The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Loraine (Orlando, FL) on 05/05/2014
Hey EC....Quick question guys...does anyone know if its safe to take Alpha lipoic acid if you are hypothyroid? Just read an article that says folks with low thyroid should not take Ala and since I am currently taking this supplement I am worried because I am hypothyroid. Please help guys with a quick answer. Thanks a million....
Diabetes, Peripheral Neuropathy
Posted by ORH (TEN MILE, TN) on 10/27/2020
★★★★★
Your email on ALA
HI U D,,,, ORH here, and I too have been down this trail because of my diabetes. I also have peripheral neuropathy and take R-Lipoic Acid as a supplement along with ALA as an IV. I just had my Dr order me 4 IV's worth. Few people know how this helps.
The doctor that tested me said that sometime in my youth I had a severe back injury because my feet don't talk to my brain to keep me in balance. Thus, I suffer from falls. I don't have the leg pain yet. I met a woman that was in bad shape because of Hepatitis C. That really messes up your nerves. She taught me a l lot. Quality is bettern than quantity, according to her. This same practitioner has avoided many diabetics from losing a leg because of ulcers due to poor circulation. He gave them a few HYDROGEN PEROXIDE IV'S and their ulcers healed.
This is the same QUACK that gave me 100 EDTA Chelations and my blood vessels have no plaque. I have told you people to follow me over the years and see what happens. At 84, I am still raising a garden. Yep, I do need a heavy lifter. Our project today was to cut bamboo so he can drive it into the lake in front of our dock to bring in the fish. I cheats and you will too when there is no food to be had in the coming days. Hey, we so concerned..... that we spilling our apples to draw in the deer in front of our lake cabin. Stores empty?,,,,,,,, not a problem, as we will eat fish and venison and from our garden. So my admonition to all you OLE PATOOTS is to BE PREPARED. ====ORH====
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Tesslynn (Colorado, US) on 07/19/2014
I went off thyroid meds because I was taking more and more, and it wasn't helping...and instead I add tyrosine/bayberry/dulse, eat chia seeds, and I feel better than I have in a LONG time. I started getting hot flashes, so added ACV and that seem to help everything. It is all about balancing your system. I don't eat bread anymore, it was causing gastric distress, but then probably the GMO factor. My Dr had a cow that I did that, but really, why bother with meds, if other things work better. We are what we eat, and I am convinced meds are NOT the answer...eating better, supplementing with herbs (they are easier on your system) has been a WAY better solution for me!
ALA Contraindications
Posted by J-dub (Oc, Ca) on 03/19/2016
ALA WARNING:
ALA is a Mercury Chelator and can cross the blood brain barrier. If you have or ever have had silver (amalgam) fillings, vaccines, or any other mercury exposure, you have mercury in your body. Taking ALA without proper dosing and timing WILL MAKE YOU WORSE. Please see the Andrew Hall Cutler chelation protocol (Amalgam Illness). Most who have had mercury in their body start with 6mg of ALA every 3 hours for 3 days straight. You also have to take a ton of other vitamins and antioxidants at the same time to protect the body while moving this mercury. You have to take it ever 3 hours because of the half life of ALA's ability to hold the mercury, the ALA has to be followed up every 3 hours to pick up the mercury that is being dropped. ALA cannot be taken until all mercury is out of the mouth for at least 3 months. DSMA can be taken after 4 days but also in the proper amounts as explained in Andy Cutlers protocol.
In short, taking ALA in the massive amounts recommended in the above post without the warning that someone who currently has amalgam fillings or ever has had amalgams is extremely dangerous.
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Majikat (South Africa) on 04/22/2014
Many lost suffering souls I see here. I am also suffering with BMS for the last 4 years. It's hell. It sucks the enjoyment out of life terribly and others who don't have it are simply unable to empathize.
Anyway, I see a lot of suggestions here and there. What you guys really need to do is check for mercury in your system (do a hair elements test at directlabs.com) they can ship the test back and forth from anywhere in the world. Also do a Stools MC&S test to check for fungal infection (most commonly C. Albicans will show up which is known to cause BMS).
Most likely the reason why some find relief with ALA is because it is the most powerful mercury chelator (or detoxifier). Most people are inadvertently moving mercury out of their mouths to other parts of their body using ALA. You must research Dr. Andy Cutler mercury detox protocol which involves small doses of ALA every 3 hours for 3 days on and then 3 days off. You do this for 1 - 5 years to get rid of all the mercury in your system which is probably the biggest hidden cause of BMS mainly from amalgam 'silver' looking fillings. The mercury leaks into your mouth and body, lowers your immune system and allows a Candida fungal infection to take hold. Both mercury and Candida cause BMS. You'll have to remove them both, starting with mercury.
