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| Antioxidants |
| Description: The human body derives its energy from the utilization of nutrients and oxygen as fuel. It also utilizes oxygen to help the immune system destroy foreign substances and combat disease.The byproducts of this metabolic process can lead to the development of molecular agents that react with body tissues in a process called oxidation. While this process is a natural consequence of the energy generation system, it’s byproducts, or "free radicals" can damage healthy cells. Free radicals are highly reactive and unstable. As they react with other molecules in the body, they can cause damage that leads to cell mutation and destruction.1 Free radical production is enhanced by certain environmental and food derived toxins, and in part is thought to lead to many of the disease states we encounter. Fortunately, the body has its own arsenal of defenders, including enzyme systems, which help prevent severe damage from occurring. Additionally, the body can utilize "antioxidant" molecules to minimize the damage. Antioxidants are a class of nutrients which help the body to repair free radical damage. The most commonly recommended antioxidants are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Lutein, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B6, and Coenzyme Q10. Antioxidants are able to neutralize free radicals in the body. However, each time an antioxidant molecule interacts with an antioxidant, it also is neutralized; thus, a constant replenishing of antioxidants in the system is necessary. Antioxidants do not all act in the same way. Different types are more effective against different free radicals. A balanced diet (or supplementation system) will include antioxidants of several different types. Natural Sources: Any foods high in the nutrients mentioned above, including fruits and vegetables. Useful in treatment of: Allergy, asthma, Alzheimer’s Disease, atherosclerosis, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, cataracts, Common Cold, Congestive Heart Failure, depression, Exercise and Fitness, Parkinson’s Disease. Recommended Dosage: See specific antioxidants for details. Contraindications: See specific antioxidants for details. References: 1Ames BN, Shigenaga MK, Hagen TM. Oxidants, antioxidants, and the degenerative diseases of aging. Proc Natl Acad Sci 1993;90:7915-7922. |
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