GLP-1 Protocol

GLP-1 medications can be powerful tools for blood sugar control and weight loss—but they work best with the right support. This page outlines simple, evidence-based steps to ease GI side effects, protect lean muscle, and keep nutrition on track.

GLP-1 Support & Healthy Weight Management Overview

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a natural hormone produced in the gut in response to eating. It helps regulate blood sugar by stimulating insulin release and slows digestion to promote fullness and reduce appetite. (Müller 2019; Kim 2021)

Because of these effects, GLP-1 agonist medications—such as semaglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, liraglutide, and lixisenatide—were developed to help manage type 2 diabetes and are now widely used to support weight loss as well. (Sodhi 2023; FDA 2024)

While effective, GLP-1 medications can sometimes cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, bloating, or diarrhea. Reduced appetite can also lead to lower nutrient intake and loss of lean muscle.

This protocol is designed to complement GLP-1 therapy—helping to ease side effects, preserve muscle mass, and support optimal nutrition during weight management.


🌱 Supportive Ingredients

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Typical dose: 500 mg twice daily or 1–2 g daily
Ginger is a natural digestive aid that helps relieve nausea and improve gastric comfort.

Benefits include:
✅ Reduces nausea and vomiting related to medication use
✅ Supports healthy digestion and gastric motility
✅ May ease post-injection nausea when taken one hour before dosing
📚 Meta-analyses show up to 40% reduction in medication-related nausea.

Probiotics (L. acidophilus NCFM, B. lactis Bi-07)

Typical dose: 60 billion CFU daily, as tolerated
Probiotics help restore gut balance and reduce GI discomfort often associated with GLP-1 use.
Benefits include:
✅ Reduces bloating, distention, and abdominal pain
✅ Improves stool consistency and reduces diarrhea
✅ Supports healthy gut-brain communication for comfort and motility
📚 Clinical studies show over 50% reduction in bloating and pain.

Protein (Whey, Pea, or Plant Blend)

Typical dose: 24 g protein, 1–2 times daily
Adequate protein intake preserves muscle mass while supporting healthy weight loss.
Benefits include:
✅ Maintains lean body mass during calorie restriction
✅ Enhances satiety and metabolic rate
✅ Supports tissue repair and energy levels
📚 Studies show protein supplementation promotes fat loss while preserving muscle.

Creatine (Creatine Monohydrate)

Typical dose: 3–5 g daily
Creatine helps protect muscle tissue during weight loss and enhances physical performance.
Benefits include:
✅ Supports muscle strength and tone
✅ Helps prevent muscle loss during weight reduction
✅ May enhance fat loss when combined with resistance training
📚 Creatine monohydrate is the most researched, safe, and effective form.

Multivitamin

Typical dose: Once daily, ongoing
Reduced food intake can lead to nutrient deficiencies, even in well-balanced diets.
Benefits include:
✅ Fills nutritional gaps during calorie restriction
✅ Supports metabolism, immunity, and energy
✅ Helps prevent deficiencies in vitamins A, D, B-complex, magnesium, and chromium
📚 Research shows most diets fail to meet micronutrient RDAs without supplementation.

Why Supplementation Matters

Supporting your body during GLP-1 therapy helps ensure healthy, sustainable results—reducing discomfort, maintaining strength, and optimizing overall wellness.


❤️ Ready to Feel Your Best on Your GLP-1 Journey?

With the right nutrition and targeted supplementation, you can minimize side effects, protect your health, and achieve balanced, lasting results.
Together, we can create a personalized support plan to help your body thrive on GLP-1 therapy.


🌱 Join Kaizen Health’s Online Supplement Dispensary

You don’t need to be a Kaizen Health patient to enjoy the benefits of our professional-grade supplement dispensary, powered by Fullscript.

Here’s what you’ll receive:
25% off retail pricing on all supplements
Trusted ingredients from clinically verified brands
Access to science-backed protocols for a variety of health needs

💻 It’s easy and free to join!
Click below to create your account and start receiving 25% off all supplements from trusted, third-party-tested sources.

