by Samuel D. Parks, M.D.
University of Nevada School of Medicine
Why all the hype on antioxidants?
How many food labels have you seen lately that say, “high in anti-oxidants”? Or, advertisements saying you need to increase your antioxidants. What are anti-oxidants and why possibly are they good for your health?
Anti-oxidants are chemical compounds that neutralize oxidants and help cut down on free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical compounds that can react with molecules that make up our bodies. They are always attached to a chemical compound called the oxidant. When they react with molecules in our body frequently these free radicals change the molecular structure. They “oxidize” the good molecules of our body.
Is this a big deal? It could be if enough body molecules are changed and in the wrong way. These changed molecules “don't work right” in our cells leading to malfunctioning of critical cellular systems. The end result can be diseases such as atherosclerosis (premature aging of the arteries), heart attacks and Alzheimer's disease.
At this very moment all of us are creating free radicals by breathing oxygen. Oxygen can cause oxidation and oxidation can create free radicals. Should we stop breathing or begin shallow breathing? No, because within the cells of our body are systems which handle the free radicals which we make everyday. The problem comes when these systems are overwhelmed by too many free radicals.
Tobacco smoke is loaded with free radicals which stress the defense systems in our mouths, nose, throat and lungs. These free radicals damage the cells in our lungs. Over many years of smoking many cells become damaged and cancer may result.
Another example is cholesterol. When cholesterol gets too high in the blood stream free radicals can be generated which damage the blood vessel wall. Our bodies try to repair these damaged blood vessels with inflammation. But if this inflammation persists, from long-term high cholesterol levels, the inflammation leads to blood vessel narrowing which can result in a heart attack
There are many other diseases where free radical damage plays a part. So is there anything you can do to cut down on free radicals? Yes, stop smoking, keep your cholesterol level reasonably low and keep your blood sugar under control. But this is the same old stuff doctors tell you. Doctors know that quitting smoking and always eating the right foods is difficult, but it is so important. And our bodies are very responsive to even minor weight loss, eating the right food sometimes, and cutting down on smoking. So it isn't a losing battle.
.Doctors now think that eating certain foods can increase the number of free radicals in our bodies. Should you be reading food labels about oxidants and anti-oxidants? Yes, as it makes you more aware of what you're eating. The goal is long-term awareness of your diet and what you put into your body. Cutting down on the bad foods, here and there, will help. Over a year's time, not eating a piece of fried bacon, a deep fried doughnut, a huge, fully-loaded hamburger, will add up and help your body fight oxidation.
For more information, contact your primary care physician or University Health System, the clinical practice of the University of Nevada School of Medicine at www.UHSNevada.org