How To Get Natural Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid, or ALA, is a fat-based antioxidant naturally produced by your body. Functional throughout the body, ALA helps regenerate the natural antioxidant vitamins C and E, as well as stimulate the production of glutathione, another powerful antioxidant. Research studies have found ALA beneficial for treating diabetes, neuropathy, vascular disease and cardiovascular disease, and protecting the body from damage from free-radicals, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. ALA can be found in some foods and can be naturally produced by your body, but the concentrations found in foods are hundreds to thousands of times less than levels that are needed to be effective in research studies.

Step 1

Eat foods high in protein, such as meat, as they contain high levels of ALA. In foods, ALA is bound to the amino acid L-lysine, a form called lipolysine. Choose lean protein sources to avoid excess calories from fat.

Step 2

Eat organ meats, such as heart, liver and kidney, occasionally. Organs meats are especially high in ALA, but they are also high in cholesterol and should not be eaten frequently.

Step 3

Add green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach to your diet. These vegetables contain significant level of lipolysine, although at a lower level than meats.

Step 4

Choose an ALA supplement from a reputable supplier. Doses used in research studies vary between 200 and 800 mg. ALA exists in two forms: R and S. R-ALA has a higher activity level in your body.

Tips and Warnings

Take ALA supplements on an empty stomach.
Consult your doctor before making major changes in your diet, or adding ALA to your supplement routine. ALA does not replace medication or other treatments prescribed by your doctor.