Free Radicals

Free radicals are generated during normal physiological activities, cellular energy metabolism, detoxification processes, and immune defense mechanisms in the human body. These free radicals are unstable molecules that can steal electrons from other molecules. The process by which free radicals attack other molecules is known as oxidative stress.

Oxidative Damage

When the number of free radicals in the body exceeds the normal defense capacity, these free radicals attack essential cellular components such as proteins, lipids, and DNA, leading to oxidation and the formation of new free radicals. This initiates a "free radical chain reaction," further oxidizing other substances. The oxidative damage caused by free radicals includes:
Disruption of Unsaturated Fatty Acids: Free radicals attack unsaturated fatty acids, leading to lipid peroxidation, which compromises cell membrane integrity. pharmanotes.org Damage to Protein Molecules: Oxidation of proteins can alter their structure and function, impairing enzymatic activities and disrupting cellular processes. Harm to Genetic Material (DNA): Oxidative stress can cause mutations in DNA, leading to cell death or malignant transformations. These oxidative processes are central to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging-related conditions.

Antioxidants Reduce Free Radical Damage and Oxidative Stress

Free radicals are naturally produced in the body during normal physiological activities, cellular energy metabolism, detoxification processes, and immune defense mechanisms. These unstable molecules can damage essential cellular components such as proteins, lipids, and DNA. When the number of free radicals exceeds the body's defense capacity, they can initiate a "free radical chain reaction," leading to further cellular damage. Antioxidants play a crucial role in neutralizing free radicals and protecting the body from oxidative damage. They help maintain the health of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems.

Oxidative stress is linked to many diseases
Aging	Gout
Sleep (Disturbances)	Asthma
Macular Degeneration	Neurodegenerative Diseases:  Parkinson's and  Alzheimer's
Rheumatoid Arthritis	Arthritis
Diabetes Mellitus	Cardiovascular Disease
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)	Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Environmental Sensitivity

 

The important information provided by Oxy-META^® is as follows

• Antioxidant reserve
  Essential substances that neutralize free radicals and maintain immune, nervous, endocrine, and detoxification functions in the body.
• Redox Status
  The balance between oxidation and reduction reactions determines the level of oxidative stress, which is associated with various diseases.
• Early Assessment
  Evaluating tissue damage and imbalance helps in formulating personalized antioxidant therapy.

• Methods to Maintain Oxidative Balance

  1. Dietary Intake: Consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants. For example, carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, broccoli, and almonds are high in carotenoids and other antioxidants.
  2. Mineral-Rich Foods: Include foods high in copper, zinc, manganese, and selenium, such as nuts, seeds, shellfish, and whole grains. These minerals support antioxidant enzyme activity.
  3. Cruciferous Vegetables: Incorporate foods like asparagus, okra, onions, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., cabbage, broccoli, bok choy) that contain sulfur compounds beneficial for detoxification.
  4. Phytochemicals: Consume natural phytochemicals like wasabi, broccoli sprouts, turmeric, and catechins, which have anti-inflammatory properties and enhance liver detoxification gene activity.
  5. Liver Detox Nutrients: Include nutrients such as glutathione, N-acetylcysteine, alpha-lipoic acid, sulfur-containing nutrients, taurine, milk thistle, glycine, and methionine, which possess antioxidant functions and aid in detoxification.