Alpha Lipoic Acid and Leptin have been the subject of research studies for use in weight loss. What exactly are they and what role do they play in weight loss?
Alpha Lipoic Acid
Alpha Lipoic Acid or ALA is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that is found naturally in our bodies. It helps improve our ability to metabolize food for energy. Because ALA is soluble in fat and water, our bodies can send it to any of the parts of our cells.
In the metabolic cycle alpha lipoic acid plays a major part in the production of converting carbohydrates into energy. Alpha Lipoic Acid helps manage your cravings and energy swings by managing your blood sugar.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is only in a small amount of foods. You can find ALA in peas, broccoli, spinach, brewer’s yeast, rice bran, Brussels sprouts, and organ meats. Since lipoic acid is only found in a small amount of foods you may want to take it as a supplement if you find yourself unable to deal with cravings and unstable energy levels.
You can find Alpha Lipoic Acid supplements at drug stores, health stores, and online. The recommended use as a supplement is to take it in 100-200 mg increments daily. When added to your diet it can help with your weight loss. It is also used in treatments for liver damage and strokes. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a strong antioxidant that boosts the strength of vitamins C and E, and helps aid in the body’s energy production. However, before using any supplements for your diet you should consult with your doctor first.
Leptin
Leptin has also garnered quite a bit of interest in the field of weight loss studies. Leptin is a hormone that promotes metabolism, weight loss, and hormonal balance. This hormone talks directly with our brain telling it how much fat is in storage, and it also controls our energy, appetite, and metabolic rate.
When we have low leptin it can cause food cravings, overeating, slow metabolism, and can lead to heart disease. Leptin affects how our body’s metabolism works and the hunger we feel. It can inhibit hunger, promote fat burning in the muscles and liver, and increase energy levels. Leptin is a natural hormone found in our bodies that suppresses appetite and induces weight loss. Some obese people are actually immune to leptin. This causes the brain to not get the message when they are full, causing their appetite to increase, energy to slow, and continued weight gain.
If you think you suffer from low leptin levels, consult your doctor for a special diet plan designed to help you lose weight and keep it off.
Other Strategies For Weight Loss
The dieting market is a huge one. With so many Americans suffering from obesity or other weight-related issues, it's no wonder that the question of how to lose weight is on so many minds. There are a lot of bad strategies out there for losing weight that are not supported by science.
Every year, it seems like another fad pops up for losing weight. These fads are often endorsed by celebrities, with little scientific backing or proper research. They make bold claims about how much weight you can lose, promising certain results or else, supposedly, you'll get your money back. The fact that these fads come and go like a breeze should tell you how effective they really are.
The most effective strategy for weight management is a good diet and exercise. A diet that is high in protein and low in fat and calories is often key to weight loss. Remember that losing weight is a marathon, not a sprint. It isn't healthy to lose a ton of weight at once, so don't expect to do so.
Before committing to any particular diet plan, make sure to talk to a medical professional. They can evaluate your individual health and determine what makes the most sense for you. Certain plans may work better for certain people compared to others. For example, an older person may not be able to get a lot of exercise, so they need a different type of plan than someone a lot younger.
The content of this article should not be taken as professional medical advice. Always consult a doctor before making decisions pertaining to your or your family's health.
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