Our body is a very efficient machine for the most part, but even the best maintained machine has its issues from time to time. For the body, this issue is free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that are responsible for tissue damage, again and certain diseases as well.
Our body relies on oxygen for every function that it carries out, from the smallest and most mundane to the most complex. It also relies on fuel in the form of calories from the foods that we eat, to have the energy to transport this oxygen to every cell. The entire process is carried out by thermogenesis which is a fancy term for heat generation.
Heat is created when we digest food and when we process oxygen. Of course, just like with other actions or processes, there are reactions or by-products. In this case, the byproducts are known as free radicals.
While some free radicals are generated by our natural processes and therefore can never be one hundred percent prevented, there are other, unnatural causes of free radicals that contribute to their build up in our body. Some examples of these unnatural causes are cigarette smoke, pollution, poor food choices, overexposure to the sun, and certain chemicals. Free radicals, even when they are generated from within our own bodies are dangerous and can be very damaging.
Free radicals are unstable molecules because they are missing an electron. Their goal is to seek a replacement for this electron and they do not care where they scavenge it from. Free radicals steal their missing electron from DNA, enzymes, protein, and from any other cell type that happens to be around them. They can damage the cell membrane in search of their electron. Cells sustain up to ten thousand free radical hits each and every day.
To prevent or at least lessen some of the damages caused by the unstable free radicals, it is necessary to incorporate antioxidants into the body’s line of defense. Antioxidants give up one of their own electrons to stabilize and neutralize the dangerous effects of the free radical.
Our body produces some antioxidants, but this natural production is often inadequate to handle the free radicals that have accumulated. This is especially true if we are at risk from external sources like our own environments, bad habits, and bad food choices. The more free radicals we have to deal with, the more antioxidants we will need to incorporate to handle them.
There are beneficial antioxidants in some foods as well as in some supplements such as vitamins. Natural foods are a good source of antioxidants, especially fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Hopefully, the antioxidants in the good foods that we eat, in addition to those our body naturally produces will be enough to help us win the ongoing battle against free radicals and their cell damage.
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Where do the free radicals even generate from, and why is it that they are so dangerous to cause tissue damage and diseases?? Isn’t that why some people get sick faster and more often than others? Simply because they do not get enough antioxidants? That is why I always take my supplement vitamins. I believe they even have flavored strips out now for antioxidants and even energy supplements that you can put under your tongue and they dissolve. I am glad I love fruits and vegetables, because I know that they are doing good things for my body!
Hello. I have been reading about the raw food diet, and supposedly when food is cooked over 116 degrees, it destroys the healthy enzymes in food and helps to stimulate free radicals in the body. Also many raw foodies say that cooked food destroys the nutritional value and the life force (is that antioxidants?) in food. Is this true? What are your feelings about the raw diet, and what is the real effect of eating raw food versus cooked food when it comes to free radicals? Do you believe that 75% of one’s diet should be raw or “live” food? Thanks for any information.
There are many different types of free radicals – they are created or exist within a variety of chemical reactions. Typically, a high energy bond (covalent) gets split leaving two unstable species with unpaired electrons in their outer shells. One of the major theories of aging is based on the concept of free radicals – or rather their prevention and elimination. There are many different types of anti-oxidant compunds out there – some with greater efficacy than others. What is important is that you GET enough! If its not in your diet, you should supplement!
I’m a huge believer in the way of moderation, too much/little of anything is never *best*. It is true that cooking certain foods can denature(destroy) the proteins within. One excellent example is CLA. This amazing anti-oxidant and proven weight loss ingredient is typically destroyed by cooking the meat that its found most abundantly in. Similarly with certain vitamins and antioxidant compounds. Does that mean that we should eat EVERYTHING raw though?
that’s for your rawfoodies to say!
I heard that raw foods are very beneficial to the digestive system. I have a friend that has severe IBS. It seems that every time she eats she is in pain. The doctors tell her that her diet is crucial to alleviate the symptoms and they suggest a raw food diet among other things. The reason I want to know is because I think my digestive system slows me down sometimes. I need to have as much energy as I can for my five little munchkins and I could use any advice thrown my way. Anybody?
Actually, I do know of something that will really help with energy that doesn’t deal with a certain diet. I used to use them all the time, but I gave them to my husband because he is a truck driver and he loves them! They are herbal energy pills that you can get at any vitamin shop. Because they are all herbal and natural they do not make you have the shakes. They just help boost your energy and they work great! They also have some out for stress to that I absolutely love! Check out a vitamin shop close to you, because having to take care of five kids is a lot of work!!
Thanks! I will definitely look for those!
I am interested in both kinds of supplements (for energy and stress) that you mentioned above. If you happen upon the brand name, I would be interested. I went to whole foods and they have many different kinds – I suppose the brand probably doesn’t matter as long as they are all natural. I tried some “rescue remedy” spray for traffic stress because I hate traffic jams, and I didn’t seem to notice any effect at all – my stress level was still through the roof.
Yes, any natural and herbal brand of stress and energy pills will work as long as it has at least seaweed, tired blood and roots in the ingredients. Seaweed helps restore all your energy by restoring the nervous system and immune systems. Roots such as ginseng or dandelion roots will get rid of your everyday tired feeling and the tired blood helps supplement iron. I have researched oatstraw before, and it also helps restore you systems. It also builds up energy for the following day. Just an idea!
Thanks. I will be looking for something with the ingredients you recommended above – very informative!
Wow! I obviously have to brush up on my herbal supplements. I didn’t know there were so many different kinds with so many different benefits. A new thing that I am trying is to get this herbs and roots fresh and make a tea out of them. I don’t know why I always have to do things the old fashion way but I’m silly like that. You’d think I would be all for modern science and technology with my hectic life. I’ll let you know how it goes!
Yes please do! I am a huge tea drinker. You were talking about getting energy from supplements, well, there is a type of tea you can get at a local grocery store called Wake Up. This tea is awesome!! It is so potent, and it works for a long period of time. However, even though it is so strong, it still tastes fantastic! Add a little bit of honey in there, and you are good to go!
Celestial Seasonings Morning Thunder tea is a really good (and potent) tea also. I have a cup of this in the middle of a hectic day sometimes with a drizzle of honey and some lemon juice, and I am good to go until bedtime!
Well so far I haven’t made one good tasting tea except from my fresh peppermint plant that I grew this year. I did find a good tea pot though! I was having trouble with the leaves breaking and having little chunks in the tea. I found a cute little pot that has a compartment in the middle that you close and then put the water in it to boil. Nothing gets out, it’s fantastic. Anyway maybe I should stick to those you suggested above. I like Celestial Seasonings. Their tea tastes great!