Alpha Lipoic Acid For Fat Loss And Anti-Aging

The importance and characteristics of Alpha-Lipoic Acid was first discovered by scientists in the 1950s. Since then it has been the subject of many research projects around the world both human an animal

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Some have claimed that its antioxidant properties can prevent or treat many age-related diseases such as heart disease, strokes and cataracts.

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In 1999 Berkeley Wellness took a look at this much-touted supplement and concluded that "it might one day prove to be very important but that it was too early to recommend it." Since that time, though, many more studies have been completed and the benefits of ALA have become well defined.

ALA plays a crucial role in the body's ability to produce energy. In fact, the body itself makes ALA for that purpose. However, when there is more ALA in the system than is required, it takes on the properties of an antioxidant. The only way to reach an excess of ALA, though, is to take supplements containing it; the body rarely manufactures more than it needs.

It also works with vitamins C and E as well as other antioxidants by recycling them which makes them more effective.

There are many ongoing human studies of using ALA as a preventative or treatment for heart disease, strokes, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. It is also being looked at to counteract declines in energy, muscle strength, brain function and immunity. Other possible uses of ALA include treating HIV and multiple sclerosis.

ALA removes peroxyol, peroxynitrite, hydroxyl, alkoxyl and superoxide radicals among many others. It is both fat soluable and water soluable. Its small size allows it to prevent oxidation in areas where other supplements cannot such as oxidation within the cell nucleus allowing it to protect the DNA, helping to prevent the degredation of DNA that can cause many age related diseases.

Other benefits include:

Stabilization of Blood Sugar - As mentioned earlier, ALA has proven to be an effective treatment for diabetes. It changes glucose uptake by improving insulin sensitivity. Insulin resistance decreased blood flow, oxygen availability an glucose uptake in muscle during exercise. It may also improve insulin sensitivity when combined with exercise.

Hemodilation - ALA can help increase the amount of nicric oxide in the blood stream causing the vascular system to dilate (the blood vessels get bigger) which helps lower blood pressure and increase blood flow to the muscles.

Improve Cognitive Function - It has been oufn do decreae all three indices of oxidative stress in the brain which in turn reverses memory impairment and improves cognition. It has also been proven to help increase neural blood flow and improve nerve conduction. All of the aspects together help improve the overall function of the brain and help ward off cognitive disorders such as memory loss and Alzheimers's

The best way to take ALA is to take dosages of 100 mg per day in a mixture of 50% R-ALA and 50% S-ALA (each version of ALA has its own potency and effects).

It is also recommended that those taking ALA should also take vitamins C and E as well as N-acetyl cysteine since all, when taken together, compliment the efficacy and positive effects of the others.

Using ALA as a dietary supplement is that there are no known interactions with medications and no known negative side effects. In essence, ALA is the perfect supplement - all the benefit without any of the risk.

Although not specifically recommended as a weight loss supplement, the ability of ALA to induce the body to create energy (burn calories) can no doubt assist with weight loss especially when combined with proper diet and exercise.

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Alpha Lipoic Acid For Fat Loss And Anti-Aging

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Best Cellulite Treatment - How Alpha Lipoic Acid Can Help

What's the best cellulite treatment? There are many cellulite treatments or cellulite creams that can help to offset the appearance of cellulite. In this short article, we will share with you one little secret of what makes some cellulite creams work.

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What is Cellulite

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Cellulite formation is the result of the accumulation of toxins in the fat tissues under the skin. These are the toxins which are usually not removable by the kidneys and are stored in the fat tissues under the skin. These toxins are the main cause of cellulite appearance in the human body. So, it is very essential to remove these extra toxins from your body to reduce the cellulite under the skin.

Anti-oxidants are the substances which are used to remove the extra body toxins. An important anti-oxidant is ALA. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA)has also anti-inflammatory properties. This chemical compound is soluble in water as well as fats.

It is also commonly used as a topical treatment. It means it can be applied directly on the skin surface. All effective topical cellulite solutions should include this acid. This acid is very effective and it can easily pass through the cell membrane of the body cells. The cell membranes of the body cell are rich in lipids. Many other topical anti-oxidants cannot pass through this lipid rich cell membrane, easily. After reaching inside the body cells, the Alpha Lipoic Acid is solved in the cell contents and produces its effects efficiently. The inflammations are removed and the toxins are released from the body cells.

Does ALA works?

Alpha lipoid Acid removes the cell toxins and decreases the inflammations caused by these toxins. It enhances the over all toxin removal from the body. This is done by affecting on Vitamins E and C inside the body cells and increasing their anti-oxidant ability.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is mainly used for removing the stretch marks produced on the skin due to cellulite formation. This acid is famous for its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects but its direct effect on the skin cells, to remove the cellulite, is not fully studied yet. But, it is evident that the process of toxin removal is greatly enhanced by using ALA. The toxin removal indirectly reduces the cellulite formation in the body. ALA also decreases the inflammations in the body which reduces the chances of further accumulation of toxins in the body.

