Overweight people are ready to try any way they can help with weight loss. Diets and workouts take effort, not everyone who loses weight is able to resist it. Then they start taking various food supplements and vitamin-like substances, which are sold in large quantities in pharmacies and sports stores. One of these drugs is lipoic acid. What it is, how to take it, and whether it contributes to weight loss will be discussed below.
What is lipoic acid
Lipoic acid has several names: thioctic acid, thioctocide, vitamin N, lipoate, ALA. It is considered to be a vitamin-like substance with antioxidant properties. Lipoic acid is produced by the body, but in small amounts.
Its deficit is made up by the use of the following foods: mushrooms, dairy products, leafy vegetables, beef, legumes, bananas. To maintain a thioctocidal supply 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 solutions for injection.
Why is it
The body actively produces lipoic acid until around 30 years of age. Women older than this age may be deficient in this substance, they begin to appear overweight. The use of thioctocide will preserve the beauty and youthfulness of a woman for a long time, thereby slowing down the aging process. Lipoic acid has the following effects on the body:
- Participates in the supply of energy to the body: it begins the reprocessing of its exhausted sources. Thus, all the nutrients in food are processed as efficiently as possible.
- Forces the body to use glucose for energy, thereby helping to lower blood sugar levels.
- Ensures the proper functioning of pancreatic acid. Because insulin spikes do not occur, the process of processing other energy sources, for example fat, is activated.
- Prevents premature aging of the body by binding and eliminating free radicals.
- Normalizes the immune system.
To note!Before using the lipoate, you must make sure that it is compatible with the other drugs that you are using.
How it helps you lose weight
The original use of lipoic acid was to protect and restore liver cells against poisoning by various substances (including alcohol). They later started using it to build muscle mass. Currently, thioctocide is also used as a means of losing weight.
When lipoic acid enters the body, processes are started that normalize the metabolism. It directly affects the expenditure and the elimination of fat stores. A normal metabolism serves as the creator of a slim figure. The benefits of ALA for weight loss are:
- the stabilization of sugar thanks to its contribution makes it possible to keep control over the quantity of food consumed;
- by stimulating the breakdown of fats, lipoic acid for weight loss eliminates the body of fatty deposits;
- full absorption of nutrients helps improve skin color, prevent brittleness of hair and nails;
- the feeling of hunger decreases, which is blocked for a long time without harming the body;
- mental and physical activity improves;
- 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 conditions:
- cardiac arrest;
- chronic kidney disease;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism);
- inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- hypersensitivity to the components of the drug;
- individual intolerance.
As an impurity in some food 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 the desire for confectionery, a decrease in weight.
Important!Before using lipoic acid for weight loss, you need to consult a doctor: endocrinologist, therapist or nutritionist.
According to the reviews of those who took this drug, they began to feel better, there was a desire to lead an active lifestyle. After the treatment, many improved blood numbers changed in appearance: acne and inflammation disappeared from the face. It is worth noting that the weight loss occurred only in conjunction 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. Exceeding the dose can lead to poor health. Lipoate has high chemical activity, it reacts with many substances. Therefore, before taking it, you should carefully study the instructions for use.
Dosage
It should be selected with a focus on the person's food addictions, intensity of physical activity, as well as general health. General rules for the use of thioctocide:
- in satisfactory condition, the prophylactic dose is 25-50 mg per day;
- elderly people - 50 mg per day;
- athletes - from 75 to 200 mg;
- for the treatment of diseases - up to 600 mg;
- lose weight in women - 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 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 significantly worsen the condition.
To note!Lipoic acid for weight loss is only effective if you 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. To lose weight, a longer intake is required, according to the following scheme: 1 month of intake, then a break is made for 1-2 months, then the course is repeated, and so on. By combining taking the drug with a balanced diet and physical activity, you can lose 4-6 kg per month.
Recommendations
- Lipoic acid is injected morning and evening.
- In order not to feel discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, use the drug after meals.
- The thioctocide inhibits the absorption of calcium. Therefore, lactic acid products are consumed 4 hours after taking them.
- Alcohol blocks the absorption of lipoic acid, moreover, when taken simultaneously, dizziness and nausea may occur.
- The drug is taken no earlier than 30 minutes after strength training.
- Before taking thioctocide, it is necessary to know whether it is compatible with the other drugs used.
The effect of the slimming procedure will be only if you diet and exercise in the gym. Protein foods are best used at this time. If there are fewer carbohydrates, the body begins to use the available reserves and the weight decreases. When consuming sweets, pasta, cereals, lipoic acid will be used to process the sugars received without affecting the fats.
Overdose
The dosage should be prescribed by the doctor, it is impossible to independently change it upwards. Much does not yet mean good. Overdose can be dangerous for health: cause convulsions, coagulation disorders. Due to a sharp drop in blood sugar there is a possibility of hypoglycaemic coma; low levels of the hormones produced can cause thyroid disease (hypothyroidism).
As a treatment, vomiting is caused, gastric lavage is used, activated charcoal is prescribed. But even these manipulations may be unnecessary, since there is no antidote. Therefore, before use, you should carefully read the instructions and avoid overdose.
Side effects
Lipoic acid is generally well tolerated, but sometimes the following unpleasant symptoms can occur:
- stomach ache;
- headache;
- an allergic reaction in the form of a rash;
- increased pressure;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- metallic taste in the mouth.
When these symptoms appear, the drug should be stopped immediately.
Important!When taking thioctic acid, it is necessary to stop drinking alcohol, as this slows down its absorption.
Using lipoic acid is not a panacea for shedding extra pounds, but working in conjunction with diet and exercise, it can help you lose weight. In addition, it normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents aging.