Benefits Go Far Beyond Weight Loss.
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is back in the news. And for good reason!
This “good” omega-6 fat lowers body mass index (BMI) and overall body fat after 8 weeks in obese postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes. Earlier Norwegian research showed a stunning 20 percent decrease in the ratio of body fat to lean tissue. Overweight individuals also lost an average of 7 pounds—without making any changes in their diets.
A hefty body of research suggests that CLA does far more than stimulate weight loss. Combined with vitamin E, conjugated linoleic acid may be useful in lowering oxidative stress in rheumatoid arthritis, reports another new study.
More than 300 studies point to CLA’s value in cancer, cardiac, and diabetes therapy. Reviewing human studies of this “critical” fat, University of Nevada scientists suggest that conjugated linoleic acid plays an important role in preventing oxidative damage, benefiting fatty acid metabolism, as well as immune and inflammatory responses in the body—and ultimately protecting against heart disease.
Long-term research of the benefits of CLA supplements shows that regular use can significantly lower body weight, body fat, and BMI. And the few adverse effects reported in the studies (mostly mild gastrointestinal complaints) apparently result from taking CLA supplements without food.
Compare that to other popular weight loss products such as over-the-counter Alli and its prescription version Xenical which were recently linked to 32 cases of liver injury. While the FDA has not removed these drugs from the market, the agency has warned people taking them to see a doctor if they experience any sign of liver problems. These include abdominal pain, dark urine, jaundice (a yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), and overall weakness.
Dr. Ann Louise’s Take:
I know CLA works. I have marveled at how this substance—part of the Fat Flush protocol for nearly 10 years—specifically targets belly fat. During phase 3 (the Fat Flush lifestyle phase), CLA helps keep fat off and muscle on!
Since the 1980s, a research team headed by Michael W. Pariza, Ph.D., at the University of Wisconsin has been investigating CLA, which is naturally produced by grass-fed livestock. Cows allowed to graze on grassy pasture have 500 percent more of this “good” omega-6 fat in their milk than cows fed today’s typical grain diet.
Besides lowering CLA levels, so-called agricultural “advances” have also introduced synthetic hormones, antibiotics, pesticide residues, and unwanted additives to the food supply, potentially affecting far more than Americans’ consumption and metabolism of this “skinny” fat. With so many fattening toxins and hormones in the daily diet, is it any wonder that overweight and obesity are epidemic in this country?
Of course, a balanced diet and regular exercise are essential, but sometimes a little extra boost is needed in the weight loss department. If you’re interested in losing weight, enhancing your immune system, or improving your cardiac health, think CLA.
UNI KEY’s CLA-1000 has been one of the top 10 selling products for years. The research-backed dose is 3 to 6 softgels per day, which is the equivalent of 3,000 – 6,000 mgs. For more rapid weight loss or to specifically target tummy fat, take 6 softgels per day for several weeks. When results are obtained, cut back to 3 per day.
Sources:
http://www.ajcn.org/cgi/content/abstract/90/3/468
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=18718021
I am on supplements for hormonal balance through Women to Women out of Maine. I lost ten pounds the first month and now month two I have gained three pounds back, my hair is still profusely coming out, and I am still not able to get this extra 45#off.. I was s/p Hashimotos with adrenal exhaustion.. help..
I am huge fan and proponent of ALG and the Fat Flush, although I seem to be able to follow the Zone better for long term, I try to incorporate aspects of both programs together.
However, I have always wanted to ask ALG about this, because Dr. Barry Sears adamantly says not to take CLA as it inceases insulin resistance.
Here is one quote directly from his Ask dr. Sears:
“Commercial sources of CLA contain two isomers of CLA, one of which appears to cause an increase in insulin resistance. I would not use any CLA supplements until one can be produced that contains only the single isomer that doesn’t have the adverse metabolic effects.”
I would love to know what ALG thinks of this, as I am torn on whether or not to take it! I have Polycystic Ovarian syndrome and insulin resistance as a result, making weight loss ridiculously challenging!
A few weeks back your artical was about GLA and weight loss….. can the GLA and the CLA be taken at the same time? If you just want to take one or the other, which would you suggest to better aid in belly/rear-end fat reduction?
I have taken CLA for years and it has helped stabilize my weight and lean body mass and have not developed insulin resistance.
CLA seems to target belly fat as well. GLA, which I have started to take recently seems to step up overall weight loss.
