How Useful Is Alpha Lipoic Acid For Neuropathy Symptoms?

Today's post from healthymomsmagazine.net (see link below) looks at one of the most commonly recommended anti-oxidant supplements to help with neuropathy symptoms: i.e. Alpha Lipoic Acid. It may be wise to combine this supplement with Acetyl-L Carnitine (see elsewhere on this blog) because the two together seem to provide the best results. The question of dosage is also open to discussion and you will find these supplements are available in dosages from 50 to 1000mg. Generally, 600mg per day may be more than enough and given that there is little evidence or research into long-term effects of taking this supplement, it may be best to get qualified advice. You may also see wildly exaggerated claims for ALA across the internet but remember, you're only concerned with a reduction of your neuropathy symptoms - if there are other benefits then that's a bonus but don't be taken in by wild claims you read in advertising jargon. Remember also, you need to take this sort of supplement over a number of months before noticing any improvement. If there's no improvement - stop taking them - partly because they're expensive and partly because you may not be doing your body any favours. Talk to your doctor, do your research and make a decision based on your current situation. This article is a good start.

4 Reasons to Consider Alpha Lipoic Acid for Neuropathy
by Guest Author/ April 6, 2018/

Alpha lipoic acid of the mitochondrial family is a fatty acid that fights against oxidation and inflammation. It is among the top fatty acids in energy metabolism. The body can synthesize this fatty acid when you consume meat, fruits and some vegetables.

Also found in supplement form, alpha lipoic (or ALA) has proven itself as a great weapon against inflammation and oxidation. Additional benefits include protection against heart and liver disease and neurological slump brought about by age.

Let’s take a comprehensive look at the top four reasons you should consider taking alpha-lipoic acid for neuropathy.

1. Relieves Neuropathic Pain

ALA is a clinically proven remedy for decreasing pain in conditions that affect the pelvis and lower-back. This anesthetic action also applies to neuropathic pain. A study revealed that neuropathy patients reported a decrease in various pain-related conditions, like burning sensations, superficial pain and pain intensity after taking ALA.

A 2015 research study discovered that ALA contains anti-allodynic properties that lessen neuropathic pain. Allodynia is pain resulting from a stimulus that doesn’t typically cause pain.

2. Safe and Effective in Diabetic Neuropathy

ALA – an insulin-emulative – assists in managing diabetes by balancing insulin levels, reducing inflammation and enhancing antioxidant defenses. A study printed in the Journal of Diabetes and Metabolic Disorders contrasted the effects of conventional therapy–pregabalin and carbamazepine– with ALA in diabetic neuropathy. A decrease in neuropathic pain was reported in all groups. However, the quickest pain relief was noted in pregabalin, followed by ALA. 

3. Protects Nerve Health

ALA exhibits its antioxidant properties in numerous ways. Being a nerve support supplement, ALA lessens oxidative damage and helps in exercise-generated muscle damage repair. Oxidative imbalance or stress between antioxidant and pro-oxidant agents in our bodies is recognized as one of the causative elements of neuropathy. Extremely high glucose levels in people with diabetes creates systemic oxidative strain, resulting in nerve cell damage. Studies suggest that ALA–an antioxidant–curtails nerve cell damage in diabetic neuropathy.

Additionally, ALA’s antioxidant traits are valuable in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, as it safeguards nerve cells from noxiousness. These activities also help in the healing of minor nerve injuries.

4. Benefits Healing Post-Neurotoxicity

Thiols are chemical compounds of particular importance when it comes to the brain’s antioxidant defenses. ALA is one such thiol antioxidant that bears neuro-protective properties. ALA cuts across the blood-brain impediment and augments the brain’s antioxidant defenses. In addition, ALA wields neuro-protective action during entrapment neuropathy, and it safeguards the brain’s neurons and astrocytes against perishing in reaction to nerve injury. 

In summary

ALA combines neuroprotective and antioxidant actions in neuropathy treatment. Research reveals that ALA is effective in diabetic neuropathy management. ALA also alleviates neuropathic pain and is a safe and affordable option compared to other pain relief medications.

More research is needed to determine ALA’s effectiveness when used together with alternative therapeutic agents and whether it’s healthy in the long-term

https://healthymomsmagazine.net/2018/04/4-reasons-to-consider-alpha-lipoic-acid-for-neuropathy.html