 activates neurons that reduce food intake via appetite signalling ie the “I’m full and not hungry” message.
In the gut, GLP-1 slows down peristalsis, the movement of food along the gut, making you feel satiated for longer, delaying need for more food.
Disrupted circadian rhythms and sleep cycles impairs regulation of GLP-1 secretion
High fat, low fibre diets disrupt GLP-1 secretion
Dysbiosis or imbalances within our gut microflora disrupt GLP-1 secretion.
Being overweight can reduce GLP-1 response to glucose hindering its effectiveness.
GLP-1 plays a role in:
Stimulating insulin secretion in response to food intake.
Reducing glucagon production, lowering blood glucose levels.
Slowing gastric emptying, leading to you feeling fuller for longer.
Reducing appetite signalling, quieting that noise in your brain that tells you that you are hungry.
Insulin Insight
After eating, your body digests your food, breaking it down into molecules and any glucose is released into the bloodstream.
Your pancreas detects the glucose entering the bloodstream and releases Insulin in response.
Insulin's job is a chemical messenger that binds to insulin receptors on the surface of liver, muscle and fat cells to signal these cells to accept glucose from the bloodstream into these cells.
These cells can then either use the glucose as energy or store it as fat or glycogen.
Thus regulating blood sugar levels.
Insulin Resistance
Blood sugar levels continue to rise.
Pancreas releases more and more Insulin to keep up.
Cells stop responding to Insulin.
Blood sugar levels remain high.
Pancreas continues to release insulin, until it too cannot maintain the work load and stops responding as well.
Blood sugar levels remain high.
Glucagon Insight
When blood sugar levels fall low, the Pancreas releases Glucagon.
Glucagon is a chemical messenger (hormone) that signals the liver to convert stored glucose (glycogen) into a usable form via glycogenolysis.
The liver releases glucose into the bloodstream to travel to cells to be used as energy.
These GLP-1 agonist medications work and they are fantastic at managing blood sugar regulation and promoting weight loss. This can be so important for fast relief in lowering the risk of cardiovascular events, especially for conditions of type 2 diabetes mellitus or obesity.
They are also really convenient in that most require weekly administration so for those that are unwell - this makes it a low effort, low maintenance recovery when more natural paths may be out of reach physically or on a timeline that is too long when health markers need to be addressed asap.
I believe that these medications can be a necessary implementation in some cases when we implement holistic health practices alongside that guide people to optimise their bodies natural pathways to GLP-1 activation whilst in recovery. But due to the risks involved they shouldn't be touted as the be all and end all for weight loss solutions!
Risks and Concerns
Side effects
Gastrointestinal issues seem to be most common, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation and abdominal pain.
Headaches and dizziness
Malnutrition due to missing meals or not eating enough due to reduced hunger signals.
Risk of pancreatitis and gallbladder issues
Possible risk to the thyroid gland based on studies.
Loss to Lean Muscle Mass
Rapid weight loss is not only coming from fat loss but considerable loss of muscle mass if you are not maintaining a resistance training regime.
In some studies, reductions of lean muscle mass range between 40-60% of total weight lost.
Loss of lean muscle mass not only increases your risk of osteoporosis later in life but also increases your risk of complications from other diseases including cardiovascular diseases, cancers and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Reduced Muscle Mass leads to reduced energy levels and Impairs glucose tolerance long term.
Dependance
These medications are not addressing the root cause of weight gain or metabolic dysfunction.
Often people are not guided on how to improve their diet, implement resistance training to optimise muscle mass or heal their gut to support hormonal balance.
Discontinuation of these medications without holistic guidance has often led to severe gut dysfunction, weight gain and mental health challenges.
These meds are being released as a lifetime medication and with their cost, this is an exorbitant investment that you may not be prepared to commit to for the long term!
A Naturopathic Approach
As a naturopath my intentions are to educate you on the wisdom of your body, and guide you with the nourishment your body needs to thrive!
The healing power of nature tells us to look to the natural pathways and clear the burdens that are preventing the body from doing what it has been divinely made to do!
For these pathways to function at optimal levels we need:
Healthy gut mucosa for the production of GLP-1 naturally
A healthy pancreas and balanced metabolic function with regulated blood sugars
Thriving gut microbiome with essential prebiotic fibres included in the diet
A healthy liver that’s not overwhelmed with toxic loads including heavy metals, recycled hormones, and fats.
Balanced cortisol levels with resilient stress management via our adrenals and a regulated nervous system.
We need aligned circadian rhythms to ensure sleep quality for optimal hormone production.
Optimised lean muscle mass for hormone balance and metabolic function
We get here holistically through…
Addressing our Energetics
The pancreas is the endocrine gland of the Solar Plexus energy centre
This is our source of purpose, self worth and our drive to succeed.
This is where we activate the archetype of our Priestess of Personal PowerNurturing the inner saboteur and holding our inner child.
Finding pleasure and fulfilment in sources outside of sugar and high density, ultra processed carbohydrates.
Understanding and healing any food addictions and emotional eating as well as holding space for residual trauma.
Foods as Medicine
Gut health starts with the foods we nourish our bodies with
We need Probiotic rich foods to introduce diversity to the microbiome
Prebiotics to feed the ecosystem of the microbiome
Anti-Inflammatory diet to support metabolic function
High protein and fibre meals stimulate GLP-1 and delay gastric emptying meaning you feel fuller for longer, satiated for longer without cravings.
Lower Glycemic Index foods to extend satiation and delay bodies need for more fuel.
Healthy fats in moderate dosages for mitochondrial health.
Lifestyle practices to embrace
Everyday movement enhances the body's natural GLP-1 secretion.
Strength training or resistance training to preserve muscle mass during weight loss
Optimising lean muscle mass improves sensitivity to insulin and enhances metabolic health.
Sleep hygiene practices to regulate circadian rhythms for quality sleep
Sunlight exposure to support circadian rhythms as well as detox cortisol
Vagus nerve rituals to improve resilience to stress, enhance the gut brain connection and regulate the nervous system.
Testing not Guessing
When we test we receive insight into the direct paths to spend our attention saving your time and money in the long run.
Fasting Insulin and glucose levels
Cortisol and DHEAs
Female Hormone Salivary Panels
Liver Enzymes
Thyroid Function (TSH and Antibodies)
Co-biome Microbiome Analysis
Herbal Medicine
Bitters - stimulate receptors in the gut
Berberine - depending on state of gut health
Ginger - activates receptors within the pancreas
Gymnema - interacts with sweet taste receptors reducing cravings
Cinnamon - improved glucose control via cells in the gut mucosa
Curcumin - stimulates GLP-1 secretion and anti-inflammatory
Fenugreek - regulates blood sugars and suppresses appetite
Nutritional Medicine
Magnesium
Taurine
Myo-Inositol
Omega-3 essential fatty acids
B vitamins
Vitamin C
Get the Support You Deserve
No one person's path will be the same. You deserve to have a guide on this journey who can meet you where you are at and deliver your next steps as you are ready for them.
Not only does this keep you accountable to your goals, but it ensures you don’t get overwhelmed or locked into the all-or-nothing trap.
No self-sabotage here.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free connection call with me today.
Together, we’ll uncover your unique path and create a personalized plan to support your growth and success.
You deserve to thrive — let's make it happen.