People who are overweight are ready to try all the ways to lose weight. Diets and workouts require effort, not everyone who is losing weight can withstand it. Then they start taking various dietary supplements and vitamin - like substances, which are sold in large quantities in pharmacies and sports shops. One of these drugs is lipoic acid. It discusses below what it is, how to take it, and whether it contributes to weight loss.
What is Lipoic Acid
Lipoic acid has many names: thioctic acid, thioctocide, vitamin N, lipoate, ALA. It is considered a vitamin - like substance with antioxidant properties. It is the body that produces lipoic acid, but in small quantities.
It is deficient in the use of the following foods: mushrooms, dairy products, leafy greens, beef, legumes, bananas. To maintain a supply of thioctide in the body, it must be absorbed in large quantities. It is more expedient to use the acid in the form of pharmaceutical additives produced in the form of tablets, capsules, and injectable solutions.
Why is it
The body actively produces lipoic acid until about 30 years of age. Women older than this age may be deficient in this substance, starting to appear overweight. Thioctocide use will preserve a woman 's beauty and youth for a long time, slowing down the aging process. Lipoic acid has the following effects on the body:
- It participates in supplying energy to the body: it begins to reprocess its spent sources. Therefore, all nutrients from food are processed as efficiently as possible.
- It forces the body to use glucose for energy, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
- Ensures proper functioning of pancreatic acid. Because insulin excretion does not occur, the process is processed to process other energy sources, such as fats.
- Prevent premature aging of the body by tying and removing free radicals.
- It normalizes the immune system.
Note!Before using lipoate, you need to make sure that it is compatible with other drugs that you are using.
How it helps you lose weight
The original use of lipoic acid was to protect and rehabilitate liver cells from poisoning by various substances (including alcohol). Later they started using it to build muscle mass. Currently, thioctocid is also used as a way to lose weight.
When lipoic acid enters the body, processes are launched that normalize metabolism. It directly affects spending and the removal of fat reserves. Normal metabolism acts as a slim figure maker. The benefits of ALA for weight loss are as follows:
- by stabilizing sugar as a result of its intake you can control the amount of food consumed;
- by breaking down fat, stimulating lipoic acid for weight loss, the body is freed from fatty deposits;
- full absorption of nutrients helps to improve skin color, prevent brightening of hair and nails;
- reduces the feeling of hunger, which is blocked for a long time without harming the body;
- improves mental and physical activity;
- all organs begin to function more efficiently.
You need to know that there are contraindications to the use of lipoic acid, it should not be taken with the following ailments:
- heart failure;
- chronic kidney disease;
- thyroid gland dysfunction (hypothyroidism);
- inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- individual intolerance.
As an impurity in some dietary supplements, cinnamon and vanilla are used. Thanks to these substances, the drug is very popular among women. After taking a course, they notice a decrease in slippage for confectionery, a decrease in their weight.
Important!Before using lipoic acid for weight loss, you should consult a doctor: endocrinologist, therapist or nutritionist.
According to reviews of those taking this drug, they began to feel better, eager to lead an active lifestyle. After therapy, many improved blood counts changed their appearance: acne and inflammation disappeared from the person. It is noted that weight loss occurred only in conjunction with normalization of nutrition and fitness in the gym.
How to drink
In order not to harm the body, you need to know how to properly drink lipoic acid for weight loss. Exceeding the dose may lead to ill health. Lipoate has a high chemical activity, it reacts with many substances, therefore, before taking it, you must carefully study the instructions for use.
Dose
It should be selected, focusing on human food addiction, intensity of physical activity, as well as the state of health in general. General rules for the use of thioctides:
- in satisfactory condition, the dose as prophylaxis is 25-50 mg per day;
- the elderly - 50 mg per day;
- athletes - from 75 to 200 mg;
- for the treatment of diseases - up to 600 mg;
- women to lose weight - minimum dose 30-50 mg; for men - 50-75 mg per day (divided into 3 doses).
For intramuscular introduction of acid, the portion should not exceed 50 mg per day. Although some sources suggest that positive results can only be achieved with a daily intake of 100-200 mg, it is still necessary to start treatment with small doses. A dose of more than 600 mg per day without physical activity can worsen the state of health.
Note!Lipoic acid for weight loss is only effective if you follow a diet, strength training in the gym, as well as physical activity.
How many days can you drink
For general improvement of the body, thioctocide is taken 2-3 weeks several times a year. For weight loss, longer intake is required, according to the following scheme: 1 month of intake, then a break for 1-2 months, then the course is repeated, and so on. By combining the intake of the drug with a balanced diet and physical activity, you can lose 4-6 kg per month.
Praises
- Lipoic acid is injected in the morning and evening.
- So that you do not feel discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, use the drug after meals.
- Thioctocid inhibits calcium absorption, therefore lactic acid products are consumed 4 hours after ingestion.
- Alcohol blocks the absorption of lipoic acid, in addition, when taken at the same time, dizziness and nausea may appear.
- The drug is taken no earlier than 30 minutes after strength training.
- Before taking thioctocide, it is necessary to find out if it is compatible with other drugs used.
The slimming procedure will only be effective if you follow a diet and exercise in the gym. Protein foods are best used at this time. If there are fewer carbohydrates, the body begins to use up the available reserves, and the weight decreases. When eating confectionery, pasta, cereals, lipoic acid is used to process the sugars obtained without compromising fats.
Overdose
The doctor should prescribe the dose; it cannot be changed independently upwards. Not quite good yet. An overdose can be dangerous to health: seizures, resulting in bleeding disorders. Due to a sharp drop in blood sugar, there is the possibility of hypoglycemic coma; low levels of hormone produced can trigger thyroid disease (hypothyroidism).
As a treatment, vomiting is induced, gastric lavage is used, activated charcoal is prescribed. But even such manipulations can be useless, since there is no antidote. Therefore, before using them, you must read the instructions carefully and avoid overdose.
Side effects
Lipoic acid is generally well tolerated, but can sometimes cause the following unpleasant symptoms:
- stomach ache;
- headache;
- allergic reaction in the form of skin rash;
- increased pressure;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- metallic taste in the mouth.
When these symptoms appear, the drug should be stopped immediately.
Important!At the time of taking thioctic acid, it is necessary to stop drinking alcohol, since it slows its absorption.
Using lipoic acid to lose extra pounds is not a panacea, but acting in combination with diet and exercise can help you lose weight. In addition, it normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents aging.