Having a healthy brain leads you to be at your top cognitive and physical performance. But what if toxins and harmful compounds are on its way to damaging your brain? This will result to disturbances in the normal functioning of your cells and neurons and may even contribute to certain diseases. With its powerful antioxidant properties, Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA, promotes a healthy and sharp mind. Aside from that, it increases one’s mental and physical energy while posing some benefits to a number of medical conditions. Let us now know what Alpha Lipoic Acid has to offer and know why we should consider taking it as a supplement.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is popularly known for its antioxidant properties. But how does ALA work to produce such benefit? As an antioxidant, ALA serves to attack free radicals in our body. Free radicals refer to molecules that are unstable and highly reactive causing damage to cells. Because of this damage, it may lead to a number of diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and age-related diseases (4). Antioxidants, like ALA, work by neutralizing these free radicals and oxidative stress thus, preventing the destructive processes that the latter may bring. Although the body can naturally make lipoic acid for metabolic functions, supplementation of ALA may lead to a significantly high level of antioxidant properties. A unique property of ALA that makes it a popular and a more potent choice is that it is both fat and water soluble. Meaning to say, it can go just about anywhere in the body and cross the blood-brain barrier easily. In comparison to other antioxidant, Vitamin C works only in water while Vitamin E if only fat-soluble. (1)
Because of this mechanism that ALA possesses, it will promote a healthier body and brain, protecting and preventing us from accumulating diseases in the future. As a result, our cognitive and physical performance will be enhanced and me more efficient.
2. ALA for energyIt has been found that ALA does not only act as a powerful antioxidant but is also associated with the production of energy. This is because ALA plays a role in our body’s Krebs cycle. Basically, Krebs cycle or citric acid cycle, refers to a series of chemical reactions associated with the production of energy through the oxidation of acetate derived from fats, carbohydrates and proteins. (5). Because of ALA’s involvement, it may be of benefit in providing energy to our brain and working muscles.
3. ALA for cognitionSince ALA can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and given its antioxidant and energy production benefits, it could also positively influence our brain’s processes. With ALA, there will be restoration of neuronal health and a better neuronal communication. As a result, it may contribute to a more efficient and increased processing speed. (1)
4. ALA for blood sugar levelsResearchers have found that ALA may help in insulin sensitivity thus, making it useful for addressing metabolic syndromes such as Diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. Its antioxidant properties may help people suffering from Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy who have symptoms arising from nerve damage. In addition to its benefit for Diabetes, ALA has been under research for possible treatment of some other conditions including dementia, stroke, glaucoma, erectile dysfunction, and cancer. (3)
It is very crucial for any drug or supplement to be taken at the right amount and frequency for it to produce the desired effects while possibly eliminating or minimizing the undesired ones. With the case of Alpha Lipoic Acid, how much of it do we really need each day? The recommended daily dose of Alpha Lipoic Acid is between 200 mg to 600 mg. However if your goal is to have a general anti-oxidant, a much lower dose of between 50 mg to 100 mg may be used daily. Alpha Lipoic Acid dose may be divided and taken into multiple administrations per day if you wanted to have a more constant and sustained supply of benefits. (1)
When starting with any new drug or supplement, it would be best to start off with the lowest possible dose to see how you respond and then gradually increasing it over time. You might also want to consider consulting your doctor or healthcare provider first since a person’s condition and health status may play a role.
2. Stacking Alpha Lipoic AcidStacking has been a popular practice nowadays. This is done for the purpose of maximizing a drug’s potential and also, in order to yield more positive effects, to synergize each other, or to eliminate or minimize the side effects that the drugs may provide. With the case of Alpha Lipoic Acid, what drugs and supplements are best to use in conjunction to it? A popular stack used at the present time would be the Acetyl L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid stack. This is such a powerful stack since both of them serves to potentiate each other’s effects thus, yielding better and more powerful results. Just like ALA, Acetyl L-Carnitine acts by being a powerful antioxidant and neuroprotectant and also serves to increase one’s energy levels. Moreover, it is also known to enhance cognitive functions through its influence on the myelin sheath of both the peripheral and central nervous system thus, promoting better and faster transmission of impulses. The Dopaminergic system is also influenced with Acetyl L-Caritine and as a result, there will be an improvement in the individual’s mood, sleep quality, attention, and focus and an overall increase in productivity levels. With the Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Alpha Lipoic Acid stack, you will surely feel a significant improvement in your mood and how you respond to stress.
Aside from Acetyl-L-Carnitine, you may also combine ALA with other potent nootropics to have a better cognitive performance. This may include Noopept, the Racetams, and among many others.
Having a thorough understanding of the drugs you wanted to have in a stack is important because some drugs might not go well with the others. Stacking supplements greatly depends on your needs and personal preferences however, it would be best to consult your doctor or healthcare provider first.
The use of ALA is considered to be safe and is well-tolerated. However, some mild Alpha Lipoic Acid side effects are reported including allergic reactions such as rashes and itching, headache, muscle cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. (1) (2)
It is important to note that Alpha Lipoic Acid may be contraindicated or used with caution among some individuals. This includes people with diabetes or low blood sugar since ALA can lower blood sugar levels and put you to a hypoglycemic state. Moreover, people who are taking Vitamin B1 and chemotherapy and Thyroid medications are not allowed to take ALA. (3)
You can purchase Alpha Lipoic Acid online. It is readily available in Alpha Lipoic Acid tablet form in doses ranging from 30 mg to 100 mg. Drug is available over the counter and thus, does not require prescription from a doctor. Aside from the capsule form, intravenous Alpha Lipoic Acid may also be administered by your healthcare provider. Buy Alpha Lipoic Acid now and experience a variety of health benefits.
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