Science Corner 10 | Dr. Darshan Shah’s Approach to GLP-1 Support
Dr. Darshan Shah, a board-certified surgeon and founder of Next Health, has spent over two decades at the intersection of cutting-edge medical science and human optimization. With more than 15,000 surgeries under his belt and a deep focus on preventative health and metabolism, Dr. Shah is a trusted authority in the longevity and wellness space. His work emphasizes practical, evidence-informed tools to help people live healthier, longer lives. That makes him a perfect expert contributor on the SuppCo platform, where his supplement protocols aim to support everything from weight management to hormone balance.
One of the most exciting areas Dr. Shah has tackled is GLP-1 support. GLP-1 is a hormone made in the gut that helps control hunger, blood sugar, and how your body uses insulin. It helps you feel full after eating and tells your body when to release insulin. Because of these effects, GLP-1 has become a big focus in weight loss, especially with medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro, which mimic this hormone. But not everyone wants or needs prescription drugs. That’s where Dr. Shah’s supplement protocols come in.
GLP-1 Support
Dr. Shah’s GLP-1 Support protocol is designed to naturally stimulate GLP-1 production and activity using ingredients that work with your body rather than override it. This protocol is for people who want to regulate appetite and cravings, and stabilize blood sugar levels – especially those transitioning off GLP-1 meds or looking for a natural alternative.
Key nutrients in this protocol include:
L-Glutamine: Supports gut barrier integrity and stimulates GLP-1 secretion. Especially helpful for people dealing with insulin resistance or blood sugar dysregulation (1)
Akkermansia muciniphila: A next-gen probiotic that’s been clinically shown to increase GLP-1 levels, improve metabolic markers, and strengthen the gut lining (2)
Cinnamon Extract: A spice extract that may help enhance insulin sensitivity and boost your body’s GLP-1 response (3)
This protocol is most effective when paired with healthy lifestyle habits like high-protein, high-fiber meals, resistance training, quality sleep, and stress management. While it’s not a replacement for prescription GLP-1 therapies, it can be a helpful complement or post-medication bridge.
GLP-1 Core Nutrient Support
Dr. Shah’s GLP-1 Core Nutrient Support protocol takes things a step further by focusing on the side effects and physiological changes that can happen when someone is using a GLP-1 medication. Appetite suppression, reduced food intake, and lean muscle loss are all common concerns. This stack is designed to support energy, mood, and muscle retention during those shifts.
Notable ingredients include:
Bioavailable Protein Powder: Helps preserve muscle mass and increase satiety, crucial when you’re eating less (4)
Creatine: Supports muscular strength, ATP production, and even cognitive function.
HMB (Beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate): A leucine metabolite that helps minimize muscle breakdown during caloric restriction (5)
Vitamin B12: Supports mitochondrial energy production, mood, and stress resilience (6)
Vitamin D3+K2: Important for bone health, immune support, and calcium metabolism (7)
Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Supports cardiovascular health with anti-inflammatory properties. May help manage insulin sensitivity (8)
L-Theanine: Promotes calm and quality sleep without sedation, important for recovery and metabolic stability (9)
This protocol is especially valuable for people on GLP-1 medications who want to maintain lean mass, stabilize mood, and avoid feeling run down. It’s also a great option for anyone focused on fat loss but wanting to do it in a way that supports long-term health and resilience.
A Protocol for Every Path
Whether you’re actively taking GLP-1 meds, transitioning off them, or simply looking for more sustainable tools to support your weight journey, Dr. Shah’s protocols offer something for everyone. These thoughtfully designed stacks don’t just chase weight loss, they support the whole person, from metabolism to mood to muscle.
Think of these protocols as your allies. They're not magic pills, but they are smart, science-backed combinations built to work with your body. And when combined with good habits and a long-game mindset, they can help you feel better, stronger, and more in control of your health.
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Personal note from Jordan
Today marks our 10th Science Corner. There is something particularly satisfying about hitting this initial milestone with Dr. Shah's groundbreaking weight management protocols as our focus. The timing feels serendipitous, celebrating our tenth volume while diving into science that transforms lives daily. These weekly deep dives into research have quickly become my favorite rhythm, translating complex science into tools you can actually use. Thank you for accompanying me through these adventures in supplement science! This marker feels like just the beginning of our journey together. Same time next week?