Could This Gut Bug Outperform Ozempic?

By Dr. Scott Olson, ND Posted August 27, 2025

Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve likely heard of Ozempic and similar GLP-1 drugs. They’ve been making headlines for their ability to help with blood sugar control—and, in many cases, weight loss.

If you’re overweight or diabetic you may have even considered taking a GLP-1.

But these drugs aren’t perfect. They can be expensive, they come with side effects, and for some people, they’re just not an option.

So, imagine if there were a way to tap into your body’s own ability to produce GLP-1—the very hormone Ozempic mimics — without a prescription.

New research suggests that might be possible. And it all starts in the most unexpected place: your gut.

A team of scientists at Jiangnan University in China has uncovered a gut microbe that could hold the key to naturally regulating blood sugar and curbing sugar cravings.

Here’s how it works…

GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) is a hormone your body produces in response to certain foods. It helps regulate blood sugar and signals your brain that you’re full.

People with type 2 diabetes often have impaired GLP-1 function, which is one reason why managing blood sugar can be such a challenge.

Drugs like Ozempic step in to mimic GLP-1’s effects. But the Chinese research team found a way to encourage the body to make more GLP-1 naturally—by increasing levels of a specific gut microbe called Bacteroides vulgatus.

In their study, boosting B. vulgatus in diabetic mice triggered a chain reaction:

1. GLP-1 production increased.
2. This, in turn, boosted another hormone called FGF21, known for reducing sugar cravings.
3. Blood sugar levels improved—and the mice craved less sugar.

When the team tested human volunteers, they found similar patterns. People with certain gene mutations that reduced FGF21 production were more likely to crave sweets and have blood sugar issues.

The exciting part? By restoring healthy levels of B. vulgatus, it might be possible to improve GLP-1 and FGF21 activity without medication.

It’s still early days—the research needs to be confirmed in larger human studies before it can be called a true “natural alternative” to Ozempic.

But the takeaway is clear: your gut health plays a major role in how your body manages blood sugar and even how much you crave sweets.

To encourage beneficial microbes like B. vulgatus:

• Eat more fiber-rich food—such as beans, lentils, berries, leafy greens, and whole grains—to feed beneficial gut bacteria.
• Limit ultra-processed foods as they can disrupt gut balance and promote inflammation.
• Include fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi to boost microbial diversity.
• Consider a probiotic supplement—but talk to your doctor first to find one that fits your needs.

While this discovery isn’t a green light to toss your medications, it is a reminder that the most powerful tools for managing blood sugar might already be inside you—they just need the right support to thrive.

And if future studies confirm these results, the answer to regulating blood sugar and curbing cravings might not come from a syringe… but from your next meal.

P.S. “Blind-sided” by Ozempic? The scary vision loss link…

Source:

Zhang, T., Wang, W., Li, J. et al. Free fatty acid receptor 4 modulates dietary sugar preference via the gut microbiota. Nat Microbiol 10, 348–361 (2025).

Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND

Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.

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