Dr Mona

Antioxidants: What are they and why do we need to care? Antioxidants are featured in magazines, on the Internet and on television. But what are they? What do they do? Why do we need them? Which ones should a person take, if any? First, we have to understand what oxidation and free radical damage means before we can appreciate the role anti-oxidants... play. A growing body of research shows that oxidation and free radical damage to our tissues plays a major role in aging and inflammation leading to various illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders and cancer. It is vital, however, to understand that oxidation is not entirely evil. Oxidative reactions are necessary within our bodies to fight off bacteria and other foreign invaders and are part of the natural inflammatory reaction secondary to injuries. For example, when you get a cut in your skin, it is oxidation that causes the old, damaged cells to die and new fresh cells to grow. Yet, in an uncontrolled situation, oxidation can cause damage to healthy cell membranes and other molecules, including those that make up the DNA of our genes. What Does That Damage Mean for You? It means that messaging systems wont work as well (i.e., the cell-to-cell communication may not work very well and the cells involved may no longer listen to the rest of the bodys instructions). This can cause a cell to become cancerous. It could mean that cell membranes are damaged to an extent that makes it easier for plaque to stick to the blood vessel wall. It could also lead to something as simple as that stubborn cellulite and the breakdown of healthy collagen leading to wrinkles and those pesky dimples that start showing up as we age. I am simplifying, but you get the picture, unhealthy molecules lead to unhealthy cells that develop into bigger and bigger problems. Oxidation occurs when a molecule become unstable and, in turn, robs another of electrons in order to repair itself. Stable molecules usually have electrons in pairs of two. But exposure to pollution, ...Read More