Alpha Lipoic Acid – The Simple Truth

Alpha Lipoic Acid – The Simple Truth

Alpha Lipoic Acid, more commonly referred to as ALA, is a relatively unheard of antioxidant, much like glutathione. In fact, its main function is to increase levels of glutathione, which helps eliminate toxic substances in the liver. I have been taking both of these supplements for many years now.

Scientists discovered the importance of ALA in the 1950s, and it was recognized as an antioxidant in 1988. The body needs this supplement to produce energy in the body at a cellular level. It plays a crucial role in the energy-producing structures in the cells of your body.

Your body normally produces enough Alpha Lipoic Acid for basic function. It acts as an antioxidant only when there are excesses of it and it is in the 'free' state in the cells. There is little free circulating ALA in your body unless you consume supplements.

ALA is a versatile antioxidant. It helps deactivate cell-damaging free radicals in your body. Your body produces only small amounts of this antioxidant as we age. As you grow older you will need a supplemental form of it.

Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Potent and versatile antioxidant.

Co-factor in a key biochemical pathways responsible for energy production in the cells.

Inhibits cross-linking (formation of chemical bridges between proteins or other large molecules.) Cross-linking contributes to the aging process by causing hardening of arteries, wrinkling of the skin and stiffening of joints.

Moderate anti-inflammatory.

Capacity to neutralize and remove toxic substances such as free radicals.

Alpha Lipoic Acid improves the physique, protects our genetic material, slows the aging process, combats against free radicals, protects us against Heart Disease, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Cancer, Diabetes, Cataracts and many more diseases.

As you age, you can feel declines in energy, muscle strength, brain function, and immunity. Taking this simple, inexpensive supplement increases them. ALA is also being studied for HIV, AIDS, and Multiple Sclerosis.

Foods that contain High Concentrations of ALA are:

FOODS

SERVING SIZE

Spinach, Broccoli

1/2 C. Steamed or Raw

Tomato

1 Medium

Peas

1 C. raw

Rice Bran

1 C.

Egg Yolk

1 Large

Beef Liver

3 Oz.

Recent studies have shown that this supplement may also help you
lose weight. For some people, this may be true.

ALA may help you lose weight by helping you control your appetite. People taking the supplement are less likely to overeat and consume fewer calories. Taken regularly, this simple supplement helps the body expend more energy at a cellular level. It is a study that needs more research.

Alpha-lipoic acid may prove useful in the treatment of chronic hepatitis because it relieves stress on the liver and helps rid the body of toxins. There have been several case reports using alpha-lipoic acid in combination with milk thistle and selenium to help treat hepatitis C. Hep C is a serious type of hepatitis contracted from blood transfer or contact with other bodily fluids. As of now, there is no known cure or treatment for the disease.

Because alpha-lipoic acid can pass easily into the brain, it has protective qualities for brain and nerve tissue and shows promise as a treatment for stroke and brain disorders involving free radical damage. Animals treated with alpha-lipoic acid, for example, suffered less brain damage and had a four times greater survival rate after a stroke than the animals who did not receive it. While animal studies are encouraging, more research is needed to understand whether the benefits apply to people as well.

Further research suggests that alpha lipoic acid might also help in the anti aging process by reducing wrinkles. In one small study, high potency lipoic acid supplements helped to reduce mild to moderate wrinkles by up to 50%, whereas fine lines seemingly disappeared. In another study, it significantly improved the appearance of certain types of scars. In both studies the effectiveness varied among participants, from little effect to a marked improvement.

Varied results are normal however. Many anti aging products work well for some people but not for others. Even the most well established wrinkle treatments produce varied results. If further studies corroborate skin benefits of lipoic acid, it may be added to the mainstays of today's anti aging skin care products. In fact, ALA will be a highly beneficial in the family of proven wrinkle fighters because it is less irritating for your skin than tretinoin (Retin A, Renova) and alpha hydroxy acids.

Dosage
Alpha-lipoic acid can be purchased in dosages ranging 30 mg to 100 mg capsules. Currently there are no established recommended doses for supplementation. For general antioxidant support, the recommended dose is 20 mg to 50 mg per day.
Manufacturers of alpha-lipoic acid suggest one or two 50 mg capsules daily as a dietary supplement.

Studies show an improvement of nerve function in diabetics who received 600 mg of alpha-lipoic acid per day in divided doses. This supplement is very inexpensive to buy, yet very effective. It will help you look great and save you money if you buy it separately in your superstore or online.

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