It can be said that we are all slowly dying. Edging toward the end of our years day by day. With every breath that keeps us alive, there is an equal action taking place in our bodies that lead us towards death. Its a little complicated but basically a molecule with one or more unpaired electrons in its outer shell is to blame. This is extra electron is called a free radical. According to the National Institutes of Health free radicals are described as follows. Free radical reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species are generated by our body by various endogenous systems, exposure to different physiochemical conditions or pathological states create destructive free radicals. A balance between free radicals and antioxidants is necessary for proper physiological function. If free radicals overwhelm the body’s ability to regulate them, a condition known as oxidative stress ensues. Free radicals adversely alter lipids, proteins, and DNA and trigger a number of human diseases. Not only do we create free radicals from normal cell metabolism, but air pollution, cigarette smoking, radiation, and some medications can also contribute to free radicals.
Oxygen is an element indispensable for life. When cells use oxygen to generate energy, free radicals are created as a consequence of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production by the mitochondria. Oxidative stress plays a major part in the development of chronic and degenerative ailments such as cancer, arthritis, aging, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Like fibromyalgia which is catagorized as an autoimmune disease.
Also, phagocytes (neutrophils, macrophages, monocytes) found in blood release free radicals to destroy invading pathogenic microbes as part of the body’s defense mechanism against disease.
So what can we do to keep free radicals at bay and under control? Eat a well balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables. Blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries and cranberries are among the top fruit sources of antioxidants. So are other fruits, such as apples grapes and most citrus fruits. Eat more stone fruits, or fruits that have a large hard seed inside like (peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries) plus artichokes, kale and bell peppers top the list of vegetables high in antioxidants. Other options include asparagus, beets, broccoli, red cabbage and tomatoes and prunes. Even pomegranate and olives contribute. Sweet potatoes are good sources of antioxidants, too. Walnuts, pistachios, pecans, hazelnuts and almonds are some of the top nuts for antioxidant content. Not crazy about nuts? Try sunflower, sesame or ground flaxseed in recipes. And lets not forget kidney beans, edamame and lentils.
There are also a host of great supplements out there to help you to get the antioxidant load that you need to help combat oxidative decomposition. Bon Appetite!