The Benefits of CLA and GLA

If you are on P2 you will want to proceed carefully with this choice or choose to wait till P3 with this recommendation but hear me out.

I heard about these two supplements early in my HCG journey when a fellow HCGer was recommending these 2 supplements for more consistent releasing.
She also pointed out that they are oil based so some people on P2 may not want to take them or should not take them if they find that for their system they are too sensitive to the oil in them.

As you might know I feel MCT is helpful and ok for when on P2 and the CLA/GLA has been the same great result for meas well. But again everyone’s system is different so adding the supplements needs to be an individual choice. Since using them I have seen HCGer’s post on facebook and vlog positive results from adding the 2 supplements when the wanted either better releases or help with a stall.

Here is more detailed information about the supplements health benefits

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA): Nature’s most potent concentration of GLA in the form of borage seed oil

Gamma Linolenic Acid(GLA) is the result of the body’s first biochemical step in the transformation of the main essential fatty acid linoleic acid into important prostaglandins.
Prostaglandins are essential to the proper functioning of each cell, while essential fatty acids formed from GLA are required for each cell’s structure.
Nature’s most potent concentration of GLA comes in the form of borage seed oil (24%).
A great deal of scientific research has been conducted with supplements rich in Gamma Linolenic Acid, resulting in significant interest regarding health ailments, as well as those affected by pre-menstrual syndrome, benign breast disease, eczema, psoriasis, obesity, and vascular disorders.
The essential fatty acids combined here have proven to impart a regulatory function on the body’s fatty acid metabolism.
Fat metabolism is as important, if not more important, than our body’s metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates, as evidenced by the drastic rise in fat-related degenerative diseases, such as vascular disease and stroke.
Dietary essential fatty acids common to borage seed oil are ultimately converted to hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins,
Scientists continue to discover the regulating effects of prostaglandins.
Without the essential fatty acids, the building blocks of prostaglandins, a malfunction of fat metabolism is certain, as are problems in the regulation of the bodily functions listed above.
For some individuals, flax seed oil may offer only half of the solution.
Those deficient in co-factor nutrients, specifically the vitamins pro-A, A, C, E, B2, B6, pantothenic acid, B12, biotin, and the minerals calcium, magnesium, potassium, sulfur, and zinc, sometimes have difficulty in converting the omega-6 fatty acid, linoleic acid, found in borage and other seed oils to the healthful prostaglandins.
Still others are thought to lack the necessary enzyme (catalyst) to make this conversion; particularly those afflicted with diabetes, asthma, cystic fibrosis, multiple sclerosis, alcoholism and the aged.
For those suffering from co-factor deficiencies, a broad spectrum multi-vitamin and mineral may be recommended with, perhaps, an oil supplement rich in Gamma Linolenic Acid. Individuals who may lack the proper enzyme system would require a GLA supplement in addition to the flax seed oil.

When considering an essential fatty acid supplement and deciding on either flax or borage seed oils, the most sensible solution may be a formulation of the two.
The combination of both flax and borage seed oil yields a true Omega-Twin by providing nature’s best of the omega-3 fatty acids in flax with the best of omega-6 fatty acids in Gamma Linolenic Acid rich borage oil.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) Supplements May Speed Weight Loss

A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, published in the December 2000 issue of the Journal of Nutrition found that CLA reduces fat and preserves muscle tissue. According to the research project manager, an average reduction of six pounds of body fat was found in the group that took CLA, compared to a placebo group. The study found that approximately 3.4 grams of CLA per day is the level needed to obtain the beneficial effects of CLA on body fat.

Dr. Michael Pariza, who conducted research on CLA with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, reported in August 2000 to the American Chemical Society that “It doesn’t make a big fat cell get little. What it rather does is keep a little fat cell from getting big.” Pariza’s research did not find weight loss in his group of 71 overweight people, but what he did find was that when the dieters stopped dieting, and gained back weight, those taking CLA “were more likely to gain muscle and not fat.” In a separate study conducted at Purdue University in Indiana, CLA was found to improve insulin levels in about two-thirds of diabetic patients, and moderately reduced the blood glucose level and triglyceride levels.

CLA has been the subject of a variety of research in the past several years, and findings also suggest that some of the other benefits of CLA include the following:
• Increases metabolic rate — This would obviously be a positive benefit for thyroid patients, as hypothyroidism — even when treated — can reduce the metabolic rate in some people.
• 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.
• Enhances muscle growth — Muscle burns fat, which also contributes to increased metabolism, which is useful in weight loss and management.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.