![]() How Alpha Lipoic Acid Helps with Weight Loss (2. Edition)When it comes to weight loss there are very few supplements that actually work. ![]() Alpha Lipoic Acid and Weight Loss. While most of the claims for weight loss with other supplements tend to be over hyped there. The supplement we are going to be talking about today is Alpha Lipoic acid and how exactly this supplement stands apart from the rest and can help with weight loss. It's so powerful that it can be used for a variety of conditions and has been well studied (as far as supplements go). In some instances even conventional Doctors have started to use this to treat conditions like peripheral neuropathy! Insulin resistance is the driver behind many chronic medical conditions including cardiovascular disease, dementia and weight gain. This means that I will use it in combination with other supplements, hormones and lifestyle changes for maximum benefit. Don't expect to take this supplement by itself and lose a ton of weight. It doesn't work that way. Third. I've also found great benefit in women who have high levels of testosterone (likely due to insulin resistance). Obviously there are many more reasons to use ALA, but these are the three primary patient populations I have personally had the MOST success with. ![]() ![]() Below you will find a full list of conditions that alpha lipoic acid has been scientifically shown to help. How Alpha Lipoic Acid Influences Weight & Helps with Weight Loss. As you probably are already aware, weight gain and loss loss is more complex than a simple calories in/calories out model. Weight gain results from a complex change in hormones usually a direct result of lifestyle disturbances like poor diet (nutritionally deficient), high stress (from job or other factors), lack of exercise (altering muscle mass) and decreased activity (lack of exercise). With this in mind that means supplements (or other therapies) designed to treat weight loss should focus on correcting these hormone imbalances in the body. This is how supplements can help you lose weight without a change in diet. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) In this Article In this Article In this Article. ALA, the Antioxidant; ALA and Diabetes. How Stuff Works: 'Alpha Lipoic Acid and Weight Loss.'. ![]() With that in mind let's talk about how alpha lipoic acid can influence these hormes.. Bottom Line: Weight gain is due to hormonal changes and effective weight loss therapies target these hormonal imbalances. Increases Insulin Sensitivity. ALA attenuates (decreases) insulin resistance and helps lower fasting blood sugar. ![]() All of these changes are mediated through insulin and insulin resistance. It is responsible for cellular growth, especially fat cells. While helpful in small amounts (it can help regulate blood sugar) high levels of insulin (AKA insulin resistance) leads to weight gain and a number of other chronic conditions. Couple that with the fact that up to 5. US population has some form of insulin resistance and you see why this is important. But what about patients with pre- diabetes or high fasting insulin levels that don't meet criteria for diabetes by blood sugar testing? These patients are largely . For this reason it is very important for you to understand both your fasting blood sugar levels and insulin levels because there are treatments outside of medications that can help lower insulin levels. Up to 5. 0% of patients may experience some weight loss when changing to a low carbohydrate diet, but that leaves 5. These therapies can be from either supplements or medications designed to treat and reverse insulin levels. Bottom Line: ALA can help to lower insulin levels and reverse insulin resistance in some patients. Because high levels of insulin cause weight gain, low insulin levels are very important for long term weight loss. Increases Mitochondrial Energy Production. ![]() ![]() Alpha lipoic acid . Low levels of ALA may slow down mitochondrial energy production leading to several symptoms including the subjective sense of fatigue (or decreased energy) that many people have today. If you are interesting weight loss then you want proper energy production in mitochondria for several reasons: First: Proper energy production helps set your basal metabolic rate (AKA your metabolism). The constant amount of energy required to keep you alive, breathing and moving requires a lot of energy. In fact your basal metabolic rate determines how many calories you burn at rest simply living. ![]() And this amount of calories is significantly more than any calories you burn while exercising. Which means that your metabolism is paramount in terms of importance when trying to lose weight. Taking ALA may help boost energy levels which will allow you to get up be more active, build more lean muscle mass and further improve your metabolism. Your fat cells (like other tissues in your body) can become inflamed, and when they are inflamed the medical term is known as adiposopathy or adipositis. And inflammation in your fat cells is a big deal. Here's why: Your fat cells do more than just give you cellulite. ![]() What is alpha lipoic acid? Weight Loss Skin Conditions. Preliminary studies suggest that alpha lipoic may offer a variety of benefits. Learn about the potential benefits of Alpha-Lipoic Acid including contraindications. The results showed that after 3 weeks. Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a. The Top 10 Weight Loss Supplements. Type 2 Diabetes and Dietary Supplements. A 2011 meta-analysis reviewed the results of 13 studies that looked at how much magnesium people got. How Do I Use Alpha Lipoic Acid for Weight Loss? I really feel like it boosted my results. They are responsible for hormonal signals that tell your brain to burn fat and increase metabolism. High levels of inflammation lead to dysregulation of these hormones and contribute to the condition known as leptin resistance. Leptin resistance is one of the main causes of weight loss resistance which basically makes weight loss almost impossible. Inflammation reduces the conversion of T4 to T3 leading to high levels of reverse T3 - this process further blunts your metabolism and leads to weight gain. Bottom Line: ALA helps lower inflammation in the body which can help weight loss by reducing fat cell inflammation and potentially improving thyroid function. The Combination of Alpha Lipoic Acid + Prescription Medications Boosts Weight Loss. This synergy is emphasized in several studies.. The First study. Alpha lipoic acid may promote an increase in testosterone by virtue of its insulin lowering effects. The Second study. This study showed that patients using both metformin plus alpha lipoic acid had more weight loss, better cholesterol and a reduction in blood sugar compared to metformin alone. In my practice I've also noted a similar benefit with combination therapy and this is how I would recommend you consider supplementing (compared to taking the supplement by itself). How to use ALA for the Best Results. When supplementing with ALA there are a few things to consider: Alpha lipoic acid generally has more benefit when it is in a sustained release or delayed release form. This allows for a sustained level of alpha lipoic acid to be absorbed throughout the day. In addition it is also important to make sure that your dose is high enough to get symptomatic improvement. How to Supplement with Alpha Lipoic Acid. Why I like it. May increase energy levels through mitochondrial pathways. May help with weight loss by sensitizing the body to insulin. Helps multiple conditions including cognitive disorders. Generally well tolerated with few side effects. How to tell if you Need it. Patients with the following conditions should consider using ALA (alpha lipoic acid)Patients with weight loss resistance or chronic weight gain. Patients with insulin resistance (as evidenced by an elevated fasting insulin greater than 5) Patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Patients with cognitive decline or a history of dementia. Patients with high levels of non specific inflammation (as evidenced by elevated ESR and/or CRP) Patients with non alcoholic fatty liver disease (as evidenced by AST/ALT values > 2. How to Use. Take up to 1,8. Start titration at 6. Length of treatment may vary depending on condition, but should last for several months at least. My Recommended Brand and Product: Make sure the Dosage is high enough. To get the most benefit from alpha lipoic acid your dosage should range from 6. In some cases doses as high as 2,4. Use this as a general guide based on your medical condition.. Remember, whenever possible, your ALA should be in a sustained release form. The most common side effects include: itching, small rashes and/or urticaria (hives). These changes usually occur at only higher doses (typically 1,8. In my opinion many of these side effects are due to a . It doesn't meant that these side effects are necessary bad, but instead may represent a purging of various breakdown products stored in adipose tissue. Recall that I generally do not recommend the use of ALA in isolation, so if you know what your medical condition is you can target it with the addition of these supplements. Dose should be 5. Magnesium: Magnesium helps in a number of ways but can also help weight weight loss (read more here), start with 2. Use up to 2,0. 00mg per day for maximum benefit. For best results combine 3+ supplements targeted at insulin resistance, blood sugar and for weight loss. Other supplements designed to lower inflammation: Patients with non specific inflammation generally have markers such as CRP, ESR and hs. CRP elevated on their blood tests. These inflammatory markers are frequently accompanied with insulin resistance, leptin resistance and weight gain (for reasons stated above). When inflammation is present treat aggressively with 2- 3+ anti inflammatory supplements: . Dose should be up to 2 grams per day and 1 mg of astaxanthin. Dose should be up to 1,0. Quercetin + Bromelain: Powerful anti oxidant that can help boost immune function and especially helpful in patients with GI problems and/or chronic runny nose. Foods High in Alpha Lipoic Acid. If you prefer to try and get ALA through your diet then I've also included a list of recommended foods naturally high in ALA. Foods high in ALA: Spinach. Organ meats like liver, kidney and heart. Brussel sprouts. Broccoli. Due to its various effects on inflammation, hormones, insulin and acting