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CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid)
What Is It?
CLA is an important fatty acid that has been shown to trigger weight loss. Today, there are more than a thousand intensive studies worldwide on the health benefits of CLA.
In a preliminary study, women and men taking CLA lost weight and significantly reduced their percentage of body fat without changing their diet or exercise habits!
How It Works
CLA appears to reduce the body's ability to store fat and increases the body's use of fat for energy. Researchers have reported that in animals, CLA reduces the amount of lipoprotein lipase by upwards of 66%. Lipoprotein lipase is an enzyme critical to fat synthesis- when its activity is reduced, more fat is burned off instead of being stored. CLA also has been found to increase the activity of the enzyme hormone sensitive lipase, which breaks down fat already stored in fat cells so muscles can burn it.
Indications
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Increases metabolic rate -- This would be a positive benefit for thyroid patients, as hypothyroidism, even when treated can reduce the metabolic rate in some people.
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Decreases abdominal fat -- Adrenal imbalances and hormonal shifts that are common in thyroid patients frequently cause rapid accumulation of abdominal fat, so this benefit could be quite helpful.
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Enhances muscle growth -- Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management.
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Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides -- Since many thyroid patients have elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, even with treatment, this benefit can have an impact on a thyroid patient's health.
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Lowers insulin resistance -- Insulin resistance is a risk for some hypothyroid patients, and lowering it can also help prevent adult-onset diabetes and make it easier to control weight.
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Reduces food-induced allergic reactions -- Since food allergies can be at play when weight loss becomes difficult, this can be of help to thyroid patients.
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Enhances immune system -- Since most cases of thyroid disease are autoimmune in nature, enhancing the immune system's ability to function properly is a positive benefit.
Potential Problems
Experts advise that pregnant and lactating women should not consume CLA supplements. Some people report feeling slightly green or nauseous after taking CLA. Some isolated cases of gastrointestinal upset and loose stools have also been reported. These side effects typically are reduced when the product is taken with protein (milk), and usually decrease after about 2 weeks taking the supplement.
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