One of the most plausible theories on aging is based on the accumulation of damage caused by Free Radicals, which are basically unstable molecules (a few electrons missing in orbit). A free radical will steal electrons from nearby molecules which in turn create new free radicals and in so doing can set up a chain reaction within the cell that will eventually damage it. It is through the accumulation of damaged cells which essentially clutter up our systems and interfere with their proper operation that – according to my very oversimplified explanation of this theory – we age
Nature’s balance to free radicals are antioxidants. These are special molecules that can surrender an election to restabilize a free radical. They don’t steal a replacement electon from other molecules. They prevent the chain reaction, defending the cell from this type of damage which leads to aging.
It makes sense that damage to your cells will age you, both visibly and hidden inside. Think of the skin of a fifty something sun worshipper. We’re not all that much different from other machines which – after years of wear and tear start to fall apart. We might not have broken screws, but chronic inflammation is hardly rare and it’s a classic sign of free radical damage.
But where do these damaged molecules – these free radicals come from? Two places actually. We pick them up from the outside world through sources like air pollution, drugs, toxins like cigarette smoke and pesticides. We also make them ourselves, because the necessary chemical processes that run our bodies porduce by-products primarily as oxyradicals- free radicals.
There are four different ways that our bodies create free radicals – oxidants.
To create energy we use oxygen as fuel and generally convert it to water. But like many other processes in nature, the fuel doesn’t always burn as cleanly as we would like and the result is free radical versions of the oxygen molecule.
Our own white blood cells use oxidants to combat viruses and parasites and bacteria and chronic infections will expose our tissues to free radicals. Some processes that break down fatty acids and other molecules can result in hydrogen peroxide escaping from the antioxidants that should have broken it down, and damaging other cells.
Out bodies produce, free radicals in millions of and millions of cells and do it almost constantly. Luckily we also have the ability to produce the remedy in the form of powerful free radical scavengers like CoEnzymeQ10 and Glutathione.
In an effort to combat the external sources of oxidants – like drugs, pesticides, cigarette smoke and other foreign and toxic chemicals our bodies creates an exzyme called Cytochrome P450. However, in calling up this necessary enzyme, we create a by-product, free radicals. The toxins damage us on their own, and we damage ourselves to fight them. It ages us.
In the battle to support your health, comfort and longevity, antioxidants are your bodies number one defense against the damage caused by free radicals. You can support your good health by eating antioxidant rich foods, supplementing with Vitamins C, E and C0Q10 and providing your body with the necessary substances to suppport the production of Glutathione- which is argued by many to be the most important of all the antioxidants. Indeed, it’s well recognized as the Master Antioxidant.
Anna Ruth consults with Whole Earth Health and is one of the company’s champions for MAXGXL the glutathione precursor. This natural antioxidant has helped people by acting as an anti fatigue supplement and has helped to provide pain relief in many different situations.
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