There are about 37 trillion cells in our bodies Each cell is made up of molecules composed of one or more atoms which are joined together by chemical bonds. Inside these cells every second of every day biochemical reactions are taking place, reactions which often involve electrons being exchanged between atoms. These reactions are essential for our bodies to remain in good health and for each cell to function properly e.g., to help the heart pump properly, to allow the liver to detoxify and to ensure the brain can send messages to all parts of the body.
The tiny engines of these cells are named the mitochondria and it is here that the food we consume is transformed into the energy currency of the body ATP. As the mitochondria is performing these cycles [Krebs cycle] a potentially damaging by-product is generated known as a free radical. All of our cells have mitochondria except red blood cells, and some cells have more than one as in muscle cells which may have as many as 2500 in each cell., so where more energy is required to perform functions, there are more needed e.g., in the heart, brain muscles and even the eyes and each one is creating ATP.
As ATP is being created by the cell engine, the free radicals being created are unfortunately highly reactive and very unstable as they are missing electrons in their outer shell. They move very quickly to steal electrons from the nearest stable molecules. This changes the structure of the “victim” molecule creating damage and altering the function of that molecule. Protein molecules, fats and even DNA strands are an easy target for the scavenging free radicals. Constant attack from the radicals gradually begins to wear down the health of the targeted molecules and organs creating disease. But even though these “exhaust” radicals may be dangerous in the right numbers they perform important functions in the right circumstances. They are part of the body’s immune system to destroy damaged cells and attack intruders such as bacteria and viruses.
There are many variables causing an increase of numbers of these reactive molecules such as ultraviolet radiation, medical radiation, air pollutants environmental and occupational substances like asbestos and vinyl chloride frequent infections, and pesticides on food, medications, high sugar foods and beverages, and exposure to carcinogens to name but a few. These free radicals can cause untold harm to the cells if they are not neutralized by antioxidants. Antioxidants defend the body by donating electrons to the unstable free radical molecules and so quenching them by stabilizing the free electron in the outer shell making them unreactive. The antioxidants however do not become unstable themselves and are also involved in mechanisms that repair DNA and maintain the health of cells. Antioxidants are essential for the survival of all living things including plants which provide us with a supply of powerful antioxidants when we consume them. The body generates its own antioxidants with glutathione being the most powerful one and avocados are the best plant-based source of this antioxidant.
Oxidative Stress is caused by the imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants when the body is unable to produce enough glutathione and other endogenous antioxidants to cope with raised levels of free radicals due to stress toxins and pollutants. When free radicals abound, the mitochondria suffer and become weak or die. Symptoms of suffering mitochondria include tiredness and no energy, hormonal mood swings, weight gain and blood sugar fluctuations, aging skin and feeling the effects of aging, stress and anxiety, difficulty sleeping heart blood pressure and circulations and lack of mental acuity. The antioxidant Coenzyme Q10 that our body produces to protect the mitochondria and is responsible for cell signaling, regulating calcium levels, producing body heat, and killing weak cells. As we get older, levels of CQ10 are reduced and the ability to protect is greatly reduced. This is actually believed to be responsible for the aging process related to cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, neurodegenerative disease and cancer.
Oxidative stress lies at the bottom of the relationship between chronic inflammation and cancer, in fact it is the very basic trigger to well over two hundred different serious health conditions. Normally the body counteracts free radical production with its own supply of antioxidant, however if the body becomes overwhelmed and is unable to maintain the correct ratio of free radicals to antioxidants we are able to replenish the supply with the antioxidants found in the whole food of plant and animal origin such as berries, green tea, coffee and dark chocolate.
The best known primary antioxidants are Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and selenium [ACES]. Plant chemicals contribute to the plant’s colour texture and taste, the most notable ones being anthocyanins coloured purple and blue, lycopene coloured pink and red, carotene coloured orange and yellow, and chlorophyll being green. The more vibrant the fruit or vegetable the higher the antioxidant content so colour your plate when you eat! Artichokes contain rutin, quercetin and gallic acid, beets contain anthocyanins which are anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer, vibrant berries are an exceptional source of antioxidants and strawberries are high in Vitamin C. Eat cruciferous vegetables for Indol-3 carbinol and their anti-cancer properties.
Antioxidant supplements are readily available in the health stores. Liposomal glutathione is one of the most potent antioxidants and is made by the body as the first line of defense. NAC is a precursor to glutathione and helps to protect us from certain neurological issues connected to pollutants that enter the body, it also protects the heart from inflammation and supports all other body systems affected by toxins. Alpha lipoic acid recycles used glutathione returning it to its usable form and liposomal Vitamin C protects glutathione from being oxidized.
It is possible to correct damage from oxidative stress and reverse the debilitating effects of free radicals in the body. However, it too is possible to create problems when supplementing with antioxidants, which can also create an imbalance within the body systems. Changing one’s diet and lifestyle can go a long way to relieving many stress factors. Having researched the problem of oxidative stress I have discovered how free radicals are a silent danger as the effects on the body can accumulate slowly and create symptoms that may be attributed to specifically named diseases and not the root cause. It would be wise to investigate supplementing with antioxidants with a qualified health practitioner before jumping in at the deep end.
WRITTEN BY: NATHALIE McNEILL, FOUNTAIN HEAD HEALTH STORE, FERGUS
