Obese people are ready to try any means to help lose weight. Diets and exercise require effort, not everyone who loses weight is able to stick to it. Then they start taking various supplements and vitamin-like drugs, which are sold in large quantities at 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 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 offset by the use of the following foods: mushrooms, dairy products, leafy 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 convenient to use the acid in the form of a pharmaceutical additive prepared in the form of tablets, capsules and solution for injection.
What is it for
The body actively produces lipoic acid until about 30 years of age. Women older than this age may have a deficiency of this drug, they begin to appear overweight. The use of thioctocide will preserve a woman's beauty and youth for a long time, which slows down the aging process. Lipoic acid has the following effects on the body:
- Participates in supplying the body with energy: it starts the reprocessing of its used sources. Thus, all nutrients from food are processed as efficiently as possible.
- 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 increases do not occur, the process of treating 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, make sure that it is compatible with other medicines that you use.
How it helps you lose weight
The original 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 of losing weight.
When lipoic acid enters the body, processes are launched that normalize metabolism. It directly affects spending 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 due to its intake allows you to keep control of the amount of food consumed;
- by stimulating the breakdown of fat, lipoic acid for weight loss eliminates the body from fat deposits;
- full absorption of nutrients helps improve skin color, prevent hair and nail fragility;
- 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 disorders:
- heart failure;
- chronic kidney disease;
- hypothyroidism (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 drugs, the drug is very popular among women. After taking a course, they notice a decrease in the urge for confectionery, a decrease in weight.
Important!Before using lipoic acid for weight loss, consult a physician: endocrinologist, therapist, or nutritionist.
According to reviews of those who took this drug, they began to feel better, there was a desire to lead an active lifestyle. After therapy, many improved blood counts, 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. Exceeding the dose can lead to ill health. Lipoat has a high chemical activity, it reacts with many substances, so before taking it, carefully study the instructions for use.
Dosage
It should be chosen with a focus on the person's food dependence, the intensity of physical activity as well as the state of health in general. General rules for the use of thioctocide:
- in a satisfactory condition the dose as prophylaxis is 25-50 mg perday;
- elderly people - 50 mg a day;
- athletes - from 75 to 200 mg;
- for the treatment of diseases - up to 600 mg;
- weight loss women - a minimum dose of 30-50 mg; for men - 50-75 mg per day (divided into 3 doses).
When introducing acid intramuscularly, the dose should not exceed 50 mg per day. day. Although some sources indicate that it is only 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 daily without physical activity can dramatically worsen the health condition.
Note!Lipoic acid for weight loss is only effective 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. For weight loss, a longer intake is required according to the following schedule: 1 month intake, then a break for 1-2 months, then the course is repeated, and so on. By combining the intake of 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.
- Thioctocide inhibits the absorption of calcium, therefore lactic acid products are ingested 4 hours after taking it.
- Alcohol blocks the absorption of lipoic acid, in addition, when taken concomitantly, dizziness and nausea may occur.
- 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 medicines used.
The effect of the slimming procedure will only be if you follow a diet and work out in the gym. Protein foods are best used at this time. If there are fewer carbohydrates, the body begins to deplete the available reserves and the weight decreases. When consuming confectionery, pasta, cereals, lipoic acid will be used to process the sugar received without affecting the fats.
Overdose
The dosage should be prescribed by the doctor; it is impossible to change it independently upwards. Much does not mean good yet. Overdose can be dangerous for health: lead to seizures, bleeding disorders. Due to a sharp drop in blood sugar, there is a possibility of hypoglycaemic coma; Low levels of hormones produced can cause hypothyroidism.
As treatment, vomiting is induced, gastric lavage is used, activated charcoal is prescribed. But even these manipulations can be useless as there is no antidote. Therefore, before use, carefully read the instructions and avoid overdosing.
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 skin rash;
- increased pressure;
- nausea and vomiting;
- diarrhea;
- metallic taste in the mouth.
When these symptoms occur, the drug should be stopped immediately.
Important!At the time of taking thioctic acid, it is necessary to stop drinking alcohol as it slows its absorption.
The use of lipoic acid is not a panacea for losing extra pounds, but when it comes to diet and exercise, it can help you lose weight. In addition, it normalizes metabolic processes in the body, prevents aging.