Torticollis Mataró Although it may sound like a strange Italian dish, it is not. Imagine…
Free Radicals Guide
The damage from free radicals requires us to be more aware of our diet
Imagine a grand ballroom dance where couples twirl and spin to the music.
Until a lone dancer enters the ballroom without a partner. She interrupts another couple that is dancing. This leaves one of the original couples without a partner.
This new solitary dancer interrupts another couple, and in interrupting, this strange scenario creates chaos. A chain reaction of changing partners interrupting the dance over and over again.
When molecules in our body do this, it is called oxidative stress.
Free radicals are molecules with an unpaired electron. They seek sources from which they can steal an electron.
After obtaining an electron, the donating molecule often becomes damaged. When this combination of electrons becomes widespread, it can lead to a significant health problem.
The oxidative stress from free radicals is a natural process. Our body uses it when we exercise or fight an infection. It is a normal part of the intricate system of the body to stay healthy.
However, when there are too many free radicals, problems can arise. It can contribute to a variety of modern inflammatory diseases. Conditions such as diabetes, atherosclerosis, heart disease, and high blood pressure can occur. Even Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, and many neurological diseases.
What is the solution?
Having one more dancer in the room can reduce this chaos in the ballroom. In the body, that is what an “antioxidant” does.
Antioxidants are molecules that can donate an electron without becoming unstable. This stabilizes free radicals and makes them less reactive.
The good news is that there are two key strategies we can use to combat free radicals.
Reduce exposure to free radicals: An old saying comes to mind, “When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.” Look for ways to reduce oxidative stress in your body. This may include reducing your exposure to ozone, pesticides, tobacco smoke, and pollution. Reduce alcohol and sugar in all its forms.
Increase antioxidants: our body nourishes itself from the foods we eat to provide antioxidants. The damage from free radicals requires us to be more aware of our diet. Consider adding grapes, blueberries, nuts, dark green vegetables, root vegetables, beans, and fish. Limit processed meats like sausages, bacon, and salami.
As with so many things in the body, we need balance. We need the right amount of free radicals and the right amount of antioxidants to keep them under control.
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