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Alpha Lipoic Acid Infusion Therapy

Pain Management and Anesthesiology in El Paso, TX
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Alpha Lipoic Acid Infusion Therapy services offered in El Paso, TX

If you need relief from the pain of peripheral neuropathy, alpha lipoic acid infusion therapy can restore the levels needed to protect your nerves and ease your symptoms. At Donya Pain and Wellness Center in El Paso, Texas, Ali Ibrahim, MD, may recommend an infusion to restore natural levels, boost antioxidants, and treat people with diabetic nerve damage. Call the office or book online today to schedule an appointment and learn how alpha lipoic acid infusion therapy can improve your health.

What is alpha lipoic acid infusion therapy?

During this treatment at Donya Pain and Wellness Center, you receive an intravenous (IV) infusion containing alpha lipoic acid. Alpha lipoic acid is in every cell in your body, where it has several important jobs:

Works as an antioxidant

Alpha lipoic acid is a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidants neutralize unstable molecules produced as waste products during metabolism. If these molecules, called free radicals, aren’t neutralized, they damage DNA, cause inflammation, and increase your risk of serious problems like infections, heart disease, and cancer.

Activates other antioxidants

Other antioxidants are restored by alpha lipoic acid. It may also activate the production of another strong antioxidant: glutathione.

Regulates glucose (sugar)

Alpha lipoic acid increases glucose metabolism and improves your body’s ability to use insulin, especially in insulin-resistant muscle.

Supports energy production

Cells rely on many enzymes to produce energy, and these enzymes need alpha lipoic acid to function.

When would I need alpha lipoic acid infusion therapy?

Though alpha lipoic acid is under study for its potential ability to treat a variety of health conditions, IV infusions are primarily used to treat diabetic peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic nerve pain. Alpha lipoic acid infusions may significantly reduce the pain and tingling caused by peripheral neuropathy.

Alpha lipoic may also help lower your blood sugar and improve the symptoms of another type of nerve damage: autonomic neuropathy. That condition occurs when nerves that automatically control essential functions (like your heart) become damaged.

What should I expect during alpha lipoic acid infusion therapy?

Your body produces alpha lipoic acid, but not enough to meet all of your needs, so you also need to get it through foods (spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts, red meat, and organ meats) or supplements.

Unfortunately, your body doesn’t absorb most of the alpha lipoic acid contained in oral supplements, but it does use the full dose you receive through an IV infusion. 

Dr. Ibrahim first runs lab tests to determine the dose you may need. During your IV infusion, you relax in a comfortable reclining chair, and your provider inserts the IV line. Though they monitor you throughout treatment, alpha lipoic alpha infusions are safe and rarely cause side effects. 

To learn if you might benefit from an alpha lipoic acid infusion, call Donya Pain and Wellness Center or request an appointment online today.