There is really no best cellulite treatment that can remove the cellulite on its alone. But with ALA, it can increase and improve the healing process if used with some other anti-cellulite products.

Best Cellulite Treatment - How Alpha Lipoic Acid Can Help

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Lipoic Acid Side Effects - Anything to Worry About?

If you use alpha lipoic acid or ala as supplements, then you may need to consider lipoic acid side effects. If you don't know what alpha-lipoic acid is, ala is one of the fatty acids you will find inside all the cells of your body. This very necessary acid is what is used by your body to create energy for our body's needs. In its simplest terms, your body converts glucose or blood sugar into the energy that your body needs to function.

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Also, research shows that alpha lipoic acids is a powerful antioxidant which can neutralize something called free radicals in your body as well. Why is this important and what may be lipoic acid side effects? Naturally, there are very few side effects. When taking alpha lipoic acid, it may be a different story. The real power of any antioxidant that occurs naturally within the body or through a health supplement is the reduction of free radicals, as mentioned just a moment back.

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Free radicals are unbalanced molecules in your body that are lacking electrons. Clinical studies have shown that the body's ability to fit oxidative stress (which leads to free radical damage) reduces with age and exposure to outside toxins that are ingested into the body. What makes alpha lipoic acid unique is that it does function in water and fat, where more common and well known antioxidants, such as vitamin E or C cannot function?

Now, a benefit of alpha lipoic acids is that helps with individuals who suffer from diabetes where blood sugar levels or blood glucose is higher than normal. Ala helps to balance this out.

Some lipoic acid side effects are the possibility of pain in the stomach or back pain that is caused by an upset stomach. High doses can even lead to lower blood sugar levels. These are extreme cases when taken in an oral fashion as alpha lipoic acid side effects are almost none existent. Diabetic patients should consult with their physician before considering any treatment as ala may influence your insulin dosage and lead to other disease.

This is quite possibly the body's "universal" antioxidant. Actually your body requires ala as it plays a very important role in the mitochondria or the 'blueprint' of your cells when they copy themselves. Foods will only contain very small amounts of ala. As you age, your body's natural ability to make this acid does reduce. So, as your body reduces its natural levels, your body loses its ability to properly clone your cells in your body. Studies have also shown that by the time you turn 95, 5% of your mitochondrial DNA remain unchanged.

ALA also works well with vitamin C and E and some other antioxidants thus recycling them and thus making them much more effective. So, needless to say, supplementation can become vitally important as we age. We could literally say what are the lipoic acid side effects when the body looses much of its naturally ability to produce ala? Pretty dramatic.

Ala may not get to our blood stream, where it needs to go. This is due to the extremely efficient manner that our digestive system breaks down everything we ingest. Vitamin and mineral supplementation will typically have a bioavailability of 10 to 30 percent in the small intestine. This means that more than 70% of the ala you ingest is lost before it can be put to work.

The real trick then is not side effects alpha lipoic acid may produce, but actually getting them within the blood stream in the first place. As always consult with your physician before considering any supplement program.

Lipoic Acid Side Effects - Anything to Worry About?

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Alpha Lipoic Acid for Autism

Autism is a disease that is referred to as a developmental disability. It typically appears during the first two or three years of life. Autism is the result of a neurological disorder that renders the brain functioning poor in certain areas. The behavioural symptoms that have been linked with this disease have been estimated to occur in about 1 out of 500 individuals. Autism causes severe impact to the normal development of the brain in the areas of social interaction as well as communication skills. Children and adults affected with autism typically have problems in verbal and non-verbal communication, social interactions and relaxation or play activities. This disorder renders it difficult for them to interact with the outside world. They may show evidence of recurring body movements (hand flapping, rocking), odd responses to people or attachments to objects and refuse to accept any changes in routines.

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However alpha lipoic acid (ALA) now presents hope for autism. Research on rat aging has revealed that the use of carnitine and lipoic acid results in enhanced memory performance and deferred structural mitochondrial decay. As a result, it may be helpful for people with memory disorders or brain related dysfunctions. This shows that alpha lipoic acid can be of tremendous help in these diseases. Also, Vitamins C and E may reduce the risk of developing autism. Based on the hypothesis that free radicals are toxic to the neurons in the brain, it was investigated as to whether the intake of antioxidants like vitamin C, E and beta-carotene from food could protect against autism and other nervous system and brain related problems. It was found that ALA has extreme role to play in relieving the situation.

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Alpha lipoic acid has such valuable benefits that it is perhaps not wrong to call it a universal antioxidant. Alpha lipoid acid has hardly if any side effects, although if taken in extremely high doses like higher then 100mg, it can lead to conditions of nausea, upset stomachs and low blood sugar levels. However, at the same time ALA is a major relaxant and if consumed correctly it can lead to a general state of well being.

Alpha Lipoic Acid for Autism

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Alpha Lipoic Acid Dosage

A daily Dose of 20 mg to 50 mg (milligrams) of ALA, or alpha lipoic acid, is the minimum requirement of healthy person. In diabetes, for antioxidant protection it is essential to administer a Dose of 100 mg twice a day to help prevent further complications. However, for diabetic neuropathy, the required Dose is 200 mg, 3 times a day.

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ALA is a universal anti-oxidant. It has been widely lauded as a general, all-around free radical buster. Free radicals are damaging to the body, causing liver damage, inflaming diabetes, and other health problems. ALA is a naturally occuring anti-oxidant in the body, but daily dosages can greatly improve chances of fighting off these various diseases. The pills, creams and lotions are made from plant foods like tomatoes, spinach, and broccolli, as well as beef, yeast, and kidneys. Follow these instructions, but please also consult your doctor. These are only suggestions.

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For anti-aging, a daily Dose of 100 mg of ALA is suggested by the manufacturers. To help with cancer prevention, a Dose of 100 mg of ALA twice a day is usually administered. For cataract patients, a 100 mg Dose of ALA twice a day may be beneficial. In Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, usually a daily Dose of 100 to 200 mg is prescribed.

It is beneficial to administer a Dose of 100 mg twice a day in hepatitis patients. ALA supports healthy skin at a Dose of 50 mg twice a day. Topical application of ALA also proves to be exceptionally beneficial to the skin.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Dosage

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Alpha Lipoic Acid - Fountain of Youth, Fountain of Health

Alpha Lipoic Acid has been available commercially for about 10 years and is slowly creeping into the consciousness of the general public. Based on scientific studies published over the past year, this little-known antioxidant may well turn out to be society's answer to the woes of aging and poor health. These studies have revealed a host of dramatic health benefits and have demonstrated that ALA has the potential to improve physical health, mental health and, perhaps most exciting, literally slow down the process of aging.

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In terms of mental health, a 2007 study published by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (with researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, University of Toronto, University of California-Berkeley, Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute and Juvenon) concluded that ALA, taken as a nutritional supplement, improved the memory, the ability to learn, and the cognitive function of geriatric dogs.

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The key to the improvement seen in these areas is ALA's effect on mitochondria. Known as the "cell's power plant," mitochondria supply most of a cell's energy, however growing research suggests it may be among the first cellular components to be damaged by oxidation and free radicals. Alpha Lipoic Acid, in combination with Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALC), has the unique ability to step in and actually slow down mitochondrial decay.

Evidence of the positive effects of ALA was seen after 15 weeks of training older dogs, supplemented by the two antioxidants, to find a food treat by visually identifying a particular marker. 80 percent of dogs taking the supplement were able to find the hidden food whereas only 50 percent of dogs not taking the supplement were successful. In this case, ALA improved object/spatial discernment in dogs, the decline of which in humans is a sign of dementia.

In terms of physical health, two studies have suggested major areas where Alpha Lipoic Acid, in combination with ALC, has the potential to prevent and reverse damage from chronic disease. A study conducted at the Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia showed how ALA might mitigate the effects of Diabetes, and another study, conducted by scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute and College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University and the Department of Medicine at the University of Washington, showed improvement in the treatment of Atherosclerosis and obesity.

These studies showed that ALA, when taken regularly, helps normalize insulin signaling and glucose metabolism, in addition to resetting and normalizing the entire metabolic process, hence the potential for stabilizing and minimizing the effects of diabetes. The studies also showed that a steady diet of ALA can inhibit the formation of arterial lesions, lower triglycerides, and reduce blood vessel inflammation, all of which are vital to preventing cardiovascular disease.

Alpha Lipoic Acid has also been shown to inhibit weight gain through several actions. It suppresses the appetite while it stimulates both the metabolic rate and higher levels of physical activity. The proof lies in the mice given ALA supplements; they chose to eat less and run around more. Consequently they gained less weight than the control group given the same amount of food.

And finally, moving one step closer to that ever-elusive fountain of youth, a study conducted by scientists at the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University has shown that Alpha Lipoic Acid can literally slow down the process of aging. The study clarified that ALA restores levels of glutathione, a protective antioxidant and detoxification compound, to that of a young animal. A lower level of glutathione makes cells far more susceptible to free radicals and environmental toxins, and while scientists don't believe that ALA directly improves cellular function, they believe instead it simply "kick starts" declining function in cells. In a nutshell, Alpha Lipoic Acid is considered a "low-level stressor" that activates the body's basic cellular defenses that naturally decline with age.

