Alpha Lipoic Acid


The Universal Metabolic Anti-Oxidant with Promising Implications for Diabetes, Liver Disorders & More.

Alpha Lipoic acid is a nutrient that has been used in Europe for many years to support liver health & metabolic function. It has even been reported that ALA may help regenerate a liver that has been damaged by drug & alcohol abuse, environmental pollutants and various diseases.

It’s strong anti-oxidant properties have made it useful for treating radiation sickness, including victims of Chernobyl and diabetes related neuropathy. It seems to be able to regenerate damaged nerve tissues and balance blood sugar, possibly even reducing or eliminating the need for insulin in at least some cases of diabetes. It has also been investigated as a possible inhibitor of HIV and is currently being used in several European countries as a treatment for several toxin related illnesses. These include: exposure to toxic environmental chemicals, ingestion of poison and alcoholic hepatitis.

ALA has also been used to treat elevated liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes, which can indicate liver damage, can be a serious problem for people with life threatening diseases. For people who take oral medications such as antibiotics and/or anti-virals, balanced liver enzymes are essential for these drugs to get metabolized properly. Unfortunately, these same drugs can cause increased liver enzymes. Alpha Lipoic acid may help protect the liver, so that one can more easily tolerate certain medications.

Another benefit of Alpha Lipoic acid may be its ability to elevate the levels of glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxidants. Low levels of glutathione may cause oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and damage to internal organs. Oxidative stress may also damage nerve cells, leading to peripheral neuropathy. It is also believed that oxidative stress can speed up development of HIV into full blown AIDS.

Of particular importance to researchers, is ALA’s apparent ability to regenerate and prolong the antioxidant activity of such important nutrients as Vitamins C and E, as well as glutathione. In fact, many of the beneficial effects of ALA, may be due to its ability to regenerate glutathione, a potent amino acid antioxidant, best synthesized by supplementation with N. Acetyl Cysteine (NAC); which in turn is a powerful immune enhancer, liver protector, and heavy metal detoxifier. Because it is a sulphur compound, ALA can bind and help eliminate from the body, heavy metals such as copper, iron, mercury, cadmium and lead, as well as various solvents such as benzene, methyl alcohol, toluene, methylene chloride and various other chemical toxins, which are all risk factors for a wide range of degenerative diseases. ALA has also shown promise in cataract studies and may help prevent their formation and in cardiovascular studies concerned with LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.

In his book: Lipoic Acid: The Metabolic Antioxidant, Richard A Passwater, Ph.D., says "Lipoic acid not only protects the nervous system, but also may be involved in regenerating nerves. It is also being studied in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease." Passwater also mentions that ALA has been used for nearly 30 years in Europe to treat diabetic neuropathy, help regulate blood sugar and prevent diabetic retinopathy and cardiopathy.

With regards to both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, ALA is a very important cofactor for glucose metabolism and should be considered an essential daily supplement for all diabetics. It should also be considered for anyone who suffers from compromised liver function, as well as for anyone concerned about exposure to environmental toxins, optimum brain, nervous system & cardiovascular functioning, cancer and other diseases linked to environmental causes.

Suggested amounts for general use range from 100 to 300 mg per day in divided doses. For more advanced use one might consume as much as 200 mg with each meal. In those with seriously compromised liver function, as much as 800 mg per day have been used for extended periods. The only reported contraindication for supplementing with ALA, may be for those with iron deficiency anemia, since ALA can reduce iron levels. In such individuals iron levels should be closely monitored by a health professional, if one is supplementing with ALA. It is also not recommended for pregnant women without proper supervision and it also may interfere with vitamin B-1 utilization. A B-1 or B-complex supplement may be warranted if ALA is given to B-1 deficient individuals, such as alcoholics.

Being both fat & water soluble, Alpha Lipoic Acid seems to be the most bio-available & potent single antioxidant nutrient, capable of providing tremendous protection against free radical damage. With the pollution, stress and challenges of our modern world, daily supplementation of ALA may be wise for almost everyone.

References:
1. Lipoic Acid, The Metabolic anti-oxidant, R.A. Passwater, Ph.D. 1995
2. Is Alpha Lipoic Acid The Ideal Anti-oxidant? J. Challem, Nutrition Science News, Aug. 1996
3. Personal conversations with Dr. Paul Goff, Threshold Enterprises
4. The Cure For All Diseases, H.R. Clark, Ph.D., N.D. 1995

Source Naturals ALPHA LIPOIC ACID
is now available at Discount Prices from WILDFIRE CONSULTING toll-free order line: 1-888-583-3532

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The information provided above has not been evaluated by the FDA, is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace proper medical care, diagnose or prescribe. The use of Alpha Lipoic Acid is meant to be used as nutritional support, not for the treatment of any disease. Your medical condition should be discussed with your physician before using this product.


Return to articles list

Home | Wildfire Natural Products | Articles Index

Email: Wildfire Natural Products

Wildfire Natural Products
4239 Stone Rd.
Springfield, Illinois 62707

©Copyright 1996-2002 Wildfire Natural Products. All Rights Reserved.