Free Radicals: The Silent Killers
Last article, we explored the importance of supplementation for optimal health. We discussed how good nutritional supplementation is essential to achieving optimal health—but that’s just the beginning.
Let’s now break down the science behind what’s happening in your body
Why is it that we’re living longer, but at the same time, statistics show that chronic diseases like obesity, stroke, cardiovascular disease, cancer, respiratory disease, and diabetes are on the rise?
In 2006:
- 133,739 Australians died of Stroke
- 45,670 died from Cardiovascular Disease
- 39,753 died from Cancer
- 5,443 died from Respiratory Disease
- 3,662 died from Diabetes
And it doesn’t stop there. Obesity is a growing concern, with 30% of children now classified as overweight or obese. This is worrying, given that these diseases are degenerative and develop over time, often starting from childhood and taking decades to manifest.
So, what’s causing these chronic diseases?
The answer lies in something that’s happening at a cellular level, and it’s all about free radicals.
CLICK HERE to listen to an audio, “Free Radicals & Antioxidants”
Oxidative Stress: What is It?
So, what exactly are free radicals and oxidative stress? Here’s the breakdown:
You know when you cut an apple and leave it on the counter, and it turns brown after a while? That’s the same process that occurs inside our body—caused by oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is the result of an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body.
Free radicals are unstable molecules that are formed naturally in the body during normal metabolism. But sometimes, they can also be generated from external factors like pollution, UV radiation, cigarette smoke, and poor diet.
When free radicals are produced, they go on a rampage looking for electrons to stabilise themselves. They do this by attacking healthy cells in your body, including cell walls, proteins, fats, and even the DNA of your cells. If left unchecked, this damage can lead to chronic diseases such as:
- Cancer
- Heart disease
- Alzheimer’s
- Diabetes
- Atherosclerosis
- Cataracts
It’s like a chemical storm within your body that’s gradually breaking down your health. The sad part is, this process can take years or even decades before symptoms appear. That means the damage could already be done before you even know it!
How Free Radicals Affect Your Cells
Your body replaces almost 97% of its cells in one year. However, if those cells are constantly exposed to free radical damage, you will end up replacing them with sicker and weaker cells.
If you think about it, the longer your cells remain damaged, the more likely it is that oxidative stress will build up, eventually leading to chronic diseases.
Living healthier lives becomes a matter of balance.
You need enough antioxidants to neutralise the number of free radicals your body produces. If you’re not getting enough antioxidants to counteract the damage, oxidative stress will continue to wreak havoc on your cells. Over time, this will increase your risk of developing serious diseases.
The Growing Threat of Free Radicals
Our modern world exposes us to more free radicals than ever before. Polluted air, processed foods, chemicals in our water, high-stress lifestyles, excessive exercise, medications, and even radiation contribute to the rise in free radicals. We are quite literally under attack from environmental factors and poor lifestyle choices.
One of the biggest problems is that our food is no longer as rich in antioxidants as it once was. Thanks to mineral depletion in soils, green harvesting, and extensive food processing, many of the antioxidants and vital nutrients we need are no longer present in our diets in sufficient quantities.
So, What’s the Answer?
While a healthy diet is essential, it’s important to recognise that supplementation is often necessary to rebuild our antioxidant systems. By choosing high-quality supplements that provide the full range of antioxidants, we can better combat the free radical damage our bodies face every day.
The key is Cellular Nutrition, which we will explore in more detail in the next article.
Take Action Today
Take control of your health today. Start by researching the benefits of high-quality supplements and choosing those that are scientifically supported to meet your body’s needs. It’s time to give your cells the nutrition they deserve and live your healthiest life!
Disclaimer: The information provided in the article is strictly educational. It may not be used to promote any specific products, nor is it intended as medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, please consult your health care professional.
References
- World Health Organization
- Australian Bureau of Statistics
- CTRU, Auckland University
- Bionutrition – Dr Ray Strand
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