Those who decide to take an Alpha Lipoic Acid supplement, or are already taking ALA, should be aware that it is a highly insoluble compound and hence poorly absorbed by the body in the powder form. More recently however, there are forms of ALA on the market that are already "solubilized," and therefore more efficiently and consistently absorbed, leading to higher ALA plasma levels. These findings are confirmed by studies conducted by KemTek Pharmaceuticals in rabbits and humans which showed that ALA plasma levels were two to three times higher with solubilized formulations versus several commercially available powder formulations. (ethicalalternativeproducts.com)

ALA is perhaps the magic bullet to not only a long lifespan, but more importantly, a great "healthspan," that is, the number of years of good health and freedom from degenerative disease one can expect. Alpha Lipoic Acid has myriad positive effects on the cellular level and it just may be the key to feeling great for years to come.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - Fountain of Youth, Fountain of Health

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The Big Difference Between R-Alpha Lipoic Acid and STABILIZED R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

I have read several scientific articles comparing R-Alpha Lipoic Acid and Stabilized R-Alpha Lipoic Acid and understood that the Stabilized R ALA is by far superior to unstabilized R-ALA. I must confess it was quite difficult to go through all those scientific terms, but what made things clear for me was seeing the results of an experiment, a practical demonstration. So what I will do here is write about the most important differences between unstablizied R-ALA and Stabilized R ALA as clearly and practically as I can. All ALA is not the same!

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First, we'll have to remember the terms we are working with. It's not as difficult as it may look.

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R-ALA = unstabilized R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

Stabilized R ALA = Stabilized R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

And now let's go to the differences:

What does this stable versus non-stable actually mean? It means that you don't have to keep the stable R ALA in the fridge. You can just keep it on a shelf and it will be good for 3 years without becoming polymerized. "Wait a minute!" you say. "Polymerized!" Oh, that's what I did not understand either till I saw the experiment. The "polymerized" sample became hard and stuck to surfaces (table and even the spoon they mixed it with in water). R-ALA will do that easily when exposed to light, heat or moisture. So the unstable R-ALA can become polymerized even before it gets to you -while handled by its producers, when the powder is put into capsules. That friction will cause heating which will lead to polymerization even before the product leaves the factory! Then, on its way to you, the mail won't keep it in a fridge, so the R-ALA will most probably be affected by the heat it is exposed to. I'm sure that if you saw the polymerized R-ALA you would never again put it in your mouth and stomach.

Stabilized R ALA is water soluble, it dissolves in water, while the R-ALA is not soluble. This also leads to another point -stabilized R ALA is easily absorbed, which means it gets into the system where it becomes efficient and does its job, while the R-ALA absorption is slower and far less. In a clinical trial, the concentration of lipoic acid in the plasma was 40 times higher in the people who were given stabilized R ALA than those who were given R-ALA!

You should also know that unstabilized R-ALA can cause heartburn or indigestion, while stabilized R ALA does not cause heartburn, indigestion or stomach discomfort.

I think these differences (and I only wrote about those I considered most important, but there are more) make it clear for anyone why Stabilized R ALA is much better and why you should get it and not just R-ALA.

To read more information about these differences follow this link: R ALA

The Big Difference Between R-Alpha Lipoic Acid and STABILIZED R-Alpha Lipoic Acid

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Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits - Know the Trick it Does For Weight Loss

Alpha lipoic acid benefits are numerous. This is a kind of fatty acid (in short known as ALA) that can dissolve both in water and fat. One of its benefits in terms of weight loss is worth mentioning.

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If any of you believe that fat only produces fat, you are wrong. There are so many biological reactions in our body that will defy many logic's but they are facts. One of the facts is sugar becoming fat. Read this story.

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After every meal we take, the tissues in our body will rapidly grab and eat the glucose from the blood when the blood passes through. The hormone insulin is responsible for this. In this way, the sugar in the blood is maintained at appropriate level. In addition, insulin stops the liver from delivering any fat to the blood after the meal. If it is not stopped, it will become a kind of deposit like glucose in the blood. It should not stay for a long time in our blood.

If sugar level is increased in our blood, it means our body can not burn the excess sugar. Immediately insulin will be released to store the excess sugar. This will be in the form of glycogen. Since the storage of glycogen in our body is very small, the sugar will be stored in the form of saturated fat. Thus sugar becomes fat. Fat accumulation starts if unchecked.

You may now ask, what is the relationship between insulin, alpha lipoic acid benefits and weight loss? I can explain to you.

We have two problems in our hand. (1) Limited glycogen storage. (2) Accumulation of saturated fat. The solution lies in increasing the intake of glucose into the muscles. Since insulin is the only hormone that can do this and pancreas supplied whatever is possible, the body needs something that can mimic insulin to maximize glucose intake.

Now the alpha lipoic acid benefits come into picture. ALA is a perfect insulin mimic. When the glycogen storage is full and the insulin shuttles the excess sugar out to transform as fat, ALA will mimic insulin. In that process ALA increases glut-4 transporters which are insulin regulated glucose transporters. When the transporters are increased, the amount of glucose injected into the muscle is increased and the fat accumulation is reduced.

ALA can enhance the insulin sensitivity also. It will improve body's ability to add lean- mass and reduce the fat. These are good beginning for weight loss.

ALA is available in many of the meat products and vegetables. It is slightly more present in lever, kidney, broccoli, spinach etc. One can go in for natural supplement to get the alpha lipoic acid benefits. Since dietary source for the supplement is very expensive, mostly we will find only synthetic supplements in the market. Even though it is expensive, it is strongly recommended that we should go in for natural nutrition supplement to avoid any side effects. You should visit my website where you can find a trusted manufacturer who can offer 100% natural supplement that includes this nutrition also.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits - Know the Trick it Does For Weight Loss

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Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Help Type 1 Or Type 2 Diabetes?

