Free Radical Reduction in Studio City, CA

Free Radicals. You've probably heard the term at some point. No; a free radical is not a free-love-hippie-movement or a group of dissident radical fanatics. A free radical is actually a byproduct of our own existence. Free radicals are oxygen based molecules that can react with other molecules, change their structure, their function and cause harm.

The body is in a constant struggle, oxidants (free radicals) v. antioxidants. If the free radicals gain a winning edge however, bad things can happen. When this occurs, it's known as oxidative stress . This stress arrives in the form of protein, lipid (fat) peroxidation, carb and DNA damage. 

What Causes Free Radical Formation?

Causes of free radicals can be internal from our own metabolic functioning and external from the environment. Some of the main sources include:

• X-ray radiation
• Ozone
• Secondhand smoke
• Pollutants
• Toxic chemicals
• Exercise
• Phagocytosis
• Inflammation
• Cellular functions

It's also believed that the aging process itself is a result of free radical production, and that the natural production of free radicals directly and indirectly contributes to our aging.

What Can Oxidative Stress and Free Radicals Cause?

The list is long, very long, but here are a few of the illnesses and conditions known to form—in some part—by free radicals:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Vascular disease
• Lupus
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Hemochromatosis
• Immune diseases
• Preeclampsia
• Gout (xanthine oxidase)
• Parkinson's disease
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Muscular dystrophy
• Alzheimer's disease
• Stroke
• And many others

Though scientific support is thin for the claim that consuming antioxidants will actually fight free radicals, many are adamant that a diet rich in antioxidants does help. Antioxidants can be found in:

• Vitamin C and E
• Beta-carotene (found in carrots, this is metabolized as vitamin A)
• Lutein (a compound found in meds designed to counter eye disease)
• Lycopene (red coloring in fruits like tomatoes)
• Tea
• Cocoa
• Wheatgrass
• Cherries
• Acai berry

It's important to first check with your doctor before taking any medication or homeopathic remedy as dangerous side effects and interactions may occur. 

Request more information about Free Radicals today. Call (424) 365-1800 or contact Vitality Integrative Medicine online.