Supplemental use of R-alpha Lipoic Acid1 has the therapeutic potential to correct abnormal insulin signaling and insulin resistance, key factors to correct in individuals stuck at a higher-than-normal body weight.
Once a person quits poisoning themself by eating too much food, then various nutrients can help to correct the mess and tangle of metabolic signals that are in a funk. R-alpha lipoic acid shines in this regard as it rejuvenates energy production in the mitochondria of cells, it enhances the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein, it rebalances antioxidant enzymes so they work properly again, it protects nerves from damage, and it can restore defunct insulin signaling.
The new science shows a clear link between the antioxidant status within a cell and that cell’s ability to have proper insulin function. R-alpha lipoic acid has a profound influence on other antioxidant nutrients and enzymes, helping to put them into a state of efficient balance so they can work properly. As a result, multiple gene signals relating to insulin and glucose metabolism are improved. These findings have profound implications for any overweight person, especially type 2 diabetics.
In our old way of thinking about this issue, it was simply a matter of too many calories being pushed at cells and the cells rejecting them because no more fuel was needed. The new gene science is showing an amazing level of regulation of insulin based on a cell’s antioxidant status. This means that a cell also doesn’t want sugar if it doesn’t have enough antioxidants to protect the cell as the sugar is metabolized. Within a cell, sugar is like logs burning in the fireplace with the byproduct of energy production. Antioxidants are like the fireplace screen that keeps the fire where it is supposed to be. Is it any wonder that just about every overweight person is lacking antioxidants?
Referenced Studies: ^ R Alpha Lipoic Acid, Antioxidant Status, and Insulin Signaling J Clin Biochem Nutr. Packer L, Cadenas E