Nature is really very clever; it has devised a great system for counteracting oxidative damage in your body ... antioxidants. They are compounds that give out electrons to stabilize and neutralize free radicals. Certain substances which are produced in your body are able to combine with specific nutrients found in food and supplements, and work in synergy with each other to keep your body in tip-top shape.

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Alpha-lipoic acid, abbreviated as ALA and also known as thioctic acid, is one of those powerful supplements. ALA is proven to be beneficial in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, effectively slowing down the progression of:

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neuropathy nephropathy retinopathy

and improves the sensitivity of your tissues to insulin. In fact ALA has been approved for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy in Germany for almost thirty years.

The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) has published numerous studies done by different researchers worldwide. These studies concluded that ALA has positive effects in preventing complications brought on by consistently high blood sugar levels.

A study carried out by researchers at the University of Heidelberg, Germany, consisted of 84 diabetic patients who were given alpha-lipoic acid 600 mg twice daily for 18 months. After that period, 35 people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes were found to have a slower progression of their diabetes as opposed to 49 patients that served as the control group. Also, they discovered less protein was excreted in their urine, which means that nephropathy was somehow halted.

These scientifically proven findings are good news! How does alpha-lipoic acid work? Of course the magical action of ALA is it's anti-oxidant properties. As an anti-oxidant:

it counteracts the damage done to nerve cells, particularly the oxidative stress brought about by long term high blood sugar levels it offers impressive protection against glycation and aging induced damage to your heart, blood vessels, kidneys and nerves it also has the ability to improve blood flow which helps in the battle against neuropathy and other complications associated with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes

A person in good health is often recommended a dose as low as 10-50 mg of ALA once daily, taken an hour or two before meals. Side effects for a higher dose may cause abnormal heart rhythms. However, the Linus Pauling Institute recommends 200-400 mg.

If you are thinking about taking alpha-lipoic acid for your diabetic complications, check with your health care practitioner as the effect of ALA may rule out the need for additional anti-diabetic medications ... if you are taking insulin injections your dose may need to be decreased. No doubt your health care practitioner will also advise you to monitor your blood sugar levels when taking any supplements that help reduce your blood sugars, including alpha-lipoic acid.

Does Alpha Lipoic Acid Help Type 1 Or Type 2 Diabetes?

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Alpha Lipoic Acid for Pain

Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is well known for its pain relieving abilities. It is known to be most effective against the burning, numbness and pain that often is associated with diabetes. This is one antioxidant, which works wonders as a pain medication.

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Human clinical trials for testing the efficacy of alpha lipoic acid for pain relief have been very encouraging. In one of these trials, participants received 200 milligrams of intravenous alpha lipoic acid daily. After a period of 21 days, significant pain reduction was achieved in most participants.

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Alpha lipoic acid is also responsible for rapidly and significantly reducing sensory symptoms and pain related to diabetic neuropathy. Lack of vitamin D has also been linked to pain in many studies and alpha lipoic acid being a trigger in assisting vitamin D working aids in alleviating pain. One key to the effectiveness of alpha lipoic acid in pain relief is its capability of neutralizing both water and fat-soluble free radicals. This means that alpha lipoic acid's power can be utilized in both intracellular and the extra cellular fluid to help the body rid itself of accumulated ingested toxins. Relief is a major concern for most people who suffer from chronic pain, whether it is from diabetes or other causes. Alpha lipoic acid has proved time and again to be a major relaxant and stress reliever.

Diabetics have also found alpha lipoic acid beneficial in reducing symptoms associated with nerve damage such as pain, burning, and numbness. However, supplemental alpha-lipoic acid may cause lower blood glucose levels. To avoid possible hypoglycemia, those with diabetes on anti-diabetic medication should have their blood glucose regularly monitored and anti-diabetic drug dose appropriately adjusted if required.

A note of caution: Due to lack of long-term safety data, alpha lipoic acid should be avoided by pregnant women and nursing mothers.

Alpha Lipoic Acid for Pain

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R Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits For People With Diabetes

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a remarkable nutrient with awesome potential. One of the conditions it is recommended for is diabetes. In this article I will enlist four reasons why ALA is beneficial for people suffering from diabetes.

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But before doing that, I should mention an important detail that everybody should be aware of: it is only the R Alpha Lipoic Acid (R-ALA) that fights all of the major effects of insulin resistance. The S form is not only useless, but can even make things worse. The ALA common supplements are a 50/50 mixture or the R and the S form. So, if you intend to purchase ALA supplements, we recommend that you look for those that specifically state they are R Alpha Lipoic Acid. Otherwise you might get the racemic mixture.

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The first reason why R-ALA is beneficial for people suffering from diabetes is that it can improve blood glucose utilization. R-ALA reduces insulin resistance and can lower blood sugar levels. Studies performed on animals also showed that it can prevent diabetes. In European countries -Germany, for example- R-ALA has been used for clinical treatment of diabetes for more than 30 years.

