What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a brand name for the medication semaglutide, which belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Here’s how Ozempic works:

1. GLP-1 Receptor Agonism: Semaglutide works by mimicking the action of a naturally occurring hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It acts as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it binds to and activates GLP-1 receptors on cells throughout the body.
2. Glucose Regulation: One of the primary effects of semaglutide is to stimulate insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells in response to elevated blood sugar levels. This helps lower blood sugar levels after meals and reduces fasting blood sugar levels in between meals.
3. Inhibition of Glucagon: Semaglutide also suppresses the secretion of glucagon, a hormone that normally raises blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver. By inhibiting glucagon secretion, semaglutide helps prevent excessive glucose production by the liver.
4. Slowing Gastric Emptying: Semaglutide slows down the rate at which food moves through the stomach and into the intestines. This delay in gastric emptying helps regulate the absorption of nutrients, including glucose, from the digestive tract into the bloodstream.
5. Appetite Regulation: GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide also have effects on appetite regulation and satiety. They can help people feel fuller for longer periods, which may lead to reduced food intake and weight loss over time.

Some natural GLP-1 receptor agonists include:

1. Dietary Fibers: Certain dietary fibers, particularly soluble fibers like beta-glucans found in oats and barley, have been shown to stimulate the release of GLP-1 from intestinal cells. These fibers can slow down digestion and help regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Incretin-Based Foods: Foods that are rich in nutrients like protein and healthy fats, and low in refined carbohydrates, can help stimulate the production and release of GLP-1. Examples include lean meats, fish, nuts, seeds, and vegetables.
3. Probiotics: Some research suggests that certain strains of probiotic bacteria may stimulate the release of GLP-1 in the gut. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi contain probiotics that may have this effect.
4. Polyphenols: Certain plant compounds called polyphenols, found in foods like berries, tea, cocoa, and spices, have been shown to have GLP-1 stimulating effects. For example, resveratrol in red wine and quercetin in apples are polyphenols that may act as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as in flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, may help stimulate GLP-1 secretion and improve insulin sensitivity.

“Incretin-based foods” is a term that refers to foods that can influence the release of incretin hormones in the body. Incretins are a group of gastrointestinal hormones that play a key role in regulating insulin secretion and blood sugar levels after meals. They include glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

Foods that are considered incretin-based can help stimulate the production and release of incretin hormones, which in turn can enhance insulin secretion and improve blood sugar control. These foods typically have characteristics that promote a gradual and steady rise in blood sugar levels, rather than sharp spikes.

Examples of incretin-based foods include:

1. Protein-rich Foods: Foods that are rich in protein, such as lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish), eggs, tofu, legumes (beans, lentils), and dairy products (yogurt, cottage cheese), can stimulate the release of incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP.
2. Healthy Fats: Foods that contain healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, can help slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to a more gradual increase in blood sugar levels and enhanced incretin hormone release.
3. Fiber-rich Foods: High-fiber foods, particularly soluble fibers found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, can delay the absorption of glucose from the digestive tract and promote the release of incretin hormones. Examples include oats, barley, apples, berries, carrots, and beans.
4. Low-Glycemic Index Foods: Foods with a low glycemic index (GI) cause a slower and more gradual rise in blood sugar levels compared to high-GI foods. Choosing low-GI foods like non-starchy vegetables, whole grains, and certain fruits can help support optimal incretin hormone response.