The body can cope with the normal day-to-day free radicals that are formed during the usual metabolic processes. It cannot, however, cope with all the additional free radicals being formed under the following conditions: - An increased production of free radicals (too many free radicals are produced for the three enzymes to cope with):
- This often happens with athletes (and others who train hard and push themselves to their physical limit regularly) - the more active and competitive they are, the more free radicals are formed because of the increased metabolism. Active athletes should therefore take anti-oxidant supplements to cope with the increased production of free radicals. This will also increase their performance and endurance as the damage caused by free radicals is reduced and the immune system is supported, reducing the chances of an infection.
- People with diabetes have an abnormal glucose metabolism associated with oxidative stress (increased super oxygen molecules with increased formation of free radicals). Additional anti-oxidants limit the tissue damage associated with diabetes; their insulin needs are reduced as is the eventual damage to the end organs typical of the disease (such as kidney damage, neuritis (nerve damage), damage to eyes and gangrene).
- All forms of chronic diseases (such as arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic infections, emphysema, atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, varicose veins, cancer and AIDS) cause an increase in free radicals which exacerbate the damage caused by the disease and aggravate and prolong the disease process.
- Chronic or uncontrolled stress can, in the long term, significantly increase the metabolic rate. The enzymes responsible for maintaining the stress metabolism work harder and the free radicals increase significantly. The body therefore requires support from additional anti-oxidants.
- The white blood cells (specifically the macrophages or phagocytes) involved in the immune response, produce more free radicals as part of their campaign against foreign organisms (pathogens) such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Other white blood cells destroy the macrophage or white blood cell that has gobbled up the pathogen. The free radicals inside the macrophage are released into the surrounding tissue, causing additional tissue damage.
- Increased exposure to free radicals from the environment is another possibility for an inability of the body to cope on its own:
- Smoke - cigarette smoke (inhaled directly or indirectly) and industrial smoke from factories and fires.
- Air pollution caused by factories, vehicle exhaust fumes and heaters.
- Exposure to ultraviolet light, including excessive exposure to sunlight.
- Exposure to carcinogens (cancer causing agents) in genetically susceptible people.
- As we age, the anti-oxidant enzymes are subject to increasing demands and they also become less active. Ageing is the total of a lifetime's damage caused by free radicals. It is never too late to take anti-oxidant supplements but the sooner you start the better in order to slow down the ageing process. Remember, mental attitude and general lifestyle also plays a major role in the ageing process!
- The immune system is an incredibly active system. The enzymes continually work in top gear to protect you against pollution, carcinogens, viruses, bacteria, fungi and every imaginable foreign invader (pathogen). Modern-day living subjects the immune system to strenuous demands. Unless we take anti-oxidants to support this workhorse, we will suffer the consequences.
The anti-oxidants supplied by our ordinary daily diet, cannot provide for all our needs. The main anti-oxidant nutrients are beta-carotene (and the other carotenes), vitamins A, E and C and the minerals selenium, zinc, copper and manganese. Pycnogenol (found in the bark of pine trees and grape seed extract), the coenzyme Q10 (indispensable for the power generators or mitochondria of our cells), cat's claw, alpha lipoic acid and glutathione are all examples of anti-oxidants. All fresh fruit and vegetables are excellent sources of anti-oxidants. But the problem still remains that it is practically very difficult or nearly impossible to supply all our daily needs through diet alone. Damage caused by free radicals plays a role in nearly every modern-day disease. Everyone will benefit from the use of additional anti-oxidants. |