People with diabetes often suffer from complications, such as neurological, vascular, kidney and visual problems. Neuropathy is also a very common chronic problem for people who suffer from diabetes. R Alpha Lipoic Acid can help in the treatment of these complications. A study published in "Diabetes Care" has shown that supplementing with ALA can partly restore diabetic nerve function after only four months of high-dose oral treatment.(1)

People suffering from diabetes can also benefit from the antioxidant function of the R-ALA, and they need strong antioxidants like R-ALA more than healthy people. One of the free radicals sources in our bodies is the glucose in the bloodstream, which auto-oxidizes. Since people with diabetes have more glucose in the blood, they have an increased amount of oxidative stress. Because of the high level of oxidative stress, people with diabetes often experience complications that are usually associated with old age. "Diabetes is now defined as a condition that speeds up the aging process," says Keith Campbell, RPh, CDE. That is why R Alpha Lipoic Acid, an extraordinary antioxidant, is recommended for people suffering from diabetes.

R-ALA also helps protect the liver and detoxify it. Many people with diabetes are on medications that may damage the liver, which is our bodies' filter. R Alpha Lipoic Acid has been successfully used for the maintenance of liver health and as a treatment for several toxin-related illnesses.

In conclusion, R Alpha Lipoic Acid is beneficial for people suffering from diabetes because of its ability to normalize glucose uptake and utilization, as well as its beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetes complications and its detoxification characteristics. R-ALA is also an extraordinary antioxidant that can benefit everybody, and especially people suffering from diabetes.

R Alpha Lipoic Acid Benefits For People With Diabetes

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Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetes is one of those conditions that must be treated for life, and requires lifestyle shifts and constant monitoring. Diabetics are in for the long haul, no matter which of the two major types of diabetes they are living with. Both type-1 and type-2 diabetes are associated with elevated glucose levels in the blood and an inability of the cells to take up sugars which have the energy they need to perform the tasks they have to perform every day.

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All forms of diabetes present a serious problem to sufferers, in that they increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, eye disease, and kidney failure. One of the most troublesome long-term effects of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy, which involves changes in the peripheral nerves with associated pins and needles sensations or loss of sensation in the hands and feet.

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Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is found in liver, potatoes, and broccoli, and is prescribed in Germany for diabetic neuropathy. ALA has no effect on glucose levels; it is promoted for diabetic neuropathy. In a three-week German study of 328 patients with type-2 diabetes and diabetic neuropathy patients received either intravenous ALA or a placebo. The study results found a statically significant improvement in symptoms of pain, tingling, and disability related to neuropathy in those who got the ALA. The study also looked at 73 patients with type-2 diabetes and cardiac neuropathy who had taken either oral ALA or placebo - there was an improvement in measures of cardiac heart rate conductance in those who took ALA.

In an attempt to replicate these promising results, another multi-center study of 509 patients with diabetic neuropathy received three weeks of intravenous ALA followed by six months of oral ALA or placebo. This time there were no statistically significant differences in ALA versus placebo in changes in the total symptoms. The same group also looked at 120 patients after three weeks of intravenous ALA or placebo use, and they showed a statistically significant change in symptoms. So although there appears to be some benefit from ALA, study results vary and it is not clear that there is lasting benefit for diabetic neuropathy.

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) in the Treatment of Diabetic Neuropathy

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Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects - Hazardous Or Benign?

Today all types of allergies are skyrocketing, and more common now than ever before are fatal allergies. Food allergies also have risen dramatically in the last ten years.

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Although there is no clinical research evidence suggesting that alpha lipoic acid (ALA) side effects are a common or significant problem, with the rise in allergies it's wise to take extra precautions when introducing any new substance to your system.

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If you are prone to allergic reactions which are sometimes unpredictable, as is often the case with autoimmune illnesses, or if you have a progressive disease, like multiple sclerosis or tuberculosis, you should proceed with caution with alpha lipoic acid.

Some rare non-dangerous alpha lipoic acid side effects may include skin rashes and the potential of hypoglycemia in diabetic patients. If such side effects occur, it is usually a sign that the dosage can be lowered, which may eliminate any uncomfortable reactions.

Most nutritional supplements, including alpha lipoic acid, have an excellent safety record and pose no health risks if used as advised. This is one reason why they are regulated as food, rather than the strict regulations that pharmaceutical medications fall under.

While taking the precautions mentioned previously, ALA offers many potential benefits as a powerful antioxidant that can offer enhanced protection against cellular damage by toxins and stress.

ALA is emerging as the premier anti-aging antioxidant. The widely accepted theory today asserts that accumulated cellular damage, caused by free radicals, is the basis of aging. Another condition that it benefits is treating nerve damage that can result from diabetes.

Some Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid Include:

Treating symptoms of nerve damage (neuropathy) in people with diabetes. Preserve brain function in aging adults. Lessen numbness and tingling. Protect the liver in cases of hepatitis and other types of liver disease. Combat chronic fatigue syndrome. Reduce the incidence of cataracts.

