Alpha lipoic acid or ALA is a nutrient not generally known to the general public. ALA is present in plants as well as animals and contains sulfur. Alpha lipoic acid acts as an antioxidant and also induces the production of other antioxidants. This chemical has proven to be an amazing anti-cancer agent and does not produce as many harmful effects as chemotherapy does.
This preparation is also very effective in heart muscle disease, diabetes, and autoimmune disorders.
This compound can be found in green vegetables, especially spinach. Tomato is also a rich source of alpha-lipoic acid and also cucumbers. In the animal liver, we can find a very high ALA concentration, and in the kidneys, a vibrant source of this compound. Foods rich in ALA are asparagus, eggs, cauliflower, onions, peas, and cabbage.
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals. Free radicals are atoms that can damage cells in our body. In this way, long-term exposure to free radicals can damage complete organs and systemic parts of the body. Anti-oxidants are essential for a normal, disease-free life. They protect our bodies and have the ability to reduce the effects of aging.
Alpha-lipoic acid against cancer
Alpha-lipoic acid is a very potent antioxidant. Not only that, this element is metabolized in the form of dihydrolipoic acid. Both compounds are essential for different reactions in chemical processes that take place in our bodies. We can conclude that if the level of ALA is low, the cells in the body cannot function normally, and they are damaged due to the action of free radicals.
Alpha-lipoic acid has shown astringent properties in the fight against various types of cancer, including ovarian, breast, and colon cancers. It has also shown exceptional effectiveness in the fight against leukemia. First of all, its influence on cancer is its antioxidant properties, preventing further development of cancer.
Another mechanism of alpha-lipoic acid is its ability to prevent accelerated cell division. Cancer cells have a very accelerated cell division. In this case, ALA reacts to stopping the accelerated division and spread of cancer cells. This compound reduces cell death in normal cells and prolongs their survival and functionality, while in cancerous cells, it causes death and cell death.
Cancer cells, unlike healthy ones, are actually damaged by oxygen. These cells have micro-process problems in their mitochondria, in the organs of energy-producing cells. In 2005, a study was conducted that proved that alpha-lipoic acid enhances oxygen uptake and “breathing” of cells colon cancer. This is important because oxygen, when produced and increased, acts as an initial capsule in cancer cells to a process known as the apoptosis or death of cancer cells. Apoptosis is programmed cell death and a normal process in healthy cells. Oxygen produced in carcinogenic cells triggers apoptosis, and these cells soon die.
More on cancer
Cancer is a frightening disease, especially because chemotherapy treatment destroys cancer cells is extremely toxic to a healthy part of the body. The treatment is very harmful to the body and causes very unpleasant effects such as pain, weight loss, ulcers, hair loss from anemia, and weakness. Thus, since this treatment is necessary to prolong the lives of people with cancer, this therapy is not popular and popular with patients due to its side effects.
Chemotherapy kills cells that divide rapidly, damaging their DNA. This treatment causes large amounts of free radicals that endanger healthy cells. The advantage of alpha-lipoic acid is that it actually protects against DNA damage in normal cells and prevents the enormous production of free radicals. It also prevents the spread of cancer cells throughout the body and the formation of metastases. This action is achieved by the action of alpha-lipoic acid on certain enzymes needed by cancer cells to invade different types of tissues. Alpha-lipoic acid is also effective in preventing new blood vessels that provide nutrients for the tumor.
The alpha-lipoic acid positive effect
Alpha-lipoic acid can be used together with chemotherapy and should be used because it prevents chemotherapy’s harmful effects. It is especially effective against diarrhea and nerve damage caused by chemotherapy.
Before you start using ALA, you need to do some research. Don’t take any supplements you find because not all dietary supplements produce the same quality. It is best to consume this food supplement because food increases its absorption into the body.
The best doses to start with are 50-100 mg per day and can go up to 600 mg daily. It is best to start with small doses and gradually increase them. That way, you will be sure that consuming this supplement will not create side effects in your body. Alpha-lipoic acid rarely causes side effects.
Other values and use of alpha lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid helps with neuropathies, especially if they are caused by diabetes. Insulin supports the function of enzymes in cells. ALA removes oxygen-free radicals. These very aggressive oxygen compounds are formed during various metabolic processes. There is still no definitive answer to what role these oxygen free radicals play in the onset of the disease. Preparations exist with alpha-lipoic acid, which is used in diabetes and is supposed to inactivate oxygen radicals. Animal experiments have been performed on how this substance could have a therapeutic effect. These relationships may also play a role in using ALA in humans.
Type 2 diabetics make up the largest group of patients with neuropathies. Alpha-lipoic acid has been approved for “paresthesia in diabetic polyneuropathy.” But studies conducted so far, which should prove efficacy, show inconsistent results. If all test results are considered together, the use of ALA appears to alleviate the neuropathic symptoms associated with diabetes. However, the effect has been reliably documented for only a few weeks.
How well alpha-lipoic acid stimulates prescription drugs commonly used for neuropathic ailments, such as amitriptyline or pregabalin, has not been adequately investigated. The results of a study in which people with diabetes were given alpha-lipoic acid as a solution by infusion showed that the substance could reduce symptoms; however, participants in this study were so poorly controlled in terms of blood sugar levels that appropriate therapy would be better regulation of blood sugar, as this is the most important basis for treating a patient with diabetic polyneuropathy.
Alpha-lipoic acid is suitable with certain limitations. It can be used in people with abnormal sensations due to diabetic neuropathy, but only if the symptoms cannot be satisfactorily treated with more suitable agents such as amitriptyline or pregabalin. Neuropathies that have other causes cannot be treated with alpha-lipoic acid.
Drug interactions
If you are being treated with cisplatin for cancer, you should not take alpha-lipoic acid simultaneously; otherwise, the cancer drug will be ineffective.
Do not take products that contain iron or magnesium (iron for anemia) simultaneously as alpha-lipoic acid. Minerals can bind the agent and make it ineffective. Take alpha-lipoic acid, for example, in the morning half an hour before breakfast, and products that contain minerals only at noon or in the evening.
If you are treating diabetes with insulin or anti-diabetes pills, you should carefully check your blood sugar level at the beginning of the therapy. Failure to do so may result in hypoglycemia.
ALA can cause a drop in blood sugar levels. As a result, especially people with diabetes can get dangerous hypoglycemia. It manifests as dizziness, headache, increased sweating, and visual disturbances. That is why you need to check your blood sugar level more often than usual, especially at the beginning of the treatment.
If you feel a strong rash, itching, palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness, and dizziness, you must stop using it immediately and call an ambulance immediately because allergies can be life-threatening. This side effect is expected primarily if the agent is injected.
Special instructions
For children and young people under 18 years
There is not enough experience with the use of children.
For pregnancy and breastfeeding
Pregnant and breastfeeding women should use the product only after a doctor’s assessment.