Good luck. You should also check for nerve damage (lingual nerve damage).
High Blood Sugar
Posted by John (Annapolis) on 05/10/2018
★★★★★
I take ALA for blood sugar (prediabetes) and it helps, but I get side effects if I take too much. ALA binds to certain heavy metals, like mercury, which makes it one of the top supplements to chelate heavy metals. But lower dosages are safest if you have heavy metal poisoning. I open a 150 mg capsule and pour 1/3 (approx 50 mg )into a small amount of water and drink it. If I don't have any symptoms (headaches), I take another 1/3rd capsule 6-8 hours later. Very effective supplement for prediabetes.
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Loraine (Brooklyn ) on 11/28/2021
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
Hi EC family….I have a problem which I hope you can help me with… I'm using alpha lipoic acid to cleanse my liver and it's working well however, recently I noticed I'm having headaches and finally traced it to the ALA. I'm using 600mg. If Anyone can help me figure this out it will be great… I don't want to stop using it because it helps me so much. Thanks guys.. Please answer…
Neuropathy, Foot Surgery Recovery
Posted by Marilee M. (Maine, Usa) on 08/20/2016
★★★★★
I found using 1,800.mg. of ALA divided into at least 4doses per day to help with neuropathy AND healing of my foot surgery.
ALA Contraindications
Posted by John Jacobs (Usa) on 12/10/2015
I'm a strong proponent of ALA, it gives me very vivid dreams as well! Thioctic acid is a fat soluble form of ALA which, to my understanding, has a much longer half-life once within the body. I've been told any ALA one takes is pretty much used up in an hour.
Another great antioxidant is Glutathione.
Personally, I have to take it in moderation as it has quite the affinity with my kidneys, but have seen worthwhile improvement in gut health.
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Art (California ) on 12/01/2021 2325 posts
Hi Loraine,
Headache and heartburn are two of the most common side effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA).
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-767/alpha-lipoic-acid
You can see if your body adjusts to it and the headaches go away with continued use or you can consider another popular and potent antioxidant such as N Acetyl Cysteine (NAC).
Art
Powerful Heavy Metal Chelator
Posted by Steeve J. (Catania (Sicily)) on 10/28/2020
★★★★★
Everybody willing to take R-ALA should be aware that it is a really powerful HV chelator and therefore could trigger some very weird reactions into your system ...
So it is really important to start with slow doses (under 100mg = 50mg) and to leave a couple of days in between each take in order for the body to eliminate toxic compounds such as Heavy Metals.
In addition, taking OptiMSM & Camu-Camu (natural occuring high dose Vit. C small berries from Amazonia) + some Chlorella will improve this chelation process ...It is the so called well renowned Dr. Klinghardt HV Chelation Protocol ...make your own research before starting this!!!!
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Carmel (England) on 06/16/2015
I suspect that you can start off with an underactive thyroid and then when you take the medication your own thyroid turns off or gets lazy or gets over whelmed by the medication and become useless or dies so you need more and more medication. Not good.
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Madelyn (Idaho) on 12/02/2021
Hi, try giving activated charcoal a try. It absorbs toxins, and can alleviate headaches.
If that doesn't work, you can lower the daily dose of ALA that you take. Slowly increase the dose back up if you are headache-free.
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Art (California) on 10/18/2022 2325 posts
Moira,
If the headache is in conjunction with low blood sugar, stop taking ALA as it can cause low blood sugar in some people and that isn't good.
Art
Gum Abscess
Posted by Carlton (London, UK) on 02/13/2021
★★★★★BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS
I had a very painful abscess on my gum recently and started taking alpha lipoic acid (2 x 300mg capsules morning and night, so a total of 4 capsules a day) until I was sure the abscess had gone and I was pain-free. I took the capsules for about 8 days and stopped taking them about 5 days ago.
Since then I have noticed that when I wake in the morning and for at least the entire morning I feel very light-headed and almost as if the top part of my body is very slightly leaning to one side. This wears off as the day goes on and by mid afternoon I feel back to my normal self.
Have I done myself harm taking the alpha lipoic acid and what can I take to rectify this? Thank you.
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Tammy (Temple, Tx) on 10/27/2020
I think it very important that you add a disclaimer or at least bring attention to at the beginning of this article about the problem with using ALA if ever have mercury fillings etc...Very Important!!
