Pastor, let’s talk about a villain that doesn’t show up in your sermon notes.
Metabolic Syndrome.
It’s sneaky.
It’s quiet.
It ruins energy, focus, sleep, inflammation, and belly size.
And the numbers aren’t cute:
- 1 in 3 American adults is prediabetic
- 38 million have diagnosed diabetes
- Many don’t know they have it… until life gets complicated
So yes...
While your prayers and sermons are fighting spiritual battles, your metabolism is also being mugged in the church parking lot.
You already know that here we preach the gospel of low-carb, whole foods, and meat that didn’t come from a drive-thru window.
That’s great.
That's important.
But even WITH a strong diet, metabolism sometimes needs a friend.
Enter: Berberine.
Nature’s “I’d like my insulin sensitivity back, please.”
Why should a pastor care?
Because you don’t just need to survive ministry.
You need to thrive in it.
Ministry is busy... and stressful.
Stress messes with metabolism.
Metabolism bites back.
So we stack habits in our favor.
My Story
I'm technically pre-diabetic, so blood sugar are usually on my mind at the table.
For a while, I was on metformin to help keep things in check.
About a year ago, I switched to berberine because I wanted similar metabolic support in a more natural form.
What Berberine actually DOES (based on human studies)
Not hype.
Not Instagram claims.
Not “my cousin invented a powder in his garage.”
1. Lowers blood sugar and improves insulin sensitivity
Multiple meta-analyses show berberine helps lower fasting glucose and HbA1c.
(Translation: better blood sugar control.)
2. Improves cholesterol and triglycerides
Studies show reductions in LDL, triglycerides, and total cholesterol.
(Translation: helpful for the pastor who loves brisket… but brags about not having a gallbladder.)
3. Helps with body weight and inflammation
Some trials show reductions in body weight, waist size, and CRP (an inflammation marker).
(Translation: your belt and waistband become friends again.)
4. Supports fatty-liver improvement
Great news if you’ve ever had bloodwork come back with a “let’s talk about your liver” conversation.
Why pastors should consider it
Because ministry is long-haul work.
Because burnout is physical and spiritual.
Because a sharper body supports a sharper mind.
We’re not chasing six-packs.
Just energy.
Focus.
Longevity.
And not falling asleep during our own sermons.
Reality check
- Berberine is not magic.
- It does not replace eating like an adult.
- It will not erase Krispy Kreme night at Youth Group.
But as an add-on to a whole-foods, low-carb lifestyle, it’s a strong tool backed by research.
And tools that help pastors stay healthier, longer, are worth paying attention to.
One more thing
Pick a quality brand with third-party testing.
Here's the one you'll find in my cabinet.
Talk to a doctor if you’re on meds... especially for blood sugar or cholesterol.
And for the love of ministry…
Don’t expect it to save you if your diet is 50% fellowship hall dessert tables.
Final word
Pastor, your body is your instrument.
Your calling deserves a vessel that’s strong, focused, clear-headed, and energetic.
So eat well.
Move often.
Sleep like someone who believes Psalm 127:2 is true.
And consider adding berberine to give your metabolism one more advantage.
Because the Gospel is worth preaching for decades.
And you’ll need a healthy body to do it.
More Resources To Help You Optimize
🥤Momentum Shake: The Complete Longevity Shake for Optimal Health
💊 My (Scott's) full supplement regimen