What is TUDCA?

Research conducted on individuals suffering from liver conditions revealed that supplementation with TUDCA led to a decrease in liver enzymes across all participants.

Furthermore, the absence of reported side effects suggests that TUDCA supplementation was well-tolerated by the participants.

TUDCA has also been identified as beneficial for individuals suffering from cholestasis, a condition characterized by impaired bile flow from the liver to the gallbladder and subsequently to the small intestine. The condition manifests as bile scarcity in the small intestine and bile buildup in the liver. It is frequently associated with liver disorders such as primary biliary cirrhosis. The administration of TUDCA supplements has been reported to potentially reduce cholestasis resulting from liver damage due to inadequate blood flow.

In another study involving 12 women with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) over a two-month period, TUDCA demonstrated a 51% reduction in liver enzymes.

Further research involving 23 patients diagnosed with PBC indicated noteworthy progress in liver enzyme levels, including ALT, AST, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase, following TUDCA treatment. Although certain scientists suggest that TUDCA could decrease liver enzyme levels even at minimal doses, extensive clinical evidence to substantiate this conjecture is not yet available.

However, a study involving five patients with liver issues indicated that daily TUDCA supplementation for three months reduced the liver enzyme ALT.

Reduced Apoptosis: Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, can occur in muscle cells under conditions of excessive stress or damage. TUDCA has been suggested to have anti-apoptotic effects, meaning it might help prevent or minimize cell death in muscle tissue, allowing for better muscle preservation.

Scientific research has shown that the administration of TUDCA attenuates dexamethasone-induced skeletal muscle atrophy.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Inflammation is a natural response to muscle damage, but excessive or prolonged inflammation can hinder recovery. TUDCA's anti-inflammatory properties could help modulate this response, potentially leading to quicker recovery and less severe muscle soreness.

Glucose levels and insulin sensitivity are key factors in fat burning. 

Normally, insulin helps cells to absorb glucose for energy. However, insulin resistance makes cells less responsive, leading to increased insulin production. In this case, insulin acts as a fat-storing hormone, so more glucose leads to more insulin, and it leads to more fat storage.   🌿

So insulin resistance occurs due to persistently high levels of glucose in the blood. In this a study observed a significant 43%🌿 decrease in blood glucose levels following treatment with TUDCA.

Also, there are three studies: Study 1, Study 2, and Study 3 - proving a decrease in blood sugar and an increase in insulin sensitivity in healthy and diabetic patients. So, with TUDCA it will be easier for you not to gain only weight and lose fat!

Protein Metabolism: The liver's primary role is to break down dietary protein into various substances, including amino acids, essential for the body to build muscle tissue. Without this essential process, the body would lack the foundational elements needed for muscle formation.

Liver IGF-1 insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): IGF-1 is considered the most anabolic substance in the human body. When the pituitary gland releases growth hormone, it triggers the liver to produce IGF-1, a hormone essential for the growth and development of cells, especially in muscle and bone. IGF-1 plays a pivotal role in muscle development and repair by stimulating protein synthesis and promoting the growth of satellite cells. These cells are vital for muscle repair after damages like micro-tears from strength training. A healthy liver is paramount for IGF-1 production. An impaired liver function might hinder the adequate production of IGF-1 in response to growth hormone stimulation, affecting muscle growth and repair. A compromised liver limits muscle growth and negatively impacts athletic performance.

Energy Production: The liver is fundamental in regulating blood glucose levels. It stores surplus glucose as glycogen. During rigorous exercise or in between meals, the liver transforms this stored glycogen back to glucose to stabilize energy levels. This energy is essential for muscle contractions during workouts, aiding in muscle growth.

Ammonia Conversion: During protein metabolism, the body produces ammonia. High ammonia levels can be detrimental. The liver plays a crucial role in turning ammonia into urea, which the body disposes of through urine. This conversion is vital for maintaining a nitrogen balance, supporting general health and muscle functionality.

Vitamin and Mineral Storage: The liver reserves various vitamins and minerals, vital for many bodily functions, including muscle growth and recuperation processes. It's essential to note that even with adequate dietary supplements, without a healthy liver, these cannot be fully utilized. Therefore, one might experience a vitamin deficiency even with an impeccable diet.

Hormone Regulation: The liver participates in the metabolism of various hormones such as insulin, growth hormone, and cortisol. These hormones are instrumental in muscle growth and repair. Insulin, for example, aids in transporting glucose and amino acids into muscle cells, fostering growth and recuperation.