ALA can be found as an individual supplement or as part of a "multi-nutrient" formula. In a multi-vitamin, ALA should be combined with vitamin C and E because it enhances their antioxidant activity.

With alpha lipoic acid side effects being rare and of little significance, and using caution if you are allergy prone, the benefits of this nutrient make it very useful in addressing many different health concerns as well as being a powerful protector against the illnesses connected with aging. It is recommended that you consult your health care provider before changing any medication or starting a nutritional supplementation program.

Alpha Lipoic Acid Side Effects - Hazardous Or Benign?

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Alpha Lipoic Acid Cream

ALA proves beneficial to the human skin mainly by virtue of its potential antioxidant ability. The universal antioxidant inhibits cross-linking and thereby slows the aging process. It safeguards from wrinkling of the skin, hardening of the arteries, and stiffening of the joints. In one short-term study, a high dose of ALA was found to reduce mild-to-moderate wrinkles by up to 50 percent. In another study, ALA Cream usage resulted in a significant improvement in the appearance of certain types of scars.

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ALA acts as a co-factor in a key biochemical pathway responsible for the production of energy in the cells (citric acid cycle). ALA exhibits a moderate anti-inflammatory effect and has a modest capacity to neutralize and eliminate a variety of toxic metals from the body. However, serious scientific research is required for the confident prescription of ALA Cream as a wrinkle cure option. Even then, the use of ALA Cream can be tried as a preferable remedy, because of its relative safety as compared to other marketed agents such as Retin A, vitamin C or glycolic acid.

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One of the most significant disadvantages of ALA use is its high market cost. However, because of the ready availability of the R-form lipoic acid in the market, it is always preferential to home-prepare the cream for self-usage. This also helps optimize the dosage required. It should also be noted that only R-lipoic acid holds the efficiency to improve cellular energy production and reduce inflammation.

The topical products of Dr. Perricone, based on Alpha Lipoic Acid and vitamin C, include: N.V. Perricone ALA Nutritive Cleanser (to tone the skin), N.V. Perricone Vitamin C Ester Amine Complex Face Lift (lifts the skin and helps treat underlying causes of inelastic skin), N.V. Perricone ALA Eye Area Therapy (to nourish, restore, and protect the eye), N.V. Perricone ALA Lip Plumper (enhances fullness, contour and color of lips), N.V. Perricone ALA Evening Facial Emollient (to smooth, renew, and refine the skin overnight), and N.V. Perricone Face Finishing Moisturizer (to soothe, hydrate, and protect skin).

Alpha Lipoic Acid Cream

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Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Before we talk about the benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid, we will briefly tell you about this nutrient. Discovered in the early 1950's, alpha lipoic acid has only recently become one of the most recognized and in-demand health supplements.

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ALA is both fat and water soluble. This means that it can get into all cell parts to neutralize free radicals. It contains sulfur and is a vitamin like phyto-nutrient. It works like an antioxidant meaning it fights free radicals and improves recovery. AlA is not your average antio oxidant, infact, ala is known to be a very potent antio oxidant because studies show it is readily absorbed throughout the body (it is both water and fat soluble) and, because of this, may protect the integrity of cells ranging from the brain to the liver.

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Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

ALA mimics insulin which may enhance the body's sensitivity to insulin. This helps to improve the ability of the body to build lean body mass and reduce fat. This can be good if you are trying to gain some healthy muscle mass, It also works with creatine to promote energy and improve your general metabolism.

ALA may treat such conditions as HIV, Type II Diabetes, Hyperglycemia, and glaucoma. It may also treat hepatitis, and obesity. It is used to support the best cardiovascular and mental health, liver function, ocular -eye health, and a healthy immune system.

Furhter benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

Glutathione is enhanced by ALA. It helps the liver to detoxify itself. The nutrient protects the brain from free radical damage. Low levels (deficiency) have been associated with some brain disorders, such as stroke, dementia, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's.

On a negative note, the human body does not produce any surplus of alpha-lipoic acid naturally, and it is only in this surplus "free" state that it acts as a potent antioxidant.
The body produces ALA in very small quantities, due to this fact, those who want the best possible therapeutic benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid may wish to consider using a supplement.

Because alpha lipoic acid is believed to be such a powerful and potent antioxidant, it is now used to treat and prevent a wide array of age related diseases, including diabetes, cataracts, heart disease, and Alzheimer's. The nutrient is also known to bosst ones immune system.

Our Opinion on using ALA

Anyone with Diabetes should only use this supplement if they have the approval of their doctor. ALA can reduce the need for Diabetic medications. Blood sugar numbers could drop too low causing a host of other problems. The long term effects of taking large doses of ALA are not known at this time and research though in its early stages, is ongoing.

Although the nutrient has been researched extensively for its ability in producing extra energy within the human body, we do not know of any long term and any major studies on using alpha-lipoic acid usage long term.

Because of this, we would advise that a person should generally be cautious and choose a low dosage level from 10 mg to 50 mg. Try not go any higher than this if you want the best possible benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid.

