Oxidation Free Radicals. Ever sliced open an apple and watched as the inside turned BROWN?
This process is called OXIDATION, or the effect of living cells becoming damaged, or oxidized, by “free radicals”. When oxygen molecules become UNSTABLE, or lose electrons, they try “stealing” electrons from stable cells which leads to oxidative stress and compromises healthy cells.
Oxidation Free Radicals
This is why cigarette smokers tend to look much older than their age because smoking is a great way to increase free radical production inside the body. Because the cells of smokers are more at risk from DAMAGE due to oxidative stress, their skin often appears more wrinkled on the outside while cells inside their body are more prone to DNA damage and becoming cancerous. It’s no coincidence that cigarette smoking is directly associated with cancer as well as heart disease, our leading killer.
However, there is a way we can stack the odds more in our favor to prevent so much unnecessary damage to our cells and, ultimately, our health … that is, consume a diet loaded with ANTIOXIDANTS.
In addition to ending HARMFUL habits like cigarette smoking, we can also consume foods that contain antioxidants, or compounds that are designed to protect and REPAIR damaged cells, including free radicals themselves.
So, which foods contain the most protective antioxidants? Plants, of course, especially herbs, spices, and BERRIES. Actually, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, and raspberries have 10 times more antioxidants than other fruits and vegetables, and over 50 times more than animal-based foods.
When it comes to protecting the INTEGRITY of our cells, it’s vital that we consume a steady diet of antioxidant-rich foods for optimal human health… in other words, eat more PLANTS.
Are you familiar with Free Radical Oxidative Stress?
Oxidative stress is an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body, which can lead to cell and tissue damage. Oxidative stress occurs naturally and plays a role in the aging process.
A large body of scientific evidence suggests that long-term oxidative stress contributes to developing a range of chronic conditions. Such conditions include cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
The body’s cells produce free radicals during normal metabolic processes. However, cells also have antioxidants that neutralize these free radicals. In general, the body is able to maintain a balance between antioxidants and free radicals.
Several factors contribute to oxidative stress and excess free radical production. These factors can include:
diet
lifestyle
certain conditions
environmental factors such as pollution and radiation
The body’s natural immune response can also trigger oxidative stress temporarily. This type of oxidative stress causes a mild inflammation that goes away after the immune system fights off an infection or repairs an injury. Uncontrolled oxidative stress can accelerate the aging process and may contribute to the development of a number of conditions.
Oxidation, free radicals and antioxidants – how are they connected??
Oxidation is a normal and necessary process that takes place in your body. Oxidative stress, on the other hand, occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radical activity and antioxidant activity. When functioning properly, free radicals can help fight off pathogens. Pathogens lead to infections.
When there are more free radicals present than can be kept in balance by antioxidants, the free radicals can start doing damage to fatty tissue, DNA, and proteins in your body. Proteins, lipids, and DNA make up a large part of your body, so that damage can lead to a vast number of diseases over time. These include:
▪️ diabetes
▪️ atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the blood vessels
▪️ inflammatory conditions
▪️ high blood pressure, which is also known as hypertension
▪️ heart disease
▪️ neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s
▪️ cancer
Oxidative stress also contributes to ageing . It’s impossible to completely avoid free radical exposure and oxidative stress. However, there are things you can do to minimise the effects of oxidative stress on your body. The main thing you can do is to increase your levels of antioxidants and decrease your formation of free radicals.
Juicing Green Vegetables
Juicing Green Vegetables like Kale, Broccoli, Celery, Parsley, Cilantro, Mint, Cucumber helps to cleanse the body and reduce inflammation.
The Chlorophyll in the green juices is powerful to give the body valuable antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress in the body, slow the aging process, and improve our vitality.
Oxidative stress is damage done to the body by free radicals. Free Radicals are oxygen containing molecules that carry an uneven number of electrons, this causes them to react with other molecules. These free radicals can damage the body in large chain reactions. The name of the reaction is called “oxidation” which causes stress on the body and quickens the aging process.
Free Radicals are found in pollution, skin care toxins, inorganic food toxins, and chemicals from cleaning products that cause damage to our bodies.
Cold Pressed Green Juices found in the produce section of the grocery store can be helpful in reducing oxidative stress, but the BEST juices are made at home from fresh green vegetables!
The many benefits of glutathione
its so super important for so many reasons, here are a few of my favorite reasons to making sure my glutathione levels are on point. If you need help finding out you levels just give us a call or stop in we can help! Not all. Glutathione supplements are created equal (most actually do not work!)
Antioxidant Effects
Unlike many of the other antioxidants that you can access from your diet, glutathione is something that your body can create all by itself when given the opportunity. Glutathione is present in every cell, this compound can help to defend the front lines against free radicals and neutralizing them before they can cause oxidative stress. As the body’s master antioxidant, keeping your levels up is the foundation of your overall health.
Detoxify the Body
Sulfuric compounds (MSM, onions, garlic, broccoli, etc) are able to cleanse the body of many unwanted toxins, so having enough glutathione in your body can help to reduce the strain and exertion on the liver and kidneys. Adequate levels can improve your metabolism and lower your risk for liver disease and kidney issues!
Immune System
When there are enough antioxidants (glutathione is considered your master antioxidant produces by your body) in your body, your immune system has an additional level of protection.
Anticancer Potential
When glutathione is produced in the body, it can be instrumental in preventing the onset of cancer or slowing its spread. Methylation support as well as precursors help the body make/recycle glutathione.
A study by the Beckman Research Institute of the City of Hope, shows that it can help in protecting your cells from bone marrow, breast, colon, larynx, and lung cancer. As with anything providing your body with nutrients that create glutathione is preferred!
Psoriasis
When your glutathione levels are up, your body is better able to defend against inflammatory conditions. Glutathione can help with chronic inflammation, which is often the cause of such long-term conditions, like psoriasis or eczema.