as an anti- oxidant this supplement can actually help with weight loss as well. This will help you achieve your desired results. Also remember that ALA can be combined with other medications and hormone like testosterone and metformin to boost weight loss results. Now it's your turn: Are you using alpha lipoic acid? Has it helped you with weight loss? Alpha- Lipoic Acid Uses, Benefits & Dosage. Scientific Name(s): 1,2- dithiolane- 3- pentanoic acid ; 1,2- dithiolane- 3- valeric acid ; 6,8- thioctic acid ; alpha- lipoic acid ; 5- (1,2- dithiolan- 3- yl) valeric acid. Common Name(s): Alpha- lipoic acid , lipoic acid , thioctic acid , acetate replacing factor , biletan , lipoicin , thioctacid , thioctan. Uses. Alpha- lipoic acid (ALA) has been used as an antioxidant for the treatment of diabetes and HIV. It also has been used for cancer, liver ailments, and various other conditions. Dosing. Oral dosage of alpha- lipoic acid given in numerous clinical studies ranges from 3. It also is given intravenously at similar daily dosages. Contraindications. Contraindications have not yet been determined. Pregnancy/Lactation. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Interactions. None well documented. Adverse Reactions. No adverse reactions have been reported. Toxicology. No data. Lipoic acid (LA) is a fat- soluble, sulfur- containing, vitamin- like antioxidant. It is not a true vitamin because it can be synthesized in the body and is not necessary in the diet of animals. LA functions in the same manner as many B- complex vitamins. Good sources of LA are yeast and liver. Other sources include spinach, broccoli, potatoes, kidney, heart, and skeletal muscle. History. In the 1. In 1. 95. 1, a fat- soluble coenzyme factor was discovered from lactic acid bacteria. Researchers isolated and identified alpha- lipoic acid (ALA) and found it to be an important growth factor for many bacteria and protozoa. It is the most active form of lipoic acid. Chemistry. LA is a naturally occurring dithiol compound that functions as a cofactor for many mitochondrial enzymes involved in energy metabolism. Endogenous LA is bound to proteins and is involved in acyl- group transfer reactions. Both in vivo and in vitro studies demonstrate that LA exhibits the ability to scavenge free radicals, chelate redox- active transition metals, regulate the detoxification of heavy metals, and modulate various signal transduction pathways in physiological and pathological conditions. LA is an 8- carbon sulfur containing fatty acid that has the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry name of 5- (. It is synthesized de novo from octanoic acid by lipoic acid synthase in most prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms, plants, and animals. LA can also be absorbed from the diet, and natural food sources, as well as from nutritional supplements. Two liopate enatiomers ( R and S ) exist as a consequence of a chiral center at the C6 location; however only R - LA is endogenously synthesized. LA can be oxidized and reduced, whereby the disulfide- containing ring is opened to form dihydrolipoic acid (DHLA) by the mitochondrial enzyme lipoamide dehydrogenase. LA/DHLA is recognized as an essential cofactor for pyruvate dehydrogenase, alpha- ketoglutarate dehydrogenase, and other mitochondrial enzymes, thus making LA a necessary cofactor in catabolic and metabolic processes. Numerous studies have demonstrated the ability of LA to stimulate various signal transduction pathways and activate transcription factors including activation of G- protein coupled receptors and adenosine 3',5'- cyclic phosphate production, mitogen activated protein kinase signaling cascade, insulin signaling, and protein kinase B and nuclear factor kappa B. LA interacts with and recycles endogenous glutathione (GSH). Pharmacokinetics. Pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of both enantiomers of ALA have been studied in 1. ALA appears to be readily absorbed orally and converted to its reduced form, DHLA, in many tissues of the body. The effects of ALA and DHLA are present both intra- and extracellularly. R - ALA is bound to a protein where it functions as an essential cofactor for several mitochondrial enzyme complexes in energy production and the catabolism of alpha- keto acids and amino acids. Nutritional supplements of ALA are generally made up of R - ALA alone or a racemic mixture of the 2 isomers. Human studies using the oral racemic mixture have demonstrated plasma concentration of R - ALA to be higher than that of S - ALA. One study found that following oral administration, the maximum plasma concentrations of R - ALA were double that of S - ALA. Uses and Pharmacology. The pharmacology of ALA has been studied in the chelation of transition and heavy metals, CNS conditions, oxidation, diabetes, AIDS, cancer, and liver ailments. CNS diseases. Increasing evidence shows that mitochondrial dysfunction due to the oxidation of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids plays an important role in brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington disease. Mitochondria provide energy for basic metabolic processes, produce oxidants as inevitable by- products, and decay with age, impairing cellular metabolism