Free radicals are atoms, or groups of atoms, that have at least one unpaired electron. Electrons are negatively charged particles that circle neutrons and positively charged protons. When considered as a whole, we have what.s called an atom. The number of electrons circling, or orbiting, the proton/neutron pair is of utmost importance when talking about an atoms chemical reactivity. Typically, when the electrons are found in pairs, the atom is chemically stable. This means that it is difficult for other atoms to react with the atom in question. However, if an atom has an unpaired electron, it becomes very easy for another atom, or molecule, to interact with it. This is what is called a free radical.
what do they do?
Since free radicals react so easily with other atoms or molecules, they can cause tremendous amounts of damage in the body. When an unstable free radical is in the body, it moves about, basically .looking. for an electron to stabilize it. Where that electron comes from is of no importance to the free radical. It will .steal. this electron the very first chance it gets. This means that free radicals may only exist in the body for a fraction of a second. However, the damage they leave behind can be irreparable. This is especially the case if the free radical .stole. an electron from a nerve cell, heart muscle cell, or lymph cell. The free radical, in stabilizing itself, has now left the cellular wall unstable, and vulnerable to further damage. This is the action of a free radical. Now imagine this free radical effect multiplied by the thousands. You literally have, then, your cells being bombarded by free radicals; with each one degrading the integrity and function of the cell. It is not long then, that you face irreversible cellular destruction.
where do they come from?
You may find it interesting to note that the body does produce free radicals on its own. However, the body normally only produces small numbers of free radicals. Certain biochemical processes naturally produce free radicals. For instance, the immune system produces free radicals to destroy bacteria and viruses. But in this natural state, the body is able to handle the free radicals it produces. That is, the body does not normally produce high enough numbers of free radicals to make them dangerous. When the level of free radicals in the body becomes too high, damage to cells and tissues can occur. What.s more, free radicals, in .stealing. electrons, can actually create more free radicals. This can leave the body in an impaired state as the number of free radicals becomes overwhelmingly out of control.
Some examples of external sources of free radicals are, but are not limited to:
- Environmental pollutants: Such as smog, car exhaust, gas fumes, and tobacco smoke.
- Radiation: X-rays, Chemotherapy, and even the sun can cause free radical formation in the body.
- Diet: This is one of the most common sources of unusually high levels of free radicals. The body uses oxygen to utilize the energy and nutrients from digestion. As a part of the process, unpaired oxygen molecules are released. This is called oxidation. Diets high in fat significantly contribute to excessive free radical production because oxidation occurs more readily in fat molecules than in either proteins or carbohydrates. This is especially the case when considering foods fried in oil.
what are the long term consequences?
In the long term, free radicals can cause the body irreversible harm. This is because the presence of high levels of free radicals over a period of time can cause changes in the way in which cells code genetic material. This, in turn, can cause the body.s cells to replicate improperly. When the cell.s protein structure changes in this way, the body ceases to recognize the protein as .its own., and then the immune system may begin to attack the altered protein structure as a foreign substance. This can eventually damage the immune system, leading to leukemia and other types of cancer.
Although cancer may be one of the most serious long term consequences of persistently elevated free radicals, other diseases and disorders can result as well. One of which is the damage to cell membranes. Cell membranes are the protective barriers that surround the cell. Their function is to keep the cell safe, allowing nutrients in and keeping harmful substances out. Over time, free radicals can destroy this protective cell membrane, leaving the cell vulnerable and with limited capability. Eventually, the body produces more free radicals than free radical scavengers, accelerating the aging process.
what can be done?
Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by binding to their unpaired electron. In this way, they stop the free radical from damaging the body.s cells and/or tissues. To learn more about antioxidants, click here.
