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GLP-1 - How to Activate & Enhance Your Own Naturally

How Your Body Makes GLP-1—and How to Support It Naturally

As a nutritional therapist, one of the most exciting areas of research I’ve seen over the past few years is the growing interest in GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). Popularised by medications like Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Ozempic and Wegovy (both Semaglutides). GLP-1 plays a critical role in metabolism, appetite regulation, and blood sugar balance. But what many don’t realise is that our bodies produce GLP-1 naturally—and there are ways to support this process with lifestyle, diet, and targeted supplements.


Let’s break down how GLP-1 is made in the body and explore how the LifeVantage MB System may support this vital metabolic pathway. (Purchase using this link: https://mariabates.lifevantage.com/uk-en/?validated


What Is GLP-1?

GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the intestinal L-cells of the small and large intestine. It's released in response to food intake—especially when carbohydrates and fats are consumed. Once released, GLP-1 has several important functions:

  • Slows gastric emptying

  • Enhances insulin secretion (in a glucose-dependent way)

  • Reduces appetite and food intake

  • Inhibits glucagon release

  • Promotes satiety and weight regulation


GLP-1 belongs to a family of hormones called incretins, which help the body manage glucose after meals.


How Does the Body Make GLP-1?

GLP-1 is produced when nutrients stimulate enteroendocrine L-cells in the gut. These specialised cells detect food components like:

  • Glucose

  • Short-chain fatty acids

  • Amino acids

  • Dietary fibre (fermented in the colon)


Once stimulated, these cells activate a gene called proglucagon, which encodes a precursor protein. This precursor is then cleaved by enzymes (like prohormone convertase 1/3) to produce active GLP-1.


Other factors that influence GLP-1 production include:

  • Gut microbiota: Beneficial bacteria ferment fibre into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can boost GLP-1.

  • Bile acids: These can activate receptors (TGR5) on L-cells, promoting GLP-1 release.

  • Exercise: Physical activity has been shown to enhance GLP-1 levels.

  • Polyphenols: Found in fruits and vegetables, they may also stimulate GLP-1 secretion.


Can Supplements Help? The LifeVantage MB System

The LifeVantage Metabolic (MB) System is a three-part supplement regimen designed to support healthy metabolic function, including weight management and cellular energy production. While not a GLP-1 drug or direct GLP-1 agonist, its ingredients are crafted to optimise the body’s natural systems that may indirectly support GLP-1 production and function.


Key Components:

  1. Activate – Targets cellular signalling pathways, including Nrf2 and AMPK, which play roles in energy metabolism and inflammation.

  2. Reset – A fasting-support formula that encourages autophagy and metabolic flexibility.

  3. Fat Burn – Designed to support fat oxidation and energy through ingredients like green tea extract and capsaicin.


Possible Mechanisms of GLP-1 Support:

  • Polyphenols and antioxidants (e.g., quercetin, green tea catechins) in the MB System may enhance gut signalling and GLP-1 release.

  • AMPK activation: Shown in some studies to increase GLP-1 receptor expression and L-cell function.

  • Support for mitochondrial function may improve overall metabolic efficiency, indirectly benefiting GLP-1 pathways.

So the MB System ingredient profile aligns with nutritional strategies shown to support endogenous GLP-1 activity, and I am a consultant who can you can purchase this supplement system from via this link : Home | LifeVantage United Kingdom (en)


Natural Ways to Support Your Body’s GLP-1 Production

In addition to supplementation, you can support GLP-1 naturally with:

  • Fibre-rich foods: Especially soluble fibre (oats, beans, flaxseed)

  • Fermented foods: To boost gut microbiota diversity

  • Healthy fats: Like those from avocado and nuts

  • Intermittent fasting: Which may enhance L-cell responsiveness

  • Exercise: A powerful stimulator of gut hormone balance


Final Thoughts

GLP-1 is a fascinating hormone at the centre of metabolism, weight regulation, and appetite control. While pharmaceuticals are being used to harness its power, your body already produces GLP-1 naturally—with the right support.

Lifestyle strategies, functional foods, and advanced supplements like the LifeVantage MB System can work together to help you optimise your metabolic health.


References

  1. Drucker DJ. The biology of incretin hormones. Cell Metab. 2006;3(3):153-165.

  2. Tolhurst G, Heffron H, et al. Short-chain fatty acids stimulate GLP-1 secretion via the G-protein–coupled receptor FFAR2. Diabetes. 2012;61(2):364-371.

  3. Kim W, Egan JM. The role of incretins in glucose homeostasis and diabetes treatment. Pharmacol Rev. 2008;60(4):470–512.

  4. Zietek T, Rath E. Incretin hormones linking metabolic and intestinal disease. Front Immunol. 2016;7:51.

  5. LifeVantage. MB System Product Information. https://www.lifevantage.com

 
 
 

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