We live by breathing every second of every day. This means we bring oxygen into our bodies for regular metabolic functions to take place. Oxygen molecules can sometimes become unstable, creating a molecule known as a free radical or reactive oxygen species. They are highly volatile and can be responsible for cell damage, early signs of aging, and chronic disease.
The reactive process can be accelerated by smoking and breathing environmental toxins. But these free radicals are also natural byproducts of normal body processes. So how do we slow down this process?
Antioxidants for Healthy Aging
These unique compounds are the heroes of the cellular world. They are released from the foods we eat, and travel through the bloodstream. Antioxidants identify free radicals and bind to them. Once a free radical is bound, it is no longer able to continue damaging cells.
Almost every health condition has an inflammatory component in which antioxidants can reduce the intensity. As a naturopathic doctor, some of my most common conditions for the use of antioxidants include:
ASTHMA
Most individuals with asthma have some form of ongoing chest tightness or wheezing all year round. Antioxidants are some of the first nutrients to consider. They should be consumed in the diet or can be supplemented in vitamin form. Over time, antioxidants can help reduce wheezing and clear mucous. They repair the respiratory tract and support the immune system.
SURGICAL SCAR AND WOUND HEALING
Surgical scars are deep and often leave lasting marks on the skin. The use of antioxidants can greatly speed up healing and reduce the overproduction of scar tissue. Antioxidants in supplement form can be taken in higher doses during the acute and chronic healing phases.
DIABETES
Diabetes in one condition under a lot of investigation for the use of antioxidants. There is a strong link between diabetes and poor dietary habits. Because the main form of antioxidants come from food, it is likely most diabetics are low in antioxidants. A complete dietary assessment and blood work will determine the amount of antioxidant required. Some of my favourite antioxidants for diabetes include Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Green Tea Extract and N-Acetyl Cysteine.
CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Similar to diabetes, dietary antioxidants cannot work alone. Antioxidants support the use of cholesterol in the body and eliminate excess amounts before they damage blood vessels.
A study done in the Circulation journal found that the greatest success in reducing coronary heart disease risk came from the combination of all the antioxidants together in food sources. The key here is that food sources were better used by the body than from vitamin supplementation sources. This goes to show the power of a healthy diet and using food as medicine for a lifetime.
WRINKLES AND HEALTHY AGING
As we age, we crave sweeter foods, our digestion slows and our nutrient requirements change. All these factors make it difficult to obtain the nutrients we need for healthy aging. Antioxidants support the brain and all its processes including memory, focus and concentration. They improve wound healing and protect the skin from sun damage and wrinkles.
Many anti-wrinkle creams contain high doses of antioxidants. This works to strengthen the skin elasticity, support the collagen structure and prevent further damage from the sun. However, short term use of these creams will have little benefit. The greatest benefit comes from antioxidant food sources in consumed consistently over many years.