References
  1. Müller, T. D., et al. “Glucagon-like Peptide 1 (GLP-1).” Molecular Metabolism, vol. 30, 2019, pp. 72-130, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2019.09.010. Accessed 26 Feb. 2024.
  2. Sodhi M, et al. Risk of Gastrointestinal Adverse Events Associated With Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. JAMA. 2023;330(18):1795–1797. doi:10.1001/jama.2023.19574
  3. US Food and Drug Administration. Medication containing semaglutide marketed for type 2 diabetes or weight loss. 2024.  
  4. Cleveland Clinic. GLP-1 Agonist. 2023. 
  5. Chaiyakunapruk N, Kitikannakorn N, Nathisuwan S, Leeprakobboon K, Leelasettagool C. The efficacy of ginger for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006;194(1):95-99. doi:10.1016/j.ajog.2005.06.046
  6. Mandal P, Das A, Majumdar S, Bhattacharyya T, Mitra T, Kundu R. The efficacy of ginger added to ondansetron for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting in ambulatory surgery. Pharmacognosy Res. 2014;6(1):52-57. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.122918
  7. Dabaghzadeh F, Khalili H, Dashti-Khavidaki S, Abbasian L, Moeinifard A. Ginger for prevention of antiretroviral-induced nausea and vomiting: a randomized clinical trial. Expert Opin Drug Saf. 2014;13(7):859-866. doi:10.1517/14740338.2014.914170
  8. Ringel-Kulka T, Palsson OS, Maier D, et al. Probiotic bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 versus placebo for the symptoms of bloating in patients with functional bowel disorders: a double-blind study. J Clin Gastroenterol. 2011;45(6):518-525. doi:10.1097/MCG.0b013e31820ca4d6
  9. Zhang, Tao, et al. “Efficacy of Probiotics for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.” Frontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology, vol. 12, 2022, p. 859967, https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2022.859967. Accessed 6 Mar. 2024
  10. Ouwehand AC, DongLian C, Weijian X, et al. Probiotics reduce symptoms of antibiotic use in a hospital setting: a randomized dose-response study. Vaccine. 2014;32(4):458-463. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.11.053
  11. Wirunsawanya K, et al. Whey Protein Supplementation Improves Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Overweight and Obese Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Am Coll Nutr. 2018;37(1):60-70. doi:10.1080/07315724.2017.1344591
  12. Bergia, R. E., 3rd, Hudson, J. L., & Campbell, W. W. (2018). Effect of whey protein supplementation on body composition changes in women: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrition Reviews76(7), 539–551. https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuy017
  13. Kim JY. Optimal Diet Strategies for Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2021;30(1):20-31. doi:10.7570/jomes20065
  14. Forbes SC, Candow DG, Krentz JR, Roberts MD, Young KC. Changes in Fat Mass Following Creatine Supplementation and Resistance Training in Adults ≥50 Years of Age: A Meta-Analysis. J Funct Morphol Kinesiol. 2019;4(3):62. Published 2019 Aug 23. doi:10.3390/jfmk4030062.
  15. Jaramillo AP, Jaramillo L, Castells J, et al. Effectiveness of Creatine in Metabolic Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2023;15(9):e45282. Published 2023 Sep 15. doi:10.7759/cureus.45282
  16. Fazio C, Elder CL, Harris MM. Efficacy of Alternative Forms of Creatine Supplementation on Improving Performance and Body Composition in Healthy Subjects: A Systematic Review. J Strength Cond Res. 2022;36(9):2663-2670. doi:10.1519/JSC.0000000000003873
  17. Michels AJ, Butler JA, Uesugi SL, et al. Multivitamin/Multimineral Supplementation Prevents or Reverses Decline in Vitamin Biomarkers and Cellular Energy Metabolism in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2023;15(12):2691. Published 2023 Jun 9. doi:10.3390/nu15122691

Dr. Steven Baum, MD

steve kaizen
NPI Number

1205339090

Medical Licenses

Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Ohio, Utah, Washington, Wyoming

Years Practicing

6 Years

Certifications

American Board of Family Medicine
American Board of Obesity Medicine
National Academy of Sports Medicine

Education

B.S. in Exercise & Sport Science – University of Utah
M.H.A. – Louisiana State University
M.D. – The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Related Services

Share With Others

Service Categories

View All Services

weight scale

Medical Weight Loss

Learn more

nutrition

Dietary Analysis & Coaching

Learn more

gender sign

Medical Hormone Optimization

Learn more

dna strand

Nutraceutical Dispensary

Learn more

lab test

Lab Testing

Learn more

prescription

Sick Visits

Learn more

membership

Concierge Medicine

Learn more

pillars

Pillars of Health

Learn more

Our Client Experience

115+ Reviews

Hear from Kaizen Clients: