Free radicals are highly unstable molecules that
interact with other molecules within cells, which can cause what is known as
oxidative stress and damage to proteins, membranes and genes, causing cell
degeneration. Free radicals set off a chain reaction of events that have been
implicated in the cause of many diseases and have a significant impact upon
the aging process.
It is the job of antioxidants, a highly effective group
of protective agents, to neutralize free radicals and the body naturally
produces a multitude of them to defend itself. Unfortunately, changes in our
lifestyles, which include more exposure to environmental pollution and toxins,
automobile exhaust, chemical laden diets, psychological stress, cigarette
smoke, excessive alcohol, and ionizing radiation from industry, sun exposure,
cosmic rays, and medical x-rays, mean that we are exposed to more free
radicals than ever before.
Chronic viral, bacterial, and fungal infections also add
to our free radical load. Most people's internal production of antioxidants
has become insufficient to neutralize, scavenge and control these radicals and
repair the ensuing damage.
Oxidative stress is a general term used to describe the
steady state level of oxidative or free radical damage in cells, tissues, or
organs. It occurs when there are insufficient antioxidant forces such as
enzymes and certain vitamins and minerals available to neutralize and
eliminate excessive free radical activity.
Free radicals, however, can also act as cell signaling
or messenger agents and to some extent play a role in normal cellular
function, as well. Therefore, there is such a thing as having excessive
amounts of antioxidant activity. For example, when too many antioxidants are
available, it becomes difficult for cells to efficiently produce the energy
molecule ATP and impaired function can follow.
For these reasons, testing for levels of oxidative and
free radical activity is a critical step in slowing the aging process.
