Overweight people are willing to try all ways to help them lose weight. Diets and exercise require an effort to be made, not all those who are losing weight are able to afford it. They then start taking various nutritional supplements and vitamin-like substances, which are sold in large quantities in pharmacies and sports shops. One of these drugs is lipoic acid. What it is, how to take it and if it contributes to weight loss will be discussed below.
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. Lipoic acid is produced by the body, but in small amounts.
Its deficit is supplemented by the use of the following foods: mushrooms, dairy products, leafy vegetables, beef, legumes, bananas. To maintain a supply of thioctocide in the body, it must be absorbed in large quantities. It is more convenient to use the acid in the form of a pharmaceutical additive produced in the form of tablets, capsules and solutions for injection.
What is it about
The body actively produces lipoic acid by the age of about 30 years. Women older than this age may be deficient in this substance, they start to appear overweight. The use of thioctocide will preserve the beauty and youth of a woman for a long time, slowing down the aging process. Lipoic acid has the following effects on the body:
- Participates in providing the body with energy: begins to reprocess its spent resources. Thus, all nutrients from food are processed as efficiently as possible.
- It forces the body to use glucose for energy, thus helping to lower blood sugar levels.
- Ensures proper functioning of pancreatic acid. Due to the fact that insulin increases do not occur, the process of processing other energy sources, for example, fats, is activated.
- Prevents premature aging of the body by binding and removing free radicals.
- Normalizes the immune system.
Note!Before using the lipoate, you need to make sure it is compatible with the other medications you are using.
How it helps you lose weight
The initial use of lipoic acid was to protect and restore liver cells from poisoning by various substances (including alcohol). Later they started using it to build muscle mass. Currently, thioctocide is also used as a means to lose weight.
When lipoic acid enters the body, processes that normalize metabolism begin. Directly affects the expenditure and removal of fat reserves. A normal metabolism serves as the creator of a slim figure. The benefits of ALA for weight loss are as follows:
- stabilization of sugar as a result of its intake allows you to maintain control over the amount of food consumed;
- by stimulating the breakdown of fat, lipoic acid for weight loss eliminates the body from fat deposits;
- complete absorption of nutrients helps improve skin color, prevent brittle hair and nails;
- the feeling of hunger is reduced, which is blocked for a long time without harming the body;
- improves mental and physical activity;
- all organs begin to function more efficiently.
You should know that there are contraindications to the use of lipoic acid, it should not deal with the following diseases:
- infrakt;
- chronic kidney disease;
- thyroid gland dysfunction (hypothyroidism);
- inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- individual intolerance.
Cinnamon and vanilla are used as impurities in some dietary supplements. Thanks to these substances, the drug is very popular among women. After taking a course, they notice a decrease in craving for sweets, a weight loss.
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, had a desire to lead an active lifestyle. After therapy, many improved blood count, changed their appearance: acne and inflammation disappeared from the face. It is noted that weight loss occurred only in connection with the normalization of nutrition and exercise 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. Overdose can lead to poor health. Lipoate has a high chemical activity, it reacts with many substances, therefore, before taking it, you should carefully study the instructions for use.
Dosage
It should be chosen, focusing on the person's food addictions, the intensity of physical activity, as well as the general state of health. General rules for the use of thiocticide:
- 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 losing weight - a minimum dose of 30-50 mg; for men - 50-75 mg per day (divided into 3 doses).
With the introduction of acid intramuscularly, the portion should not exceed 50 mg per day. Although some sources indicate that it is possible to achieve positive results only with a daily dose of 100-200 mg, it is nevertheless necessary to start treatment with small doses. A dose of more than 600 mg per day without physical activity can dramatically worsen your health.
Note!Lipoic acid for weight loss is effective only if you follow a diet, strength training in the gym, as well as physical activity.
How many days can you drink
For the general improvement of the organism, thioctocide is taken 2-3 weeks several times a year. For weight loss, a longer intake is required, according to the following scheme: 1 month intake, then a break for 1-2 months, then repeat the course, and so on. By combining taking the drug with a balanced diet and physical activity, you can lose 4-6 kg per month.
recommendation
- Lipoic acid is injected in the morning and in the evening.
- In order not to feel discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, use the medicine after meals.
- Thyroid acid inhibits the absorption of calcium, therefore, lactic acid products are consumed 4 hours after its intake.
- Alcohol blocks the absorption of lipoic acid, in addition, when taken simultaneously, dizziness and nausea may occur.
- The drug is taken no earlier than 30 minutes after strength training.
- Before taking thiocticide, it is necessary to find out if it is compatible with other drugs used.
The effect of the weight loss procedure will only be 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 consuming cakes, pasta, cereals, lipoic acid will be used to process the sugars obtained without affecting the fats.
Overdose
The dose should be prescribed by the doctor; it is impossible to independently change up. Too much does not mean well yet. Overdose can be dangerous to health: lead to convulsions, bleeding disorders. Due to a sharp drop in blood sugar, there is the possibility of hypoglycemic coma; low levels of hormones produced can provoke thyroid disease (hypothyroidism).
As treatment, vomiting is caused, gastric lavage is used, activated charcoal is prescribed. But even these manipulations can be useless, as there is no antidote. Therefore, before use, you should carefully read the instructions and avoid overdose.
Side effects
Lipoic acid is usually well tolerated, but sometimes the following unpleasant symptoms may occur:
- stomach ache;
- headache;
- an allergic reaction in the form of a skin rash;
- increased pressure;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- metallic taste in the mouth.
When these symptoms occur, the drug should be discontinued immediately.
Important!At the time of taking thioctic acid, it is necessary to stop drinking alcohol, as it slows down its absorption.
Using lipoic acid is not a cure for losing extra pounds, but by acting in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can help you lose weight. In addition, it normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents aging.