Free radicals and antioxidants for health

Life and death is a dance between free radicals and antioxidants that continues as long as the free radicals and antioxidants are maintained in a balance. Oxidation produces free radical molecules that tend to rob other molecules of their electrons. Free radical reactions kill micro organisms and maintain the stability of the human body's internal environment in response to changes in external conditions, such as temperature and pH balance. While a certain amount of free radicals in our body is normal and necessary, a variety of factors can lead to unsafe levels. An unhealthy diet, smoking, stress, injury, toxins and pollutants in our air and water result in too many free radicals in our body which can cause a chain reaction of free radical production, like sparks produced by fires. When the chain reaction occurs in a cell, it damages and even kills the cell. When free radicals collect in cell membranes, they make them brittle and leaky, causing the cells to fall apart and die.

Antioxidants are molecules that inhibit the oxidation of other molecules by easily being oxidized themselves. They donate electrons and break the free radical chain reaction by sacrificing their own electrons to feed the free radicals without turning into free radicals themselves. The body produces many different types of antioxidants in order to control free radical chain reactions. Different antioxidants are combined for defending against almost every possible threat to health. Unfortunately, production declines with age.

Some unique types of antioxidants can repair damaged molecules by donating hydrogen atoms, very important when the molecule is a critical one, like DNA. Antioxidants, such as flavonoids, can act as a virtual shield by attaching to DNA to protect it from free radicals attacks. Large-protein antioxidants such as albumin found in egg whites absorb free radicals and stop them from attacking essential proteins, crucial enzymes and DNA. Some antioxidants have a chelating effect, “grabbing” toxic metals like mercury and arsenic which cause free radical formation and "hugging" them to prevent any chemical reaction from taking place, and “escorting” them out of the body through urine. Some antioxidants stimulate genes to increase natural defenses. Some anti- oxidants provide anti-cancer chemicals that halt cancer growth and force some cancer cells to self-destruct.

Lipid-soluble antioxidants such as vitamins A and E, carotenoids, and lipoic acid protect cell membranes. Water-soluble antioxidants such as vitamin C are found in blood and fluids within and around cells. Enzy- matic antioxidants break down and remove free radicals. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) breaks down super-oxides into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen. It is found in almost all aerobic cells and extracellular fluids. Non-enzymatic antioxidants such as carotenoids, vitamin C, and vita- min E interrupt free radical chain reactions. Small-molecule antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, lipoic acid, carotenoids, and CoQ10 “mop up” reactive oxygen species (ROS) which are chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen. They are like the smoke of a fire. Many antioxidants such as glutathione, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and CoQ10 are produced by the body, but production is decreased with age.

Whey protein provides all the essential key amino acids for antioxidant production, but there are antioxidants that cannot be manufactured inside the body and must be obtained from antioxidant-rich foods. The best antioxidant-rich foods are fresh, organic vegetables, sprouts, fruit, nuts, and herbs and spices. Including antioxidant rich foods in the diet ensures a supply of vital antioxidants that the body cannot produce itself.

Resveratrol, found in fruits like grapes, vegetables, cocoa, and red wine, crosses the blood-brain barrier to provide protection for the brain and nervous system and helps inhibit the spread of cancer. It lowers blood pressure by keeping the heart healthy and improving elasticity of blood vessels. Carotenoids, a class of naturally-occurring pigments that have powerful antioxidant properties, are the compounds that give foods their vibrant colors. There are over 700 naturally-occurring carotenoids. Vitamin C has a wide range of astonishing health benefits. There are supplements for antioxidants, but overloading on antioxidants, especially from supplements, can have negative effects on health.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits promote free radical formation, so an antioxidant-rich diet has to be combined with a healthy lifestyle. For optimal health, consume a wholesome diet, reduce sugar and grains, avoid smoking, get plenty of exercise, fresh air, and sunlight, get enough sleep, don't worry and be happy.

Sometimes the more we interfere with the body; the more difficult it is to maintain optimal health. Yet nature has provided a solid grounding for our health that is absolutely free. The earth beneath our feet is filled with the very best antioxidants there are - the electrons, and they are ready to give relief when we are burned out. All we need to do is be in contact with our earth. So take off your isolating rubber soled shoes, get off your isolating carpets and floors and get your feet wet by going for a walk on the beach barefoot.

Just like throwing sawdust in fires produces too many sparks, and feeding rubber to fires produces too much smoke, burning sugars produce too many free radicals and burning proteins for energy produces unwanted by products. Optimal fires, whether in our bodies or in our oxvens, are those that burn steady and slow, with not too many sparks or smoke.