Cellucor L2 Extreme (80 Caps)

L2 Extreme is a nutritional supplement by Cellucor with aquaretic and diuretic properties. This supplement aids in ridding the body of excess water weight while supporting the maintenance of sufficient vitamin and mineral levels.

Frequently, overweight individuals see rapid and dramatic weight loss results in a short amount of time with the use of diuretics, due to the fact that water is an always present component of connective tissues where it surrounds fat cells that are located between the skin and the muscles. L2 Extreme also has beneficial antioxidant properties and increases basal metabolism.

The two primary active components of L2 Extreme are Dandelion root extract and Achyranthes aspera extract, and these compounds work to eliminate excess water in the body by very different mechanisms. Dandelion root extract is known for its high concentrations of taraxasterols, specifically ß-amyrin.

The physiological effect of ß-amyrin is an increase in excretion of almost pure water with almost no minerals lost from the body, placing this compound in the aquaretic category. Also, ß-amyrin causes relaxation in the blood vessels of the kidneys and retention of vitamins A and C, and the minerals iron and calcium. It also has antimicrobial effects in the tubes of the kidney and acts as an antioxidant.

Conversely, A. aspera is known for its concentrations of yet to be identified angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. When ACE is inhibited by A. aspera, water and sodium chloride (salts) are increasingly excreted due to a synergistic vasodilation of the kidneys, which also results in decreased blood pressure.

These two extracts with both diuretic and aquaretic effects contribute greatly to L2 Extreme’s efficient elimination of excess water from the body. Diuretic use can induce rapid and visible weight loss; however, the effects of diuretics are not long term, because water is also retained at a rate comparable to that at which it is lost.

A main concern for diuretic users is the potential to develop urinary tract infections from the constant flushing of the kidneys, which facilitates the growth of bacterial colonies.

L2 Extreme fights this issue on two fronts: first and to a lesser degree, through Dandelion root, as stated above, and second, through Arctostaphylos uva ursi extract, which contains significant amounts of Arbutin. Arbutin is metabolized in the body into hydroquinone, which is toxic to any bacteria that might invade the kidneys. In addition to acting as a renal antibacterial agent, Arbutin is also an antioxidant.

When taking diuretic supplements, people often note cramping and fatigue that is caused by a deficiency in essential vitamins and minerals that have been lost through excretion in urine. L2 Extreme provides all of the necessary nutrients to assure that these compounds are not lost and the associated adverse side effects do not occur.

L2 Extreme is a source of the following important nutrients that one might otherwise become deficient in while using a diuretic. Folic acid, commonly known as vitamin B9, plays an integral role in converting vitamin B12 to its coenzyme state that aids in the DNA replication process.

Another even more important nutrient is pyridoxine, also known as vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 is an essential supplement to diuretic use, because it aids in balancing physiological levels of sodium and potassium levels, two minerals that are constantly excreted from the body. Vitamin B6 is also essential for the proper function of monamines including adrenaline, noradrenaline, serotonin, and dopamine.

Muscle contraction cannot occur without sodium and potassium; thus, the role of Vitamin B6 in maintaining these minerals is important for normal motor function.

L2 Extreme also provides diuretic users with a convenient source of magnesium and potassium aspartate. These mineral salts of magnesium and potassium are bonded to the amino acid aspartic acid. Not only does this compound replenish potentially expelled minerals, it also supplies a necessary amino acid.

Additionally, in some situations, these alkaline minerals facilitate the expulsion of water from the body and, therefore, contribute to the diuretic function of other active components of L2 Extreme.

Superoxide is one of the most abundant reactive oxygen species and free radicals in the body. L2 Extreme attacks this potentially dangerous molecule with Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). Reactive oxygen species and free radicals are highly reactive and damage DNA, cell membranes, and various proteins in the body. Through SOD, L2 Extreme combats the effects of oxidative stress by breaking down superoxide into water and peroxide.

Suitably, to compliment the diuretic agents, L2 Extreme also contains taurine, an amino acid that effectively boosts the metabolism of stored body fat and LDL cholesterol. As an added benefit, taurine is also an antioxidant and, thus, a free radical scavenger.