Oxidative stress One of the key factors in ageing is the control of oxidation, oxidants (or free-radicals) are molecules which are destructive to cells and tissues of the body and therefore accelerate the ageing process and promote disease. Oxidants are unstable molecules that are formed from the breaking of stable molecules, this happens because, as the molecular bond is broken, one or more electrons are lost creating a polarity that needs to be balanced, to do this they then will break other molecules (to gain electron/s) creating more oxidants and these go on to break more molecules and so on…This chemical chain reaction can rapidly spread causing great damage to cells and tissues. It is particularly aggressive in lipids (fats and oils) which make up our cell membranes). People with higher levels of anti oxidants tend to live longer. Oxidants come from external and internal sources (external- chemicals and radiation/ internal- through normal cellular metabolism and inflammation). We are exposed to oxidants continuously and the body is in a constant battle to survive this onslaught. As a defense, the body produces anti-oxidants particles that neutralize oxidant molecules, and, under normal circumstances, the body can maintain this balance and stop the rapid deterioration of our cells. As we age our natural levels of anti oxidants decrease and the oxidative molecules can get the upper hand. This is called oxidative stress and leads to the acceleration of the ageing process and increasing risk of serious chronic illnesses, like cancer and heart disease. We can be pushed into this state of oxidative stress much earlier by being exposed to toxins and pollutants, which are in ever increasing proportions in our environment. Oxidants attack our proteins, fats, and most importantly, our DNA. Once the DNA of a cell is altered, all the cells replicated from it will also be altered, leading to a general degrading of tissues and organs. This is why it is so important to have high anti oxidant levels, and people that do, tend to live longer with less disease. Oxidation and the mitochondria The mitochondria – the organelles in our cells that produce energy, are very susceptible to oxidation, when oxidized the matter in the mitochondria is destroyed and the energy production in the cell is decreased or completely stopped, this can create lowered cellular energy and metabolism leading to chronic fatigue and weight gain. We can reverse this by taking anti oxidants. Factors that increase oxidation • Age • Cigarette smoke • Toxins • Pesticides • Pollution • Inflammation • Sun exposure • Sporadic and over exercise • Rancid fats • Burnt and charred food • Poor liver function • Processed oils • Poor digestion ( leaky gut) • Processed foods • Chronic illness • Low enzymes • Low levels of anti oxidants Control oxidation • Phytonutrients (veggies) • Exercise • Hydration • Foods that heal the digestion • Ginger • Turmeric • Berries in general • Omega3 essential fats • Bioflavinoids • Goji and Acai berry • Enzymes ( The information on this post is for informational use only, it is not intended as medical advice. Any changes in diet or exercise should be done through a health care professional)
Posted on: Mon, 30 Sep 2013 21:48:53 +0000
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