Supplementation plays a crucial role in bodybuilding and a number of other athletic sports. In order to boost your performance and heighten the efficiency of your work outs, it is essential to consume these supplements. A regular exercise routine combined with a nutritious diet plan along with proper rest and supplementation is the key to developing the body of your dreams.
Before deciding to buy any product you must consult a general physician or fitness expert to settle on the best suited supplements keeping in mind the specific requirements of your body. It is essential for you to keep in mind your own requirements and not follow someone else’s supplementation program as it might prove useless according to your body’s needs. You must also make a note of your body weight, body type and any ailments you might be suffering from such as diabetes, heart disease, asthma etc.
There are a number of supplements available in the market these days ranging from powders and meal replacement supplements (MRPs) to serums and snacking bars. You must opt for one that is best suited as well as beneficial for you. The supplements market is humungous in terms of demand and variety.
Alpha lipoic acid is an antioxidant which occurs naturally in the human body. It is both water as well as fat soluble and is easily supplied to all the cell membranes. It offers protection from free radicals inside as well as outside the cell while other antioxidants may provide only extra cellular protection. Lipoic acid is capable of regenerating other antioxidants such as vitamin E, Vitamin C and glutathione.
In bodybuilding and other sports,
alpha lipoic acid plays a crucial role as an energy producing component. Its antioxidant properties only come to light when it is present in the cells in excess in the ‘free state’. There is little
alpha lipoic acid flowing in the body, only what is essential to support the basic functions. It is only through proper supplementation that you can attain it in excess in the body.
It is found in meat and vegetables such as spinach, peas, broccoli, rice barn, brussel sprouts etc. It can easily be absorbed in the blood stream as well as the brain and protects the brain and nerve tissue by stopping free radical damage. It is available in the form of capsules and injections in health stores and can also be obtained online.
Benefits of Alpha lipoic acid: This compound is known for its unique antioxidant properties and a number of other uses. It is likely to benefit people belonging to all age groups in some way or the other.
- This multipurpose antioxidant helps deactivate the wide variety of cell damaging free radicals found in a number of bodily systems. Some of these radicals are smoking, junk foods, vehicle exhaust, pollution etc.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: This can be caused by injury, nutritional deficiencies, chemotherapy, alcoholism, shingles, thyroid imbalance, kidney failure etc. ALA is said to have improved the symptoms in a number of patients.
- It aids in the prevention as well as treatment of a number of diseases such as diabetes, high cholesterol levels, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, cataract as well as declines in energy, muscle strength, brain function, immunity etc.
- Research is being conducted to determine its efficiency in the treatment of AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) and multiple sclerosis.
- It helps form glutathione which helps in the process of detoxification.
Dosage: Before consuming lipoic acid you must consult your physician regarding the dosage. The dosage depends upon the purpose you are ingesting it for as well as your body type and weight. Its effect on different individuals varies.
Side Effects: Side effects of ALA include headache, allergic reactions, nausea, muscle cramps, swelling on the face and hands, tightness in the chest, uneasiness while breathing etc.
Consuming any supplement under supervision can result in a number of benefits whereas taking the wrong medication can prove fatal. Therefore, it is recommended that you do your research well before making up your mind to purchase any drug.