Ecology: Urban areas, particularly with compromised ecology, can adversely impact health, including liver function:

1. Air Pollution: Long-term exposure to air pollution might cause chronic inflammatory responses. As the liver is the primary detoxification organ, it strains to filter these pollutants, potentially leading to inflammation and scarring over time.

2. Toxins and Heavy Metals: Urban locales often contain heightened levels of toxins and heavy metals due to industrial pollution. These toxins might accumulate in the body, causing liver damage. Prolonged exposure to substances like arsenic, lead, and mercury can result in liver ailments.

3. Increased Stress Levels: Urban areas can be stress inducers due to noise pollution, congestion, and the rapid pace of life. Persistent stress can lead to detrimental habits such as excessive alcohol consumption and unhealthy eating patterns.

4. Poor Diet Choices: Urban settings often have readily available convenience and fast foods rather than fresh, nutritious options. A diet abundant in processed items, trans fats, and sugars can result in obesity, a precursor to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

5. Less Green Space: Ample studies reveal that nature engagement offers various health benefits, including stress reduction. The scarcity of green spaces in cities might escalate stress levels, indirectly affecting liver health.

Stress on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) at a cellular level can be pivotal in conditions like diabetes. Research[5] conducted on lab animals with elevated blood sugar levels highlighted a remarkable 43% reduction in blood glucose levels after TUDCA treatment. This discovery emphasizes the prospective advantages of TUDCA in tackling the repercussions of ER stress, especially its role in diseases such as diabetes.

Though bile acids are predominantly recognized for their essential role in digestion, they also function as signaling molecules in various tissues. The pancreas, for instance, contains specific receptors orchestrating numerous cellular functions.

Studies[6] on overfed, obese mice demonstrated that TUDCA is influential in maintaining standard blood sugar levels and enhancing insulin sensitivity. It's posited that TUDCA escalates energy consumption at the cellular level, possibly influencing the body's insulin regulation.

Elevated blood sugar levels, stemming from inefficient insulin utilization, can damage endothelial cells, which line blood vessels and organs. In situations of oxidative stress, TUDCA aids in safeguarding cellular health against high glucose levels.

Research[7] from China highlighted that TUDCA supplementation resulted in reduced copper and zinc levels, often imbalanced in individuals with type 1 diabetes. Another study[8] suggested that TUDCA might play a role in reducing the risk of diabetic retinopathy, a condition where elevated sugar levels harm the retina's blood vessels.

Furthermore, TUDCA could offer benefits for those with type 2 diabetes and obesity. These ailments, often a result of insulin resistance, lead to post-meal blood sugar spikes, endothelial dysfunction, and disturbed fat metabolism. Such conditions are linked to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which TUDCA might help counteract.

In the gut, protein messengers are essential in controlling tight junctions, which serve as gates, deciding their open or closed state. TUDCA aids these protein messengers to function at their best, supporting both gut integrity and general gut health. In addition, TUDCA showcases its proficiency in fostering microbiome health by enabling a healthy inflammatory reaction. By assisting in upholding a balanced gut environment, TUDCA plays a pivotal role in the overall health and operation of the gastrointestinal system.

Gym sessions and sports training in general can be a serious test for your liver! However, certain practices often associated with bodybuilding can have a negative impact on liver health. Here are a few examples:

Steroids and Supplements: Steroid use, including anabolic steroids, which are often misused in bodybuilding to speed muscle growth, can have harmful effects on the liver. Long-term or heavy use of these drugs can lead to liver damage or even liver disease. The same can be true for certain supplements, which might be contaminated or have harmful effects when used excessively. It's always important to use supplements only as directed and to make sure they are from a reputable source.

High-Protein Diets: Bodybuilders often consume high-protein diets to support muscle growth. While protein is necessary for muscle growth, an excessively high protein diet may strain the liver over time, which is responsible for metabolizing protein. This is usually only a concern for people who consume large amounts of protein for extended periods and those with pre-existing liver conditions.

Dehydration: Intense workouts without proper hydration can strain your body, including your liver. Dehydration can lead to a concentration of bile that may result in gallstones or other liver problems.

Overtraining: Chronic intense exercise can lead to overtraining, which can have wide-ranging effects on the body, including negative impacts on liver function.

Nutrient Deficiency: Inadequate nutrition, often seen in athletes striving for low body weight or fat, can lead to deficiencies in nutrients necessary for optimal liver function.