Health Applications of ALA
This powerful antioxidant treatment helps those suffering from diabetes and is a proven anti-cancer agent. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a natural substance produced by the cells throughout our liver...more when we are younger and diminishing with age.
Primarily, ALA’s function is to help metabolize glucose from the food we eat. This may account for part of ALA’s role in relieving diabetic neuropathy, the pain and numbness endured by diabetics in their hands and feet.
ALA also recycles vitamins C and E, helping to prevent deficiencies of these vitamins, while also aiding in the formation of the body’s master antioxidant, glutathione — which acts mainly in the liver to detox the body of current toxic exposures, as well as improve brain function and prevent premature aging.
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA, thioctic acid), among other actions, is an essential coenzyme in the conversion of pyruvate to acetyl co-enzyme A. Therefore, it is necessary for the production of energy for aerobic organisms. Scientists have found that it can be used medically to help regenerate liver tissue, reverse the complications of diabetes mellitus, slow or stop the growth of cancer cells, and chelate heavy metals, among other actions.
where do we find aLA?
Alpha lipoic acid is available from the following dietary sources:
Fruits & Vegetables: Green leafy vegetables including spinach and broccoli are some of the highest sources of ALA. Other sources are tomatoes and potatoes.
Organ Meat: Kidney, heart, and liver (from grass-fed animals is recommended).
Supplements: Supplement dosage size can range from 50-600 mg per day depending on the desired therapeutic effect you wish to achieve. As with any dietary supplement, you should speak with your health care provider to learn if ALA dietary supplementation is right for you.
Foods with high concentrations of thiol can also be incorporated into the diet to promote the body’s natural ability to produce ALA.
Examples of foods high in cancer-fighting thiols are:
Asparagus
Bok choy
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Chives
Leeks
Peas
Onions
Sauerkraut
Eggs
Garlic
Shallots