Antioxidants - Who Needs Them?
Antioxidants typically refer to a variety of molecules that are capable of neutralizing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the process your body creates during its routine metabolic functions - respiration, energy production and metabolism of food. It creates harmful molecules called free radicals that attack your cell membranes to cause damage such as aging and inflammation (even wrinkles!). Oxidative stress is also created when we are exposed to certain elements in our external environment such as poor air, poor water, sunlight and poor food choices. However, nature was very smart. It provided us with multiple ways to combat oxidative stress and thus age gracefully and fight inflammation every day.
First, we have a whole host of enzyme systems that naturally neutralize oxidative stress. Thanks to the human genome project, we know these enzymes are present in various amounts based on our genetic make-up. Some of us are actually less capable of neutralizing oxidative stress with our internal enzyme systems than others. Sunshine can help your body create vitamin D, another antioxidant important for bone health and combating inflammation. The Human Genome project again revealed many people have vitamin D receptors that don’t behave normally.
So for additional protection, nature provides antioxidants in your diet. Vitamins A,E,C,D and minerals such as zinc, selenium, copper and magnesium are found in diets that are rich in fruits such as grapes and berries, vegetables, yams, whole grains and nuts. These foods provide the vitamins and minerals that can neutralize free radicals, thus minimizing their damaging effects. However, you need to eat these foods on a frequent and regular basis to consistently get their benefits because these vitamins and minerals are quickly cleared from your system. In addition, their neutralizing power is quickly consumed, rendering them useless before being eliminated from your body.
Again, nature set in motion another safeguard. These same fruits and vegetables also provide large, colorful molecules called bioflavonoids such as OPC’s (oligomeric procyanodins) that not only have as much as 50 times more the neutralizing ability than vitamins and minerals but also have the ability to “re-charge” the neutralizing impact of vitamins and minerals before they are excreted.
As a final safeguard, certain plants contain compounds with antioxidant capability. Herbs such as gingko and a multitude of others have antioxidant capability. Aloe vera gel and juice are used both topically and internally to neutralize oxidative stress. Even spices such as ginger, tumeric and pepper can provide antioxidant protection.
As you can see, nature has provided a virtual safety net of enzymes and molecules that can scavenge the free radicals from your body and sweep them away. However, you may need to help nature by taking antioxidants as a supplement.
Many people over estimate the healthy value of their diet. A 1996 study from the US Department of Agriculture revealed that even nutritionists had difficulty estimating the nutritional content of restaurant food. In addition, diet alone may not be able to provide your body with enough antioxidants to neutralize your particular level of oxidative stress. If you smoke, spend time in a sunny environment or eat fast foods and processed foods, you have a high level of oxidative stress. If you have an inflammatory condition such as an autoimmune disease (MS, rheumatoid, lupus), a degenerative condition such as cardiac disease or a painful condition such as arthritis, you may need to help your body with a combination of antioxidant supplements to strengthen this safety net.
If you have a genetic variant that causes your body to create low levels of antioxidant enzymes or vitamin D receptor dysfunction, you are at increased risk from oxidative stress. You, too, may need some supplementation support in addition to a antioxidant rich diet.
We all need antioxidants. The US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health have information that can help guide you. If you have special needs or a less than best diet, then you should consult with your physician and consider supplementing to provide your body’s best defense against oxidative stress.
Copyright 2008 by Pamela Avery, MD
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Tags: probiotic, diet, acidophilus, acidophilus effects
