Free Radical Fighter - Alpha Lipoic Acid

nutritional value

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 is used to treat a common complication of diabetes called peripheral neuropathy. It speeds the removal of glucose from the bloodstream, at least partly by enhancing insulin function, and it reduces insulin resistance, the basis of many cases of coronary heart disease and obesity. It significantly and rapidly reduces the frequency and severity of diabetic neuropathy symptoms like burning and sharply cutting pain, prickling sensations and numbness.

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.