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mind
articles
Fre radicals - the secret to anti aging and disease
prevention?
"All
disease is caused by free radicals."
Dr. Sherry Rogers MD - a leading figure in family and environmental
medicine.
In 1956, Denham Harmon MD., PHD, proposed his free radical theory
of aging. According to this theory, the aging process involves
molecular and cellular injury caused by free radicals. This theory
remains strong today with free radicals and antioxidants still
the current buzz word in the field of anti aging and to a lesser
note disease prevention.
So without this article turning into a complicated and very boring
chemistry and physiology lessen let's see if when can get to the
heart of it by addressing the following:
• What are free radicals and how are they formed?
• What are the causes of free radical formation?
• How do they damage the human body?
• How do antioxidant nutrients help protect the body against
free radical damage?
• How else can I prevent free radical damage?
What
are free radicals and how are they formed?
A free radical is a hungry naked electron. (1)
Basically the nucleus of an atom is surrounded by a cloud of electrons.
These electrons surround the nucleus in pairs, but occasionally
an atom loses an electron, leaving the atom with an "unpaired"
electron leading to a free radical also known as reactive oxygen
species (ROS). (1)
Free radicals are very unstable and react quickly with other compounds,
trying to capture the needed electron to gain stability. Generally,
free radicals attack the nearest stable molecule, "stealing"
its electron. When the "attacked" molecule loses its
electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain
reaction. Like a game of dominoes once the process has started,
it can cascade, finally resulting in the disruption of a living
cell. (2)
What
are the causes of free radical formation?
Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Alternatively
sometimes the body's immune system's cells purposefully create
them to neutralize nasty bugs like viruses or bacteria. Candida
that sneaks through into the blood stream is one target.
However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette
smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals. We inhale over
500 environmental chemicals every day just in the average home.
(1)
How
do they damage the human body?
Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants
are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive
and leaves our arsenal deficient and unable to detoxify the next
chemical attack then damage occurs. Damages lead to symptoms like
head aches or mood swings then domino to disease. When free radicals
kill or damage enough cells in an organism, aging and degeneration
accelerates. (1)
How
do antioxidants prevent against free radical damage?
Antioxidants act like sponges moping up free radicals and putting
out their fires of destruction. (1)
Dr. Harmon launched his theory by showing, for the first time,
that feeding a variety of antioxidants to mammals extended their
life spans. (3)
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating one of their
own electrons, ending the electron-"stealing" reaction.
Only a pair of electrons makes them happy and non destructive.
The antioxidant nutrients themselves don't become free radicals
by donating an electron because they are stable in either form.
They act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage
that could lead to cellular damage and disease. The vitamins C
and E are two antioxidants.
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Vitamin
E - The most abundant fat-soluble antioxidant in the body
is one of the most efficient chain-breaking antioxidants available.
Primary defender against oxidation and is believed to protect
against cardiovascular disease.
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Vitamin
C - The most abundant water-soluble antioxidant in the body.
Acts primarily in cellular fluid. Of particular note in combating
free-radical formation caused by pollution and cigarette smoke.
Many studies have correlated high vitamin C intakes with low
rates of cancer, particularly cancers of the mouth, larynx
and esophagus. (2) |
How
else can I prevent free radical damage?
Before you go out and stock your pantry with mega-doses of these
vitamins, be warned: more is not always better, and the synthetic
versions can be problematic and not absorbed by the body. Your
metabolic type also dictates how you are affected by various doses
of vitamins; as we do not all react the same (I recommend reading
the Metabolic typing articles in November and December Peak Performance
Editions).
Here are some initial steps:
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Removing
processed food and replacing with organic and chemical free
whole foods. Remember 'if it hasn't been around for 10 000
years don't eat it.'
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Looking
at reducing the chemical pollutants in your home, office and
surroundings.
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Doing
a Detox. However it's a good idea to consult a specialist
first who can evaluate your level of toxins and recommend
the right approach as it can be very costly buying unnecessary
and possibly unsuitable products (I also thoroughly recommend
reading this months book review 'Detoxify or Die' by Dr. Sherry
Rogers to learn more). |
Conclusion
So is controlling these free radicals the secret to anti-aging
and the prevention of disease? It definitely looks according to
current research as being part of the puzzle. But the bottom line
is by following those initial steps, without a doubt you are heading
in the right direction towards the fountain of youth and a long
healthy life.
Your 3d Coach
Craig
Burton
References
(1) Detoxify or die, Sherry Rogers, M.D. Sand Key Company, 2002
(2) http://www.healthchecksystems.com/antioxid.htm
(3) Harmon D. Aging: a theory based on free radical and radiation
chemistry, J Gerontol, 1956;11:298.
Cited in http://www.healingdaily.com/conditions/free-radicals.htm
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