Schisandra Berry & Hormone Balance: Menopause, Blood Sugar & Weight Loss

Key Takeaways

• Schisandra Berry is a woody vine native to regions of Asia, known for its unique five-flavor fruit that impacts all taste sensors: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy. Recognized for its adaptogenic properties, Schisandra helps the body resist various stressors and supports overall wellness.
• It may aid in weight loss by improving liver function, which in turn enhances the body’s fat metabolism and energy utilization. This effect helps in managing body weight more effectively.
• Schisandra Berry is beneficial for blood sugar control as it enhances insulin sensitivity and helps manage glucose levels. This is particularly important for those at risk of or managing type 2 diabetes.
• It contributes to hormonal balance by supporting the body’s natural stress response systems and enhancing liver function, which is crucial for the regulation and detoxification of hormones.
• Schisandra Berry provides relief from common menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings. Its adaptogenic qualities help stabilize the body’s response to hormonal changes, thereby improving overall well-being during menopause.

What is Schisandra Berry?

Schisandra Berry, often referred to as the magnolia berry or five-flavor fruit, is a woody vine adorned with oval pink leaves and vibrant red berries. Imagine a fruit that dances on your taste buds with sweet, tart, salty, spicy, and bitter notes – that’s Schisandra for you. Its use as a culinary and medicinal powerhouse can be traced back to the Tang dynasty (618~907 A.D.). But what truly sets it apart is its adaptogenic properties, helping our bodies combat various stressors.

Benefits of Schisandra Berry

Here are Schisandra Berry’s benefits:

• Schisandra eases those dreaded hot flashes and mood swings, helping you sail through menopause.
• Ever feel too tired to exercise? Schisandra increases energy and endurance, helping you stay active.
• Your liver is your body’s chemical factory, and Schisandra is the revitalizer it needs. Improved liver function is also a bonus for weight loss.
• Schisandra boosts your energy levels and resistance to stress, building resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Side Effects of Schisandra Berry

While Schisandra Berry offers the benefits aboveGame Changer, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects:

• Heartburn
• Upset stomach
• Decreased appetite
• Skin rashes

Now, let’s dive into how these berries can specifically help with weight loss, blood sugar, and hormonal balance during menopause.

Weight Loss: The Berry That Burns Fat

For Lisa, the weight gain during menopause was really getting her down. Then she stumbled upon a study where Schisandra fruit vinegar lowered the lipid profile in rats fed a high-fat diet. Inspired, she began incorporating Schisandra into her diet.

There are also blog posts by reputable sources like Dr. Axe and Switch Nutrition suggesting that Schisandra aids in weight loss by improving liver function. The logic? A healthier liver is better at breaking down fats, aiding in overall weight loss.

Please note that while Schisandra’s or even Pygeum’s fat loss benefits might not be as significant as herbs like gymnema or ginseng, incorporating it into your routine can still support your weight loss journey.

Schisandra Berry just like other berries- Mulberry, Cranberry, and Raspberry helps in weight loss.

Blood Sugar: Glucose Busting Berries

Apart from weight gain, blood sugar levels can also go haywire during menopause. Luckily, Schisandra berry comes to the rescue here too.

A 2022 study demonstrated how a Schisandra chinensis and soybean mixture (OSM) improved hyperglycemia in humans. After 12 weeks, the OSM group showed significant drops in fasting plasma glucose, postprandial glucose, and insulin levels, compared to a placebo group. This indicates that OSM supplementation could be a beneficial functional food supplement for managing blood sugar levels.

Another fruit- Pomegranate – for lowering blood sugar.

Hormone Balance: Schisandra Berry’s Contributions

Schisandra Berry, celebrated for its adaptogenic qualities, significantly contributes to hormonal balance, particularly during menopause. Its unique ability to enhance the body’s resistance to stress positively impacts hormonal health, helping to stabilize the fluctuations that often occur during menopause. Schisandra is known to support the adrenal functions and modulate stress hormones like cortisol, which are crucial for maintaining overall hormonal equilibrium. Incorporating Schisandra Berry into the diet can aid in reducing menopausal symptoms such as mood swings and hot flashes, providing a natural approach to achieving hormonal balance during this challenging phase.

Menopause: Schisandra to Manage Hormones

Back to Lisa. She had been struggling with menopause symptoms for months, but Schisandra was a game-changer for her. A study that examined the effect of Schisandra on menopausal symptoms backed up her experience. It found that BMO-30, an extract from Schisandra chinensis, significantly eased hot flashes and sweating, helping restore balance to women’s lives.

Another study echoed these findings, with Schisandra reducing the psychological symptoms of menopause. By the end of 12 weeks, women who took Schisandra felt more balanced, energized, and, most importantly, back in control of their lives.

Check out this article to learn how Sarah Lancashire used HRT to manage her menopause symptoms.

Diet: Incorporating Schisandra Berry into Your Diet

There are many ways to include the berries into your diet and lifestyle:

• Supplement Savvy: Opt for Schisandra Berry capsules or tablets as a straightforward way to reap its benefits.
• Flavorful Additions: Upgrade your smoothies, teas, and soups with a dash of Schisandra extract.
• Korean Culinary Classics: Dive into traditional Korean dishes like Omija tea, Omija jelly, and Omija punch.
• Beauty Blends: Mix Schisandra into beauty tonic herb blends for radiant skin and luscious hair.

Dosage: Safe Schisandra Berry & Dosages

Interactions: Schisandra Berry with Other Substances

While there’s limited data on Schisandra’s interactions with other supplements, it’s known to interact with medications like voriconazole, used for fungal infections. Always have a chat with your healthcare provider before mixing Schisandra with other meds or supplements.

Are You Prepared to Begin Your Schisandra Journey?

Menopause might feel like a roller coaster ride, but it doesn’t have to be. With Schisandra berry, you can keep your weight in check, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and restore hormonal harmony.

Remember, you’re not alone on this journey. You have the power to regain control, just like Lisa did. So why not give Schisandra a try? It might just be the best thing you do for your menopausal journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)