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~ Back to Articles Index Page ~  (They don't call 'em "radicals" for nothin'!) By Carol Roy, NHP, RM, QTP A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that contains at least one unpaired electron. Electrons are negatively charged particles that usually occur in pairs, forming a chemically stable arrangement. If an electron is unpaired, another atom or molecule can easily bond with it, causing a chemical reaction. Because they join so readily with other compounds, free radicals can effect dramatic changes in the body, and they can cause a lot of oxidavtive damage. Each free radical may exist for only a tiny fraction of a second, but the damage it leaves behind can be irreversible, particularly damage to heart muscle cells, nerve cells, and certain immune system sensor cells. The Free Radical Gang's Good-Guy Brothers Free radicals are a normal occurance in the body (when nutrients and oxygen are combined by the body to create energy, unpaired electrons can be released), and when the body is functioning properly, it can keep any free radicals that are released in check. In fact, not all free radicals are bad; the immune system produces free radicals that attack and destroy viruses and bacteria. Other free radicals are involved in producing vital hormones and activating enzymes needed for life. We need free radicals to produce energy and various substances that the body requires. A "Free Radical Rampage" If there is excessive free radical formation however, damage to cells and tissues can occur (a sort of "vandalism" if you will) and these boys are self-perpetuating! The formation of a large number of free radicals stimulates the formation of more free radicals, leading to even more damage. Many things can lead to an excess of free radicals; exposure to radiation (sun or x-rays), environmental pollutants like tobacco smoke and car exhaust. Poor diet can also contribute to their formation. The Free Radical Gang Rides Again! A diet high in fat increases free radical activity. Cooking fats at high temperatures (particularly frying foods in oil) can unleash large numbers of free radicals. Large numbers of free radicals can change the way the cells code genetic material which changes the protein structure as a result of errors in protein synthesis. The immune system then see's these the altered protein as a foreign substance and trys to destroy it. Mutated proteins damage the immune system and can lead to leukemia and other types of cancer as well as many other diseases. In addition to altering genetic coding in cells, free radicals damage the protective cell membranes and upset calcium levels in the body. Over time, the body produces more free radicals than it does scavengers and the resulting imbalance is what causes us to age. Antioxidants To The Rescue! Substances known as antioxidants neutralize free radicals by binding to their free electrons. Antioxidants available in supplement form include the enzymes, vitamin A, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E, the minerals selenium and zinc and the hormone melatonin. By destroying free radicals, antioxidants help to detoxsify and protect the body. Carol Roy is a registered Natural Health Practitioner with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 9 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist. Suggestions made by Nutter’s Bulk & Natural Foods, and the contents of this article, |
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