Free Yourself From Those Radicals With Anti-Oxidants In Stemulite Fitness Formula

(THP) We’re still talking biology, not politics, but the free radicals in our body deserve a counter-campaign in the form of anti-oxidants. In this article I’ll explain anti-oxidants and why you should get plenty of them.

Cellular respiration is the process in which we break down glucose into water and carbon dioxide, releasing energy. This occurs deep in our cells in the mitochondria, the “generator” for cellular energy. Along the way, packets of energy called “electrons” are passed along a complex chain of chemical steps, eventually producing an energy storehouse known at adenosine-triphosphate (ATP).

As these electrons are passed along, some chemicals give up electrons, which is oxidation, and some accept electrons, which is reduction. This constant reduction-oxidation (redox) process is “cellular respiration.” The energy stored as ATP is later used to power the bodily functions.

The problem begins when some of these electrons escape the normal chain of events and react with ambient oxygen, creating toxic oxygen free radicals. These are very unstable and aggressively react with other molecules in the cell. Like sparks flying out of a fire, the free radicals damage whatever is in the immediate area. Sometimes this is the cell wall, or critical enzymes and proteins in the cell, or even the cellular DNA.

There are also free radicals that come from outside our body, such as hydrocarbons, pesticides, smog, cigarette smoke and metals like lead and mercury.

Anti-oxidants donate an electron to neutralize and “snuff out” free radicals. The anti-oxidant sacrifices itself as it then becomes oxidized and must be replenished. We have a tremendous built in system of anti-oxidants and get many more through or diet. Our “built-in” anti-oxidant systems fade with normal aging and our diets do not provide the amounts of anti-oxidants necessary to prevent oxidative damage.

Once the process of oxidation begins to overwhelm our ability to stop it, the damage begins, and along with it the process of degenerative diseases and aging.

Anti-oxidants like super-oxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione and n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) are made within our bodies, while others must be obtained through diet, such as Vitamins A, C, E and the many bioflavonoids from fruit and vegetable sources. Minerals like selenium, manganese, copper and zinc are not anti-oxidants but are a vital part of the systems.

It is critical to appreciate that anti-oxidants work in different parts of the body. For example, CoEnzyme Q works deep in the mitochondria helping with the electron transfers. Vitamin E and pomegranate are two that love fats and work well in fat areas like cell membranes and cholesterol plaque. Vitamin C and glutathione love water and work in the fluid portions of the cell.

Anti-oxidants also work in different ways. CoQ is an anti-oxidant, but it also regenerates Vitamin E. Alpha-lipoic acid regenerates Vitamin C which then regenerates Vitamin E. Vitamin C and E along with selenium help Vitamin A to function properly.

All this interaction between anti-oxidants underscores a very important concept in supplementation – they work together. Getting a broad spectrum of nutrients, like that found in nature, is an essential part of supplementation.

Many studies on anti-oxidants are short-sighted and limited to studying only one anti-oxidant without even considering its overall role in nature. For example, giving only one of the eight forms of Vitamin E, which we know will deplete one of the other forms, leads to negative effects that may well outweigh any positive benefit from supplementing the singular form.

Another example is a recent study showing Vitamin A supplementation increases lung cancer risk in smokers – without considering the possible effects of exhausting the supply of other co-factors with Vitamin A like Vitamins C, E and selenium. If the same study had supplemented these known co-factors the outcome may have proven much different.

Nutrition is our first medicine but nutrition alone is not adequate for most of us, requiring the logical use of supplements. We now have reviewed the normal process of oxidation in the body, which clearly plays a primary role in the process of aging and development of degenerative diseases. Understanding that oxidation is a far more complex process than any one anti-oxidant can handle leads us to appreciate why taking a broad-spectrum of anti-oxidants is absolutely critical.

The “evil-twin” of oxidation is inflammation and in my next column I’ll explore its damaging effects and how we can successfully combat inflammation.

Alpha Lipoic Acid and L-Carnitine team up as a powerful combination with synergistic combatants against free radicals.  Let the science of Stemulite unfold for you, as it works with your body’s own stem cells to regenerate and grow anew. To learn more click here>>

Author – Scott Rollins, M.D., is board certified with the American Board of Family Practice and the American Board of Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He specializes in Bioidentical Hormone Replacement, thyroid disorders, fibromyalgia and other complex medical conditions.