Overweight people are ready to try all ways to help lose weight. Diets and exercise require effort, not everyone who loses weight is able to endure it. Then they 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 whether it contributes to weight loss, we will discuss below.
What is lipoic acid
Lipoic acid has many names: thioctic acid, thiocticide, vitamin N, lipoate, ALA. It is considered a vitamin-like substance with antioxidant properties. Lipoic acid is produced by the body, but in small quantities.
Its deficiency is compensated by the use of the following foods: mushrooms, dairy products, greens, beef, legumes, bananas. In order to maintain a supply of thioctocide in the body, it must be absorbed in large quantities. It is more expedient to use the acid in the form of a pharmaceutical additive produced in the form of tablets, capsules and injectable solutions.
What is it for
The body actively produces lipoic acid until about the age of 30. Older women of this age may be deficient in this substance, begin to look overweight. The use of thioctocide will preserve the beauty and youth of women for a long time, slowing down the aging process. Lipoic acid has the following effects on the body:
- Participates in supplying the body with energy: begins recycling of consumed sources. In this way, all the nutrients in the food are processed as efficiently as possible.
- It forces the body to use glucose for energy, thus helping to lower blood sugar levels.
- Ensures the proper functioning of pancreatic acid. Due to the fact that insulin spikes do not occur, the process of processing other energy sources, such as fat, is activated.
- Prevents premature aging of the body by binding and removing free radicals.
- Normalizes the immune system.
Note!Before using lipoate, you must make sure that it is compatible with other medicines you use.
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 began to use it to build muscle mass. Currently, thioctocide is also used as a means of weight loss.
When lipoic acid enters the body, processes are started that normalize metabolism. It directly affects the consumption and removal of fat stores. Normal metabolism serves as the creator of a slim figure. The benefits of ALA for weight loss are as follows:
- stabilizing sugar as a result of its intake allows you to maintain control over the amount of food consumed;
- by stimulating the breakdown of fats, lipoic acid for weight loss eliminates the body from fat accumulation;
- full absorption of nutrients helps to improve skin color, prevents brittle hair and nails;
- the feeling of hunger decreases, which is blocked for a long time without harm to 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 be taken with the following diseases:
- heart failure;
- chronic kidney disease;
- thyroid 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 supplements. Thanks to these substances, the drug is very popular among women. After passing the course, they notice a decrease in the desire for confectionery, weight loss.
Important!Before using lipoic acid for weight loss, you should consult a doctor: endocrinologist, therapist or nutritionist.
According to the reviews of those taking this drug, they began to feel better, there was a desire to lead an active lifestyle. After the therapy, the blood picture improved a lot, they changed their appearance: acne and inflammation disappeared from the face. It is noted that weight loss occurs only in connection with the normalization of diet 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. Overdosing can lead to poor health. Lipoate has a high chemical activity, reacts with many substances, therefore, before taking it, you should carefully study the instructions for use.
Dosage
It should be chosen focusing on a person's nutritional dependence, intensity of physical activity, and overall health. General rules for the use of thioctocide:
- in satisfactory condition the dose for prophylaxis is 25-50 mg per day;
- elderly - 50 mg per day;
- athletes - from 75 to 200 mg;
- for the treatment of diseases - up to 600 mg;
- slimming women - a minimum dose of 30-50 mg; for men - 50-75 mg per day (divided into 3 doses).
For intramuscular acid administration, the portion should not exceed 50 mg per day. Although some sources suggest that it is possible to achieve positive results 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 drastically worsen health.
Note!Lipoic acid for weight loss is effective only if you follow a diet, strength training in the gym and physical activity.
How many days can you drink
For general improvement of the organism, thioctocide is taken 2-3 times a year for 2-3 weeks. To lose weight you need a longer intake according to the following scheme: 1 month intake, then take a break for 1-2 months, then repeat the course, etc. Combining the drug with a balanced diet and physical activity, you canlose 4-6 kg per month.
Recommendations
- Lipoic acid is injected in the morning and evening.
- In order not to experience discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, use the drug after meals.
- Thioctocide inhibits the absorption of calcium, which is why lactic acid products are consumed 4 hours after ingestion.
- Alcohol blocks the absorption of lipoic acid, and when taken at the same time, dizziness and nausea may occur.
- The drug is taken no earlier than 30 minutes after strength training.
- Before taking thioctocide, you need to find out if it is compatible with other medicines used.
The effect of the weight loss procedure will be only 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 available reserves and lose weight. When consuming confectionery, pasta, cereals, lipoic acid will be used to process the resulting sugars without affecting fats.
Overdose
The dosage should be prescribed by your doctor, it is not possible to change it yourself. Much does not mean good yet. Overdose can be dangerous to health: lead to seizures, bleeding disorders. Due to a sharp drop in blood sugar there is a possibility of hypoglycemic coma; low levels of hormones produced can provoke thyroid disease (hypothyroidism).
As a treatment, vomiting is induced, gastric lavage is used, and activated charcoal is prescribed. But even these manipulations can be useless because there is no antidote. Therefore, before use, you should read the instructions carefully and avoid overdose.
Side Effects
Lipoic acid is generally well tolerated, but the following unpleasant symptoms can sometimes occur:
- stomach pain;
- headache;
- 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 stopped immediately.
Important!It is necessary to stop drinking alcohol while taking thioctic acid, as it slows down its absorption.
Using lipoic acid is not a panacea for weight loss, but acting in conjunction with diet and exercise can help you lose weight. In addition, it normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents aging.