Lisa: You are a perfect candidate for the TMA testing. Call UNI KEY at 1-800-888-4353 so you will know what is going on in your system on a cellular level. I could guess and say it is your thryoid, or it low iron, but the hair analysis will be the first step. It couldn’t hurt, however, to try thytrophin and a product called FerroFood. Directions are on the label.
Laurie: There are way too many clinical tests demonstrating the effectiveness of CLA for weight control. I don’t think this would hurt anyone with your issues, personally, but I would also recommend you check out your thyroid function with either the TMA as referenced above OR the iodine loading test. Many of my Fat Flushers suffer from PCO and insulin resistance and have had stellar results with CLA, by the way.
Tracy: Both GLA and CLA (sounds like alphabet soup, doesnt it?) are part of Fat Flush. Yes, they can be taken at the same time. I have observed that GLA is better at all-round weight loss while CLA seems to target the belly the best.
Why do you recommend waiting until Phase 2 or 3 to start taking CLA? I’ve always been confused about why you can’t start it up from day 1 on the Fat Flush.
Teri: Now that’s a question I am always eager to answer. The reason I suggest starting CLA in phase 3 to be exact (at least according to the book) is because I was concerned that there were too many supplements in the protocol, plain and simple. You are more than welcome to start it on phase 1. Of all the supplements I have ever used in my private practice of nearly 30 years, this is the one that made the most weight loss difference for me. In fact, I had to stop using it because my pants kept falling down. This was particularly evident before a national TV show and I had nothing to wear 😉
I’ve trouble sleepin an belly fat dry skin and inercourse is very painful, can you help.
Dorothy, a salivary hormone test might be very helpful as this sounds like your hormones are out of balance. You would basically need just the estradiol to progesterone ratio for starters. Taking extra GLA and CLA might help your dryness. Vaginal dryness sometimes needs a natural estrogen suppository or creme, which can be prescribed by your doctor. That’s why testing your hormones is an important step. The hormone testing is described on the site in the store section under testing.
THANK YOU ALG, I will go back to taking the CLA.
I will look up the recommended dose in your book.
I have had my thyroid tested recently, but not the TMA way…is this more accurate (I have always wanted to do this test anyway!)
I appreciate your time and answers, very much!
what are your recommendations for men loosing weigh, plan?
I would like to get this 25 pds. off, now.
james
Thanks for your posts. TMA can identify mineral deficits that contribute to thyroid problems – especially potassium, believe it or not.
James: Check out the Fat Flush Smoothie Shakedown.
http://smoothieshakedown.com
I had my harmones tested about 6 months ago – I too have Adrenal Fatigue – couldn’t take the medication b/c it made me sick. Then I started w/the Women to Women and have been doing better but no weight loss and the 3 mos are just about over. Very disappointed and am at a loss as to where to go from here. I am post menepausal.
Adrenal Formula has worked for thousands of my followers as well as The Fat Flush Plan. I would also give both GLA and CLA a go. As you know, thryoid is an issue with 50% of all women, so I do hope you are taking a product like Thytrophin.
I am 74 years old. I weigh 200 pounds and would like to lose at least 30 pounds. Most of all I want to lose the belly fat because I know how unhealthy it is. Does CLA interfere with any medications?
Where do I get Thytrophin?
Please call UNI KEY at 1 -800-888-4353. They can special order it if it is not in stock. I use this as do many of my personal patients.
Is it healthier for you to drink full fat whole milk(cream on top) or full fat whole milk homogenized or does it matter? Pasteurized and organic of course. I know skim has less calories but I think I read in your blog full fat milk is healthier because of the fat (CLA) in the milk. ALG, can you refresh my memory? Thanks so much!!
I have been reading the older blogs and noticed a mention of a “clean-up” where stevia plus and teechino were specified. Are these products no longer recommended?
Dear Friends:
I would love to answer each and every single one of your queries, as I have done to the best of my ability, in the past. The popularity of this Blog has grown to the extent that I can no longer provide that service but I am in the planning stages of an Internet – TV show where you can call in and get those questions answered by me in person! Please stay tuned for this exciting development. I first must complete a new manuscript and then will make some exciting announcements. In the interim, may I suggest that if you have questions about products, call UNI KEY at 1-800-888-4353. The folks there are helpful and will direct you accordingly. If you are concerned about a particular health condition, then by all means check out the Testing Kits on my site which will help you to determine underlying causes. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and interest!
can any one get pregnant if they r in birth control pill and also taking cla to loose weight?
Zara- CLA will not have any kind of effect on birth control pills.
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