When you take Metformin your intestinal bacteria changes in composition and function. What does this mean and what should you do?
Intestinal Microbiome News
Many pharmaceuticals contribute to gut dysbiosis or leaky gut and it is a field in pharmacology that has not been well-studied. People have altered gut bacteria which leads to disease and the medications further the progression of "leaky gut."
European and Chinese researchers created a consortium to study intestinal bacteria in Danish, Swedish and Chinese patients with Type II diabetes as compared to healthy individuals. The study results show that metformin has a positive impact on the gut flora in diabetic patients. Metformin increases the types of short-chain fatty acids - butyric and propionic acid. In turn, these fatty acids reduce blood glucose levels.
Metformin does increase bloating and gas in many individuals, but this may be due to having a higher level of coliform bacteria in the intestines.
Not all drugs are bad. Metformin has an added benefit of reducing the risk of breast cancer. I will still recommend Xymogen's CinnDromX and diet changes, but I certainly feel comfortable prescribing Metformin as another tool to reduce blood sugar when diet and exercise are not enough or when patients are resistant to making healthy lifestyle changes.
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