Do You Know What Is Alpha Lipoic Acid?
What neutralizes free radicals in both watery and fatty regions of cells? What produces energy by converting glucose for our body’s normal function? Alpha lipoic acid or ALA. ALA is used to treat diabetic neuropathy, hepatitis and more. Our bodies produce this antioxidant nutrition in small amounts and it occurs naturally in organ meats, peas, rice bran, Brewer’s yeast, Brussels sprouts and broccoli. Supplementation is a good way to get an added boost. What other ailments is it used to treat and how much should you take? Why don’t we take a look?
What makes ALA unique and gives it nutritional value is that it is both water and fat soluble, unlike the more common antioxidants vitamins C and E, and it appears to be able to recycle and extend the metabolic lifespan of antioxidants such as of vitamin C, glutathione, and coenzyme Q10, and it indirectly renews vitamin E. Vitamin C lessens oxidative stress while glutathione helps detoxify the liver. Coenzyme Q10 helps convert food energy into energy inside every cell while vitamin E helps with nerve conduction.
Alpha lipoic acid helps treat the symptoms of a common complication of diabetes called peripheral neuropathy. By speeding the removal of glucose from the bloodstream, ALA enhances insulin function and reduces insulin resistance. A large number of cases of coronary heart disease and obesity are a direct or indirect result of those two factors. Symptoms such as prickling sensations, numbness, burning and sharply cutting pain are relieved by this very useful nutritional supplement.
Free radical damage is thought to contribute to aging and chronic illness. ALA helps neutralize those harmful chemicals. ALA can cross the blood-brain barrier; a wall of tiny vessels and structural cells, and pass easily into the brain. It is thought to protect brain and nerve tissue by preventing free radical damage and is used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Because of those reasons, ALA is also used to treat a myriad of other illnesses and diseases like cataracts, hardening of the arteries, hepatitis, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, high cholesterol levels, and even human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Very few side effects have been reported when taking alpha lipoic acid. A small number of people reported a tingling or “pins and needles” sensation, muscle cramps, headache or skin rash. People with diabetes who are taking medication to lower their blood sugar should take ALA under the supervision of a qualified health professional and have their blood sugar levels monitored as ALA may improve blood sugar control. Some studies have shown that ALA may alter thyroid hormone levels, so those taking thyroid medications and ALA should be monitored by their healthcare provider.
Weight Loss & Dieting Videos
Weight Loss & Dieting News
Going Online May Help Overcome Hurdles to Weight Loss - FOXNews30 Jul 2010 at 1:34pm
CBC.ca
Going Online May Help Overcome Hurdles to Weight Loss
FOXNews
Spending time on specific websites can help people lose weight by keeping them accountable and connected, Time.com reported. Investigators at the Kaiser ...
Can Surfing the Internet Help You Lose Weight?TIME
Website Helps Dieters Keep Kilos OffVoice of America
Recording Weight Loss Online Could Help You Lose MoreRTT N...
Drew Carey on 80-Pound Weight Loss: "It Sucks Being Fat" - Seattle Post Intel...
30 Jul 2010 at 12:53pm
New York Daily News
Drew Carey on 80-Pound Weight Loss: "It Sucks Being Fat"
Seattle Post Intelligencer
Once I started losing weight, again, like once I started dropping a couple pant sizes, then it was easy 'cause once you see the results, then you don't ...
Drew Carey's dramatic 80 pound weight loss, before and after photosExaminer.com
Drew Carey weight loss: 'The Price is Right' ho...
Patients Lose Weight After Total Joint Replacement - WebMD
30 Jul 2010 at 1:56pm
About.com: Health
Patients Lose Weight After Total Joint Replacement
WebMD
July 30, 2010 -- Osteoarthritis patients who were obese lost weight after undergoing total knee or hip replacement surgery, according to ...
Many Osteoarthritis Patients Experience Weight Loss After Knee or Hip ReplacementAbout.com: Health
all 6 news articles »
Lessons Learned From the Biggest Loser - Huffington Post (blog)
31 Jul 2010 at 6:03am
phillyBurbs.com
Lessons Learned From the Biggest Loser
Huffington Post (blog)
The lure and drama of quick weight loss is hard to resist. Although I give the show credit for inspiring some people to start a weight loss program who ...
'The Biggest Loser' casting teams come to ColumbiaWIS
all 20 news articles »
Drew Carey Dishes On Weight Loss - TheCelebrityCafe.com
31 Jul 2010 at 12:30pm
PerezHilton.com (blog)
Drew Carey Dishes On Weight Loss
TheCelebrityCafe.com
Once I started losing weight, again, like once I started dropping a couple pant sizes, then it was easy 'cause once you see the results, then you don't ...
Drew Carey Weight Loss:Diabetes Cured?Health Related Infos (blog)
Weight Loss of Drew Carey Caused Speculations of Diabetes CureDaily Freshies (blog)
Drew ...
Tags: alpha lipoic acid, antioxidant nutrition, nutritional supplement, nutritional value
