Today, we’re talking about natural, sustainable ways to promote healthy weight loss. Both Alpha-Lipoic Acid and Leptin have been studied for use in weight loss.

But what are they, and how do they help with weight loss?

Remember, almost all supplements and/or drugs that are helpful with weight loss really work the best when taken with proper diet and exercise.

Alpha Lipoic Acid, also known as ALA is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant that is naturally produced within our bodies.

It helps improve metabolic processes – which assist in converting food into energy. In fact, it is a critical co-factor in one of the mitochondrial processes that produces energy from foot.

Because ALA, unlike other antioxidants, is fat- and water-soluble, your body can send it to any cell within your body. This property is why it’s known as a “universal antioxidant.” ALA is called universal because it is able to travel in both lipid and water-based environments.

This property is not present in most antioxidants. It’s one of the most powerful antioxidants available to us, and when taken as a supplement provides unmatched oxidative support.

We are able to naturally make our own ALA inside the body, however, we generally are not making enough to combat our highly inflammatory and oxidative-stress-producing lives.

In your metabolic cycle, ALA plays a role in converting carbohydrates into energy. Because of this, it helps to regulate food cravings and energy swings by regulating blood sugar balance. Clinical trials and experimental science work has demonstrated that alpha-lipoic acid is able to provide benefits for problems related to insulin resistance and polyneuropathy.

Human clinical trials have found no adverse health effects when taking up to 2400mg daily (ALADIN, SYDNEY, ORPIL trials). ALA has been used in Germany for over 50 years as a natural and effective remedy for diabetic neuropathy and retinopathy.

Leptin is a hormone that helps regulate metabolism, hormonal balance, and can stimulate weight loss. Leptin is produced by fat tissues. It works by talking directly to the brain, telling it how much fat is being stored.

Leptin normally reduces cravings for food; it is produced when we are in a high-energy state and is a mechanism to stop the intake of more glucose and energy.

If you have low levels of the leptin hormone you may experience food cravings and slow metabolism. There is also a risk of heart disease associated with low levels of leptin as well.

Some people can have resistance, or immunity, to leptin. This causes the brain to not get the message that they are full – which causes appetite to increase, slows down energy, and contributes to weight gain. People that have ‘leptin resistance syndrome’ actually have very high levels of leptin yet remain hungry and crave food.

When taken as a supplement, it can inhibit hunger, promote increased energy levels, and help burn fat. This, of course, presumes that one does not have resistance to leptin. Because so many people with obesity have leptin resistance the ability of leptin supplements to work to stop food cravings is controversial.

Natural, sustainable methods of weight loss are possible! Click the link below to read our best resources to help you on your weight loss journey: