What are free radicals?
Our cells, source of all energy, produce unstable molecules called free radicals. This is the perfectly normal result of cell continuous activity.
These molecules also known as "free radicals" have a missing electron, rendering them highly damaging. In a healthy body, nourished properly, this does not represent a threat as "antioxidants" abundant in our diet will deal with those dangerous molecules by replacing the missing electron.
The problem is that due to today's lifestyles, many of us are bombarded with too many toxins and the body is simply not equipped to deal with such a toxic daily invasion. If free radicals are not scavenged quickly, they can cause oxidative stress, which, over time, damages our cellular make-up including DNA.
While free radicals are generated naturally in the body, other sources can increase their number. Additional free radicals can be generated by stress, poor nutrition, pollution, unhealthy lifestyles, elevated cholesterol levels, high blood sugar levels and even exercise. Each of these can take a toll on the body's systems. Luckily, we have a powerful ally in the fight against oxidative stress: antioxidants.
Free radicals and diseases
1. "If your body’s detoxification tools aren’t up to snuff, waste will build up. Overtime, the damage is similar to what happens when trash collectors go on strike and don’t pick up the garbage off the streets. The waste piles high, making the neighborhood smell bad and creating a breeding ground for illness." Dr. Mark Hyman M.D.2. "In treating chronically ill patients with Functional Medicine for more than 10 years, I have discovered that glutathione deficiency is found in nearly all very ill patients. These include people with chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, cancer, chronic infections, autoimmune disease, diabetes, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, asthma, kidney problems, liver disease and more.
In fact, the top British medical journal, the Lancet, found the highest glutathione levels in healthy young people, lower levels in healthy elderly, lower still in sick elderly and the lowest of all in the hospitalized elderly." Dr. Mark Hayman, M.D.
Wrinkled skin, stiff joints and hardening of the arteries are general examples of what free radicals will do to us.
The damage caused by free radicals accelerates the aging process.
Other conditions that are closely linked to free radical activity include Crohn’s disease, Gallstones, Pancreatitis, Ulcerative colitis, Cataracts, Cancer, Cardiovascular disease, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Learning difficulties, Memory problems, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Emphysema, Male infertility, Hair loss, Skin problems, and possibly many other conditions.
St. George Naturopathic Clinic
Free radicals simply messes up our cellular activities accelerating the aging process (wrinkles etc.), impacting negatively our immune system leading to inflammation and diseases.
Signs of Toxicity
As toxins continue to accumulate, the oxidation and free radical damage that they cause can lead to metabolic and systemic dysfunctions.
According to Dr. Mark Hyman M.D.
"The following is a list of the common symptoms of chronic toxicity. If you suffer from any of the following, detoxifying might be critical for you to get healthy and feel good again:
If you have any of these problems or eat food containing preservatives, pesticides, additives, pollutants, heavy metals, or other environmental chemicals, you probably need to cleanse your fat cells of toxins."
What is "Oxidative Stress"?
Maybe we should call this "oxidation" and compare its action to that of an apple you cut in half. What do you notice? It turns brown.That is oxidation at work. Free radical damage causes the apple to start to decay. Inside the body, oxidative stress means that cell membranes get damaged and rusty, while internal cellular pieces like damaged DNA and other debris accumulate, affecting nearby cells. It’s like garbage that’s not taken away, so it builds up, leading to inflammation.
What causes "oxidative Stress"?
• Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking prescription drugs.
• Eating, particularly animal-derived protein and fat, and non-plant based carbs.
• Ingesting pesticides from produce, or antibiotics and hormones in animal products.
• Eating processed foods with artificial flavorings and dyes.
• Exposure to pollution and toxins in water, air, or in personal care products.
• Trauma or injury to muscle, bone, skin, and connective tissue.
• Muscle-damaging anaerobic training.
• Endurance exercise.
Protecting ourselves from free radicals
1. Strengthen and clean the liver from time to time (Liver cleanse, Dandelion, Liver Balance, Milk Thistle combination)
2. Eat plenty of vegetables
3. Antioxidant supplementation if need be (Alpha Lipoic Acid or Super ORAC or Super antioxidants)
Antioxidants are the body's natural defense against free radicals. Think of them as scavengers-scouring our systems and "mopping up" free radicals before they have a chance to harm cells.
We recommend taking this glutathione-boosting supplement called "Alpha Lipoic acid". This is a close second to glutathione in importance in our cells and is involved in energy production, blood sugar control, brain health and detoxification. The body usually makes it, but given all the stresses we are under, we often become depleted.
Alpha Lipoic Acid is often called the universal antioxidant. It is both fat and water-soluble and can cross any membrane in the body. Consequently, Alpha Lipoic Acid can protect the integrity of the cell membrane as well as offset cell stress.
In addition to its antioxidant properties, Alpha Lipoic Acid directs calories away from fat production and toward energy production, supports blood sugar levels and enhances the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Targeted Detoxification Support
Cellular detox
Enviro detox
Heavy Metal detox
Small Intestine detox
Bowel detox
Yeast Fungal Detox
Full Body Cleansing Combinations
Tiao He Cleanse
Dieter's cleanse
Genstat 4 oz.
Detoxification of the elimination centers
Lymphastat
Detoxification of various bacterial and viral infections
Vermiclear (2oz.)
Parasite and worm infestation such as skin and intestinal disorder, itching, bloating, fatigue, and tendency to catch colds
Pituistat
2oz
Detoxification of the central nervous system. Relief of mental sluggishness, confusion, weakness, lethargy, thirst and frequent urination.
Vaccistat
Detoxification of the system from commonly used vaccinations
