Alpha lipoic acid

By Weight Loss Consultant • Related • Filed Under

Antioxidants are important substances that attack free radicals throughout our body. Free radicals are the waste products that are created after our bodies turn the food we eat into energy. When our bodies have too many of these free radicals it can cause damage to our cells, which makes it harder for our bodies to defend itself against infections and damage done to our tissues and organs. Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxiodant found naturally in our body’s cells. Most antioxidants work only in either water or in fatty tissues. Alpha lipoic acid is a special antioxidant because it is soluble in both water and fat. Alpha lipoic acid is also unique in the fact that it can help recycle other antioxidants, such as glutathione and vitamin C, after the body has already used them once. Alpha lipoic acid also uses glucose in the blood and converts it to energy in which our bodies use to function properly and help heal from ailments.

Alpha lipoic acid has been found to help with relieving symptoms of certain medical conditions. Since alpha-lipoic acid has the ability to lower blood sugar levels and kill free radicals, it can help reduce symptoms in those that suffer from diabetes. It works to eliminate pain, tingling, numbness, burning and itching in those that suffer from nerve damage caused by diabetes, kidney failure, lyme disease, shingles, thyroid disease and alcoholism. However, taking alpha-lipoic acid through intravenous methods seems to work better for these symptoms than it does when taken orally. Another diabetes related condition known as autonomic neuropathy may be helped by taking alpha-lipoic acid. This condition affects the nerves supplying the heart. Doses of alph-lipoic acid in the upper range of 800 mg, taken orally, have shown to improve this condition. Studies have shown that the average dose of 600 mg a day offers the most benefits without causing many side effects. For added benefit, this supplement should be taken on an empty stomach.

Since alpha lipoic acid is made inside the body there is usually no reason to need a supplement of the antioxidant unless recommended by a physician. If you suffer from diabetes or another condition that may benefit from extra doses of alpha lipoic acid you should discuss with your doctor the possibility of adding the supplement to your current treatment routine. Taking alpha lipoic acid in large quantities can have a reverse reaction in some people, especially those with diabetes. Since alpha lipoic acid does alter the glucose levels, some people have gotten hypoglycemic after taking too much. Only a doctor can recommend the proper dosage for you and your needs. This antioxidant can also interfere with other vitamins and biotin in the body when taken in large doses for an extended amount of time. Few people have experienced rashes, tingling of the skin, head aches and muscle cramps as a side effect of taking too much of this supplement.

Alpha lipoic acid can be found in a select amount of foods, although it is typically not found in large quantities. Foods such as brussel sprouts, spinach, peas, broccoli, brewer’s yeast, rice bran and meats derived from organs can have small amounts of this antioxidant.

As with all vitamins and nutrients, too much of a good thing can also have its negative side effects. You should always discuss taking any supplements with your physician before doing so. Every person is different and has a different tolerance level to additional supplements in the diet, so monitoring of your current health condition and other medications you may be taking may be necessary before consuming any extra supplements.

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