ALA Contraindications
Posted by john (toronto) on 05/27/2022
Can chelate a lot of different metals. Some good ones too. Best to use a low dose, not high. "Metals known to form complexes directly with ALA and DHLA include manganese, zinc, cadmium, lead, cobalt, nickel, iron, copper, cadmium, arsenic, and mercury"
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Becca (Abilene, Tx) on 03/14/2014
There was clinical test done in the late 60's that said ALA MiGHT affect the T3 thyroid meds. I take thyroid medicine and have been on ALA now for a couple of months and have felt nothing but better. The type of ALA you want to take is STABALIZED R Alpha Lipoic Acid. I take 450 mg in the morning and another 150 in the afternoon if I am having issues with my mouth. Also, when it gets particularly bad, put about 1/2 tsp of cooking grade baking soda in about 6 oz of water and drink. This will alkalize your body quickly and provide relief. The ALA is an amazing supplement...good luck!
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Moira (Co. Laois) on 04/26/2022
The best for liver is milk thistle and I did not hear of reactions from it.
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Moira (Co. Laois) on 07/14/2022
Try milk thistle instead and you should be ok as it cleans the liver.
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Susanna (Lexington, Sc) on 03/13/2014
I am so happy to have found this site and appreciate all the very helpful information. I have suffered from Burning Mouth Syndrome for 5 years. I have tried almost every home remedy (and some prescription medications) with minimal success. The toothpaste I used for several years recently changed their formula and the new formula irritates my tongue tremendously. I am now ready to try ALA. I hesitated previously because there seems to be some contraindications for its use in people with thyroid disorders. I have Graves Disease but have been in remission for two and a half years. So, I have two questions... First, is anyone aware of precautions for people with thyroid disease using ALA? Second, I am not particularly knowledgeable about supplements so can someone please clarify what type of ALA I should try? The discussion was very informative but a little over my head. Thanks in advance for any information.
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Judy (Dexter Mi.) on 06/09/2015
I have had burning mouth and lip syndrome for 11 yrs. now, and am trying something new. I made my own tooth paste with 2/3 baking soda 1/2 tsp. sea salt 2 tsp. peppermint oil and filtered water enough to make a paste. This is my second day and I am starting to feel a little bit better. It could be the sls in the tooth paste. Sodium lauryl sulfate that might aggravate your mouth. I'm hoping this could be the culprit, and a cure. I'll keep you posted. It is one of the 10 most mysterious illnesses. Judy
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Try (Lawton, OK) on 09/13/2022
Try splitting smaller dose twice a day.
There is a book out by Dr Burt Berkson on ALA.
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Moira (Co. Laois) on 10/17/2022
Would you not try milk thistle as it is excellent
ALA Contraindications
Posted by Carolynne (Collierville, Tn.) on 01/22/2016
Be careful with the baking soda toothpaste. It will take the enamel off your teeth. Making them dull and subject to stains that the enamel once protected.
Liver Cleanse
Posted by Loraine (Brooklyn ) on 12/02/2021
Thanks, Art!!!
Pre-Diabetes, Neuropathy
Posted by Robert S. (U.S.A.) on 10/27/2020
★★☆☆☆
I did take ALA awhile ago but it did not do much for me. I had Pre Diabetes, Neuropathy, etc. but I found relief in other supplements. Dessicated Liver is very good for a variety of things, you get a lot of nutrition from it you won`t get elsewhere.
For the Pre diabetes, I like a strong Black seed oil, which helps with Nephropathy also.
Diet is the main thing, keep carbs as low as possible, under 10, per meal, for the heart and blood use 1-2 tbs of Real 100% virgin Olive Oil with 100% virgin Coconut Oil & fish oil omega 3-7-9 No 6 it`s a inflammatory and no seed oils.
Cod liver oil is best either liquid or capsul, krill oil is also good. My favorite for the Heart and Blood - Cod liver oil + Olive Oil + Coconut Oil + Garlic oil capsule...From a MD I went to for a Epidermal, he asked me if I was taking any blood thinners as when he stuck me with the needle I bled professedly he started to get a bit nervous as it was shooting out all over the floor and the gown I had on.
MD stated the next time don`t use them for at least a week before you come in again as I was bleeding too much.
Nose bleeds are very common with this protocol, I have had one for the past 2-3-years off and on. This is all backed by science, you can go to greenmedinfo.com and get all the info you want both for free and paid with more features and member funded so no conflicts of interest, all taken from PubMed and all references provided.
Blood Sugar
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 04/23/2012
★★★★★
Hi Vjkulkarni... Alpha Lipoic Acid is highly beneficial when used in proper dosages. But if you are also vegetarian or avoid all sugar completely then ALA will also have a significant hypoglycemic effect on the body -- because it also lowers sugar levels in the body. Excessive lowered sugar levels can also cause anxiety as well as headache, light-headedness, palpitations, sweating, shakiness, weakness, hunger, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
An imbalance of magnesium or potassium (excess calcium in diet) and lack of iodine in the diet can also be other causes of palpitations. Allergies is another one (gluten, lactose etc).
