A Guide to AMPK Activators
AMPK is deemed as the regulator that maintains cellular energy homeostasis that is the foundation for proper functioning of the body. In mammals, AMPK regulates the energy balance both on whole body level via response to the hormones and the brain and on cellular levels by way of sensing ATP/AMP and ATP/ADP ratio levels.
ATP is actually the most significant energy molecule present in the body. To make it simpler, this is the point where cellular function starts. Now because of the reason that energy is used by cells, ATP breaks down into ADP that actually has got less potential for energy. ADP is broken down to AMP containing the least energy potential among all 3. As a matter of fact, this is where AMPK becomes crucial by sensing if there is appropriate ratio among ATP/ADP/AMP and from there, tells the body if it requires more ADP to function properly.
AMPK work on different processes via different mechanisms. Since the AMPK is considered as the master regulator for all functioning cells, it just makes sense. The impact of AMPK activation in our body will depend on a complicated balance of both factors as well as signaling pathways. In the end, you are sure to reap plenty of benefits from improved AMPK activation like:
Anti aging – as we begin to age, AMPK activation begins to decline. Experts actually think that AMPK is one of the contributing factors of aging. AMPK is important because it helps in having adequate level of new mitochondria and promotes cellular renewal as well.
Anti inflammation – interestingly enough, AMPK activation can help in decreasing inflammation but it can be decreased as well by inflammation.
Anti diabetic – you may find it odd but AMPK is now more and more understood especially when it comes to its part of treating diabetes with its capacity to improve insulin sensitivity.
There are lots of herbal products/constituents and nutritional products too that are proven to be effective as AMPK activator and few of these are:
Number 1. AICAR – in AMP, AICAR is considered as its analog that is necessary for cellular use and storage similar to ATP. Since it’s the analog of AMP, AICAR can stimulate AMPK’s activity directly which can then improve muscle performance.
Number 2. ALA – this is an abbreviation for Alpha Lipoic Acid that is a powerful AMPK activator and at the same time, popular for its effective antioxidant content. It has been shown to greatly boost insulin sensitivity in the body and carrying anti obesity effects.
Number 3. Green tea extract – this helps in activating upstream kinase which then helps in activating AMPK.
Number 4. Berberine – with AMPK activation, berberine was known to bring the same anti diabetic effect as metformin.