and leading to cellular decline. Various mechanisms of LA's positive effects on cognitive function have been suggested, including improvement of memory- related signaling pathways, reduction of oxidative stress, and improvement of mitochondrial function. ALA may also restore the activity of acetylcholinesterase and Na + , K + - ATPase. The activity of acetylcholinesterase was decreased in the cerebral corex, cerebellum, striatum, hippocampus, and hypothalamus in aged rats, while administration of LA reversed the decrease in the activity in the discrete brain regions. Treatment with LA also protected cortical neurons against cytotoxicity induced by beta- amyloid or hydrogen peroxide. A combination of nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs and appropriate levels and types of micronutrients may be more effective than the individual agents in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer disease. Based on epidemiological, laboratory, and clinical studies, using the optimal combinations of LA and other mitochondrial nutrients to target mitochondrial dysfunction may provide an effective strategy in delaying aging, and preventing and treating cognitive dysfunction. Multiple sclerosis. Animal data. LA has been studied as an effective therapy in a rat model of multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. ALA dose dependently prevented the development of clinical signs in this model. LA has a protective effect on encephalomyelitis development not only by affecting the migratory capacity of monocytes, but also by stabilizing the blood- brain barrier. Mouse studies have shown that LA suppresses the migration of T cells across the blood- brain barrier in the spinal cord. Additionally, LA inhibited expression of intracellular adhesion molecule- 1 (ICAM- 1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule- 1 (VCAM- 1) by CNS endothelial cells in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. LA was also effective in preventing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis development in a dose- dependent fashion. It was shown that reactive oxygen species are important mediators of injury in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and that generation of reactive oxygen species can be decreased by LA. LA also decreased the migration of monocytes across the blood- brain barrier, which correlated with clinical improvement seen in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In other studies, LA decreased the phagocytosis of myelin by macrophages by inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species. Clinical data. A placebo- controlled phase 1 clinical trail of 3. LA in multiple sclerosis. Subjects were randomly assigned to 4 groups, including placebo. The other 3 groups received LA 6. The study found LA to be generally well tolerated, but peak plasma levels of LA varied among subjects. As would be expected in a short duration study, there was no change in disability caused by multiple sclerosis as assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Score. The study found that stable blood levels of LA required a dose of 1,2. T- cell migration into the CNS. Longer- duration trials with a larger number of multiple sclerosis subjects are needed to establish the ability of LA to decrease disease activity. Alzheimer disease. Animal data. A number of animal studies have demonstrated that ALA improves age- associated cognitive dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative diseases. ALA improved cognitive function in healthy older mice, as well as longer- term memory of aged female nuclear magnetic resonance imaging mice. ALA also demonstrated improvement with cognitive function in senescence- accelerated mice and in chemically- induced, aging- accelerated mice. ALA improved hippocampal- dependent memory deficits of Tg. Alzheimer disease. It also showed improvement of cognitive function in X- irradiation- induced memory impaired in mice. Clinical data. Small studies utilizing LA in Alzheimer disease have been reported. Nine patients with Alzheimer- related dementias were given LA 6. The treatment led to stabilization of cognitive function as measured by the Mini- Mental State Examination and the Alzheimer Disease Assessment Scale, cognitive subscale (ADAS- cog). Though the study was small and not randomized, it suggests that treatment with LA is a possible neuroprotective therapy option for Alzheimer disease and related dementias. In a follow- up study, analysis was extended to 3. The study confirmed that LA treatment slowed the progression rate of dementia dramatically, compared with the rate in untreated patients or patients receiving cholinesterase inhibitors. Hearing loss. Age- related hearing loss is the most common form of hearing impairment in adults. As levels of ALA have been found to decrease with age, dietary supplementation with this compound may moderate age- related alterations in mitochondria. Animal data. A study in DBA mice found that those fed ALA exhibited preserved hearing during early- onset, age- related hearing loss, possibly caused by decreased reactive oxygen species production and enhanced antioxidant status in aged mice.
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