Overweight people are willing to try anything to help lose weight. Diet and exercise require effort, not everyone who loses weight can withstand it. They then started taking a variety of supplements and vitamin-like substances, which are sold in bulk 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 are discussed below.
What is Lipoic Acid?
Lipoic acid goes by 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 made up by the consumption of the following foods: mushrooms, dairy products, green vegetables, beef, legumes, bananas. To maintain a supply of thioctocide in the body, it must be absorbed in large quantities. It is better to use acid in the form of a pharmaceutical additive that is produced in the form of tablets, capsules and solution for injection.
What is it for?
The body actively produces lipoic acid until about the age of 30. Older women can be deficient in this substance, they begin to appear overweight. The use of thioctocide will preserve the beauty and youth of a woman for a long time, slow down the aging process. Lipoic acid has the following effects on the body:
- Participates in the supply of energy to the body: it begins to process its spent resources again. As such, all nutrients from food are processed as efficiently as possible.
- Forcing the body to use glucose for energy, thereby helping to lower blood sugar.
- Ensures the normal functioning of pancreatic acids. Since an increase in insulin does not occur, the processing of other energy sources, for example, fat, is activated.
- Prevents premature aging of the body by binding and eliminating free radicals.
- Normalizes the immune system.
Note!Before using lipoate, you need to make sure that it is compatible with other medications you are taking.
How does it help you lose weight?
The original use of lipoic acid was to protect and restore liver cells from poisoning with various substances (including alcohol). Then they started using it to build muscle mass. Currently, thioctocid is also used as a means for weight loss.
When lipoic acid enters the body, processes are started to normalize metabolism. It directly affects the breakdown and elimination of stored fat. Normal metabolism plays a role in creating a slim body. The benefits of ALA for weight loss are as follows:
- the stability of sugar due to the amount of sugar absorbed allows you to control the amount of food consumed;
- by stimulating the breakdown of fats, lipoic acid for weight loss removes the body from fat deposits;
- fully absorb nutrients that help improve skin tone, prevent brittle hair and nails;
- the feeling of hunger is reduced, being blocked for a long time does not harm the body;
- mental and physical performance is improved;
- all organs begin to work more efficiently.
You need to know that there are contraindications for the use of lipoic acid, it should not be taken with the following diseases:
- heart failure;
- chronic kidney disease;
- dysfunction of the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism);
- inflammation of the digestive 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 with women. After taking a course, they noted a decrease in cravings for sweets, weight loss.
Important!Before using lipoic acid for weight loss, you should consult your doctor: an endocrinologist, therapist or dietitian.
According to reviews of people taking this drug, they begin to feel better, have a desire to lead an active lifestyle. After the treatment, many people have improved their blood count, changed their appearance: acne and inflammation disappear from the face. It is noted that weight loss occurs only 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 to lose weight. Exceeding the dosage can lead to ill health. Lipoate has high chemical activity, reacts with many substances, so before using it, you must carefully read the instructions for use.
Amount
It should be selective, focusing on the person's food addiction, intensity of physical activity, as well as general state of health. General rules for the use of thioctocide:
- in good condition, the prophylactic dose 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;
- women losing weight - the minimum dosage is 30-50 mg; for men - 50-75 mg per day (divided into 3 doses).
With the introduction of intramuscular acid, this portion should not exceed 50 mg per day. Although some sources indicate that positive results can be achieved with only a daily intake of 100-200 mg, it is still necessary to initiate treatment with a small dose. Doses of more than 600 mg per day without physical activity can worsen health conditions.
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 general improvement of the body, thioctocide is taken 2-3 weeks several times a year. To lose weight, it is necessary to take longer, according to the following scheme: drink for 1 month, then rest for 1-2 months, then the course is repeated, etc. v. Combining the pill with a balanced diet and physical activity, you can lose 4-6 kg per month.
Recommendations
- Lipoic acid is injected in the morning and evening.
- In order not to feel discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract, use the drug after meals.
- Thioctocid inhibits calcium absorption, therefore, lactic acid products are consumed 4 hours after oral administration.
- Alcohol blocks the absorption of lipoic acid, in addition, when taken simultaneously, 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 effect of the slimming procedure will be achieved only if you follow a strict 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 weight decreases. When consuming confectionery, pasta, cereals, lipoic acid will be used to process the received sugar without affecting the fat.
Overdose
Dosage should be prescribed by a doctor, it is not possible to change the dosage independently or more. More does not mean good. Overdose can be dangerous to health: lead to convulsions, bleeding disorders. Due to the sharp drop in blood sugar, there is a possibility of a hypoglycemic coma; Low levels of hormone produced can cause thyroid disease (hypothyroidism).
Treatment is inducing vomiting, gastric lavage, and prescribing activated charcoal. But even these manipulations can be useless, because there is no antidote. Therefore, before using, you must carefully read the instructions, avoid overdose.
Side Effects
Lipoic acid is generally well tolerated, but occasionally the following unpleasant symptoms may occur:
- stomachache;
- headache;
- allergic reactions in the form of a rash on the skin;
- 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, as it slows down absorption.
The use of lipoic acid is not a panacea for losing extra pounds, but combined with diet and exercise, it can help you lose weight. In addition, it normalizes metabolism in the body, preventing aging.