Most free radicals are formed in one of four ways: - They are produced during the production of cell energy where they are the by-products of the metabolic chain.
- The detoxification and neutralising of foreign substances such as medication, alcohol, toxins and chemicals generate free radicals.
- When the immune system is activated to eliminate or neutralise foreign organisms (bacteria, parasites and fungi), abnormal cells (such as cancer cells) and foreign protein molecules, the white blood cells produce free radicals to attack these invaders. However, the excess number of free radicals remain in the cells and blood following the attack. They are also released into surrounding tissue during an infection. This leads to tissue damage and worsening of the disease symptoms.
- Free radicals also penetrate the body from the outside from sources such as ultraviolet light, air pollution, insecticides, poor diet and medication.
Examples of free radicals are the superoxide, hydrogen peroxide, single oxygen and hydroxyl radicals. Free radicals can wreak havoc and irreparably destroy the delicate biochemical harmony and balance (homeostasis) in the cell membrane, cell cytoplasm and cell nucleus, leading to chronic or acute disease processes. |
