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What is Alpha Lipoic Acid? Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a natural antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals in the body and protects cells from damage. ALA has been used for years in Europe to help maintain and perhaps even restore liver health. Alpha Lipoic Acid is so effective that it has been used to treat patients with radiation poisoning, mushroom poisoning, alcoholic hepatitis, diabetes-related neuropathy. It has also been shown to effectively lower liver enzymes. ALA protects the body from free radicals that may enter the system through cigarette smoke, pollution, car exhaust, fried foods and in other ways. If you live in an environment that has no smoke, no pollution, and no car exhaust, and if you never eat fried foods, then you are probably in pretty good shape and don't have to worry about free radicals. The rest of us could benefit from taking supplements that contain antioxidants like Alpha Lipoic Acid. If you don't want to take a supplement, you may still get some Alpha Lipoic Acid through your diet, provided you eat enough of the right kinds of foods. Alpha Lipoic Acid is a naturally occurring substance and can be found in foods such as meats, and vegetables (i.e. spinach). The main function of Alpha Lipoic Acid is to increase the body's production of glutathione, which helps dissolve toxic substances in the liver. The liver is the filter for the body, and an unhealthy liver means an unhealthy you. Almost everyone knows that alcohol can damage the liver, but so can certain pain-relievers and other prescription medications. Being overweight also puts additional stress on the liver which can lead to long term damage and a condition known as "fatty liver." Alpha Lipoic Acid helps cleanse the liver and has been associated with other healthful benefits. It has also been associated with both the mitigation of heavy metal toxicity and the direct chelation of heavy metals, such as mercury. Mercury exposure is the second-most common cause of toxic metal poisoning. |