This level as noted from research, would allow a person to capture some of the unique antioxidant protection of alpha-lipoic acid.

Our Tips For Choosing an Alpha-Lipoic Supplement

1. Alpha-lipoic acid can be purchased as a stand alone supplement or, as part of a more comprehensive scientifically based formula.

We advise that you go with a comprehensive based formula, and, in another important point to note is that, one should be sure that the formulation includes Vitamin C and Vitamin E, this is because it works together - synergistically by recycling these other important antioxidants, enhancing their effectiveness, making them much more beneficial to you as vitamins.

2. We have found out that if you really do want the best possible benefits of alpha lipoic acid, and then make sure your supplements are manufactured at pharmaceutical GMP facilities, such places comply with the strictest manufacturing and processing standards for nutritional supplements.

The importance of the above needs to be heard by every consumer of health supplements, since many supplements in the heath industry today, due to loose regulatory control in the U.S, can harbor contaminants that actually impair your health. We want you to use supplements that improve your health, that's why we spent a lot of time researching the best supplements, and that's why we personally wouldn't recommend any supplement we don't already use ourselves.

Benefits of Alpha Lipoic Acid

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Alpha Lipoic Acid - ALA is the Universal Antioxidant

Alpha Lipoic Acid Research

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Alpha Lipoic Acid is often referred to in scientific and nutritionist circles as the "universal antioxidant." The natural biology of antioxidants is critical to good health. Antioxidants, as you may know, neutralize free radicals in the body. Left alone, free radicals can do damage to cells, cell organelles, and DNA. The constant wearing down of the DNA structure by free radicals is thought to lead to many degenerative diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, cancer, and atherosclerosis. Some scientists have even advanced theories implying that free radicals cause us to deteriorate as we age. Hence, antioxidant research is a big deal. If current theories hold water, doctors and scientists could discover the key to longevity.

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Also known as ALA, Alpha Lipoic Acid is very special even among antioxidants. Unlike a lot of antioxidants, ALA is soluble in both water and fat. It is a fatty acid as well as a vitamin and free radical scavenger. Vitamin C, conversely, is only soluble in water, and Vitamin E is only soluble in fat. This enables ALA to reach a lot of places that most antioxidants are not able to go, because barriers of water or fat stand in their way.

Good for the Brain

One of the most notable territories of Alpha Lipoic Acid is in nerve cells throughout the brain and body. Nerve cells consist of the fatty myelin sheath as well as a water-based internal environment, so normal antioxidants are often stymied. ALA, however, can clean up the free radicals in the brain and nervous system, making it a potential antioxidant for treating brain and nerve disorders. Preliminary research suggests that peripheral neuropathy, or uncontrolled nerve stimulus resulting in itching, tingling, burning, numbness and pain, may be effectively treated with ALA. Comparatively, Alpha Lipoic Acid has been shown to reduce the level of brain damage in animals following a stroke. Studies to find a connection between ALA treatment and reduction in cognitive decline due to aging have thus far yielded promising results.

Benefit of Alpha Lipoic Acid

In addition, ALA offers a number of other health benefits. These include:

* Lowering blood pressure
* Helping balance insulin in the blood
* Detoxifying the liver
* Acting as a chelating agent and reducing levels of mercury in the system

The body typically makes enough ALA to serve its basic function, which is as a fatty acid. However, in order to ensure that free ALA molecules are cleaning up free radicals, it is important to take a supplement or other dietary enhancement. As an antioxidant, ALA plays a key role in synergizing other antioxidants within the body. For instance, when other antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Co-Q10 get used up, ALA recycles them. In addition, it stimulates the production of glutathione, another antioxidant that works to recycle used-up antioxidants and create new ones. Without this antioxidant network, we would not be able to maintain our free-radical fighting capabilities. Hence, Alpha Lipoic Acid holds a key role in maintaining the health of many different antioxidants, and its moniker, "the universal antioxidant" is indeed well-deserved.

If that weren't enough, the basic function if ALA holds an essential place in the heart of energy production for the cell. It plays a key role in cellular respiration, which is the process of transforming glucose sugars into ATP, or energy. Because ALA is so tied in to the cell's metabolism, it can more effectively scavenge free radicals within the cell. ALA can "use" the metabolism of a cell to improve its protective effects, unlike many other antioxidants which don't serve multiple purposes.

Supplement with ALA

ALA is available in supplement form, as the amount present in food is generally quite low. If you suffer from low blood pressure or low thyroid hormones, you should consult your doctor before beginning an Alpha Lipoic Acid regimen, as ALA could push you into hypoglycemia or hypothyroidism. Generally, however, the side effects or contraindications to using ALA are limited. As the "universal antioxidant," if you only decide to take one antioxidant supplement, ALA is it. It will stimulate the entire antioxidant system throughout your body.

I recommend taking 100-300mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid daily and twice the same amount of acetyl-l-carnitine for maximum effect.

Alpha Lipoic Acid - ALA is the Universal Antioxidant

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