Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Liver Detoxification
Alpha-Lipoic Acid (not to be confused with Alpha-Linolenic Acid), is a naturally occurring substance in foods such as spinach, broccoli, and potatoes. In Thrine, a therapeutic dose of ALA is included to provide unmatched liver support.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid plays a fundamental role in metabolism, particularly liver metabolism. This compound has shown therapeutic potential in a variety of conditions involving oxidative stress. As such, it’s a powerful antioxidant, acting on cells to prevent damage and to restore certain vitamin levels.
Studies have shown that the use of Alpha-Lipoic Acid can provide therapeutic benefits for cognitive diseases. It also is increasingly being found to aid the liver, in a variety of ways.
In this ingredient spotlight, we’re zooming in on how Alpha-Lipoic Acid can assist the liver in clearing itself of toxins.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid and liver detoxification
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States today. Accumulation of liver fat can lead to inflammation and scarring (known as cirrhosis), and eventually liver failure.
To positively influence and potentially reverse a fatty liver, its advisable to avoid added sugar, fried foods, excessive salt, white flour, and factory farmed red meats and processed meats. You’ll also want to keep an eye on your blood sugar levels and add in more movement. That’s a tall list, because it requires significant lifestyle changes.
This is where living the Almeda lifestyle can help. By focusing on whole foods and moving for pleasure, you’ll naturally be avoiding the “don’ts” on the list above -- but in a positive way. Once you clean your diet, you can add in plant based nutrients and high quality amino acids that support phase I and phase II liver detoxification pathways.
Further, Alpha-Lipoic Acid is believed to help with liver detoxification. It is believed to help reduce inflammation in the body. Some studies have even shown Alpha-Lipoic Acid to have positive effects on fibrosis of the liver.
That’s some powerful stuff.
How Alpha-Lipoic Acid works in the body
It’s believed that the properties of Alpha-Lipoic Acid act as biological antioxidants.
The Alpha-Lipoic Acid compound works at the cellular level to help break down carbohydrates and make energy for the body's organs.
Alpha-Lipoic Acid also has been shown to aid in glucose uptake and glycogen syntheses--two processes needed to regulate the body’s blood sugar and energy storage and use. It’s pretty amazing to see how it works.
Where to access Alpha-Lipoic Acid
As mentioned above, foods such as spinach, broccoli, and potatoes (not fried, of course) are good sources of Alpha-Lipoic Acid. We also recommend beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, tomatoes, yams, and yeast.
Supplements can provide additional support during occasional liver detoxes. Almeda’s Thrine -- a botanical supplement of antioxidants, herbs, phytonutrients and essential minerals -- contains Alpha-lipoic acid. It was designed to work synergistically with other natural ingredients to be easily absorbed and processed by the body.