Free
Radicals and Inflammation: Major Components of Disease
The Negative Effects of a Molecule Gone Bad
In the process of trying to regain stability, free radicals cause a condition called
oxidation, which turns fatty acids that are in cell membranes and stored body fat
rancid. This is believed to be a key process in atherosclerosis, or hardening of the
arteries. Cholesterol usually enters the veins as a vascular repair substance. Free
radicals bring about molecular changes that turn cholesterol into the unhealthy substance
known to promote cardiovascular disease. The process is similar to the process that
occurs when metal rusts. In a literal sense, oxidation is the body rusting.
Another serious negative effect of free radicals is that they damage DNA in the nucleus
of cells. This damage prevents the DNA from replicating properly. Under normal conditions,
cells divide and possess the same genetic information that was encoded on the DNA
of the original cell. The results are two daughter cells, exactly like the original.
Free radicals damage the DNA so that the new cells do not carry the exact same genetic
codes as the original cell. This may lead to cell mutation, cell death, or in many
instances, to excessive and rapid division.
Free radicals may interfere with the proper balance of prostaglandins, which are
cell hormones that mediate inflammation and a number of other processes. 5
Excessive amounts of free radicals may initiate a large number of negative actions
in the body that lead to premature aging, wrinkles and skin discoloration, arthritic
pain and inflammation, phlebitis, leg and ankle swelling, and diabetic complications.
They are also shown to increase the risk of cancer. 6
Protein synthesis is interrupted because of free radicals. They cause proteins to
become cross-linked with sugars, a major aging factor called glycation; this causes
skin wrinkles and a number of other health problems, including many of the debilitating
symptoms associated with diabetes. Free radicals cause body tissues to become less
pliable. As a result of free radicals, body cells drown in lipofuscin, an age pigment
that prevents the cell from functioning, resulting in cell death and pigment discoloration.
Free radicals cause stiffness, poor circulation, and are implicated in a number of
chronic diseases. 7
Drs. Elmer Cranton and James Frackelton, in an article entitled “Free Radical
Pathology in Age Related Diseases” published in the Journal of Holistic Medicine
(1984) states, “When free radicals in living tissues exceed safe levels, the
result is cell destruction, malignant mutation, tumor growth, damage to enzymes and
inflammations, which manifest clinically as age-related, chronic degenerative diseases.
Each uncontrolled free radical has the potential to multiply a million-fold.” 8
Free Radicals and Inflammation: Major Components of Disease
As we continue to learn more about free radicals and their damaging effects, science
is making another groundbreaking discovery—a major cause of chronic diseases
is inflammation. While the connection was obvious with diseases such as arthritis
and asthma, it was a surprising find that heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s,
and cancer were all directly initiated or influenced by long-term, low-grade inflammation. 9
This fact brings us to an interesting point of controversy—which comes first,
free radical damage or inflammation? Do the free radicals cause the inflammation,
or does inflammation produce free radicals? Scientists have differing opinions. However,
one sure fact is explained by James Joseph, chief of the neuroscience lab at the Jean
Mayer U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging
at Tufts University in Boston: “Inflammation is the evil twin of oxidation.
Where you find one you will find the other.” 10
Dr. Robert Youngston, author of The Antioxidant Health Plan, reports in his book
that free radicals are probably the cause of inflammation. 11 And preliminary studies
show that a pharmaceutical, anti-inflammatory preparation rich in superoxide dismutase
(SOD), a well-known free radical squelcher, is both safe and effective for treating
various inflammatory lesions. 12
The Creation of Excessive Free Radicals
Oxidative stress is a condition where excessive free radicals are created in the
body, and if not checked, will lead to or will accelerate disease. 13 Diet is a major
source of oxidative stress created by free radicals, with processed foods and highly
heated oils as the main offenders. 14 In addition, refined or partially hydrogenated
oils, margarines, shortening, and foods that contain them also play a key role in
excessive free radical production. 15 Another key culprit is the excessive intake of
sugar. 16 It comes as little surprise that these are the very foods that most enlightened
health practitioners tell us to avoid if we want to improve or maintain good health.
Stephen Byrnes, N.D., adds the following to the list of free radical instigators:
“the detoxification of drugs, artificial food colorings and flavorings, smog,
preservatives in processed foods, alcohol, cigarette smoke, chlorinated drinking water,
pesticides, radiation, cleaning fluids, heavy metals, and assorted chemicals such
as solvent traces found in processed food, and aromatic hydrocarbons such as benzene
and naphthalene (found in mothballs).” 17 He also states
that emotional stress and physical stress from intensive workouts incite free radical
chain reactions. He ends his list with pollution and various forms of radiation—including
excess sun exposure. They all produce oxidative stress, caused by the creation of
millions of damaging free radicals. 18 Luckily, there is a
solution to the excess production of these enemies of longevity.
This text excerpted from "The Science of Free Radicals and Antioxidants",
Young Living Magazine, Jan-Mar 2006. Reprinted with permission of Young Living Essential
Oils, LC, Lehi, UT 84043 U.S.A. No other reprinting without the express written permission
of Young Living Essential Oils, LC is allowed. Young Living is not responsible for
the content posted on this Web site.
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Science of Antioxidants
Antioxidants:
A History of Free Radicals
Antioxidants:
The Chemistry Perspective
Free Radicals & Inflamation:
Major Disease Components
Defenders to the Rescue:
Food Sources of Antioxidants
Antioxidant Quality:
ORAC and S-ORAC
CHART: Antioxidants
and ORAC Rating
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