Optimal Health Newsletter #14 – Antioxidants

 

 

   One of the things that I find difficult about writing these newsletters is that there is so much information to discuss that I find it quite difficult to cover a topic adequately.  What I am hoping to do in the not too distant future is to begin a series of lectures where each of these items can be discussed in considerably more detail, along with a period for questions.  These will be happening soon, and I will keep everyone posted via these OHN newsletters.

 

   In any event, the topic that I would like to discuss in this edition is Antioxidants.  For many of you who receive OHN, I feel like I am ‘preaching to the choir’.  The subject of antioxidants is so well publicized, that, especially among health-conscious individuals, it is ‘old-news’.  Nevertheless, it is such an important topic that I feel I must discuss it.  Hopefully there will be some information here of interest and/or value to you.

 

   First of all, it is important to realize that there is a tremendous amount that we don’t know about antioxidants.  There have been many studies done, and some show conflicting results.  It is not always intellectually honest to refer to a single study or paper for a definitive answer to a scientific question or issue about any subject, and this certainly applies to research related to antioxidants.  When many studies are available, it is important to look at trends and patterns of results and consider the ‘preponderance of evidence’.  (This is sometimes done in a separate type of study, called a ‘meta-analysis’.  Even these can have a subjective bias, however.)

 

   Biological oxidation and reduction are terms that refer to biochemical reactions involving the exchange of electrons between different cellular components of a living organism.  The word ‘oxidation’ came about since the most common element involved in these types of reactions is oxygen. Other examples of (non-biological) oxidative changes in nature are fire and chemical explosions (rapid oxidative reactions) and rust,  (the visible result of slow oxidative change involving metals).

 

   Oxidative change in the body is often a result of cellular damage caused by free-radicals. A free radical is any molecule or substance that has unpaired (or ‘free’) electrons available to share with another compound. When biological substances undergo oxidative reactions, they are changed. These changes, when they occur in the human body, can be associated with altered functions of cellular components such as lipid membranes, proteins, and DNA.  In many cases, these changes result in the loss of normal cellular functions.  Cumulatively, over the course of many years, these accumulated changes can result in progressive deterioration in biological appearance and performance.  These changes can manifest as ‘aging’ in general, or can present as specific diseases.  Many of the slowly progressive diseases associated with chronological aging, such as Alzheimer’s, Cataracts, and Macular Degeneration have been shown in scientific studies to be associated with higher levels of biological oxidation activity (often referred to as ‘oxidative stress’).  Additionally, oxidative stress has been shown to be associated with impaired immune function. Since the bodies defense capacity is reduced, the ‘doors open’ to a multitude of health problems, including infections of all types. Cellular changes such as those that occur in early stages of cancer can develop in the absence of an adequate immune defense system.  Cardiovascular disease, which often presents as an emergency, has also been associated with increased oxidative stress.

 

   The primary source of free radicals in the human body comes from the basic metabolic processes that utilize oxygen.  Oxygen, in a sense, is a two-edged sword.  We can only survive minutes without it, yet, over the course of a lifetime, much of the cellular damage associated with aging and illness is related to these ongoing cellular reactions with oxygen.  Other sources of oxidative damage can result from environmental pollutants such as radiation, smog, smoke, heavy metals, pesticides, and other reactive substances. 

 

   Fortunately, our bodies have evolved an extensive shield system to protect against the effects of rampant oxidative change.  These are the antioxidants, and there are many of them. Vitamin C and  Vitamin E are quite well-known and extensively studied.  Similarly, the carotenoid and bioflavanoid families are extremely important, as are glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, coenzyme Q10, and many intracellular enzymes.  All of these antioxidants work together, much as the different instruments in an orchestra, to protect the body against free radical activity.  Without going into a lot of scientific detail, it not difficult to appreciate the enormous importance of this defense system of antioxidants. 

 

   The most important source of antioxidants comes from the diet.  The foods with the highest levels of antioxidants are the fruits and vegetables.  The natural color associated with these foods comes primarily from their antioxidant content.  In addition to diet, there have been many studies done evaluating the effects of antioxidants taken in the form of dietary supplements.  Previous newsletters have discussed much of the reasoning for my belief in and ideas about the importance of nutritional supplementation. Without elaborating on the results of these studies, it is my recommendation that, in addition to a diet full of colorful fruits and vegetables, everyone should augment their diet with supplementary antioxidants

 

   As a baseline, I would recommend for everyone:

 

 

   Quality matters a lot.  For a discussion of this, refer back to OHN #4

 

   I hope to be able to discuss each of these important antioxidants further in upcoming Optimal Health Newsletters.

 

 

   I hope this Optimal Health Newsletter finds everyone in good health and spirit.  Let’s do everything we can to keep it that way!

 

Best regards,