Antioxidant Supplements and the Dangers of Free Radicals

Almost everyone has seen or had a favorite piece of metal outdoor furniture or fixture damaged by oxidation. Oxidation on metal, more commonly known as rust, is both unsightly as well as gradually destroys the metal, even completely eating through it when left long enough. Oxidation in the environment occurs when metal is exposed to two different but equally important elements, those being oxygen and hydrogen in the form of air and water. There are different rust proofing techniques that can be used to prevent this, including painting the surface of the metal or using some type of cover or protective device to keep the metal dry and free from the effects of the oxidation process.

Believe it or not, this same process is occurring within the human body. Not just in some people, but in all people at all ages and all stages of life. Researchers have determined that free radicals, which are small cells that break off and travel through the body, are responsible for taking the electrons or power sources from other cells. The free radicals are very similar to small pieces of rust that move around the body and settle into healthy cells to take their electrons, producing more free radicals as the healthy cells become weak and damaged. With enough free radical damage the tissue and organ will become seriously compromised and problematic health conditions begin to occur. Thankfully there are some free radical eliminators that can be added to the diet in the form of an antioxidant supplement. An antioxidant supplement is like a rust remover or a protective paint, they travel through the body just like the free radicals, however they are able to attract and collect the free radical cells before they attack healthy cells. The free radicals and the antioxidants are then removed from the body through waste.

Antioxidants are produced in the body itself, which is great news. Younger children, teens and young adults tend to produce more antioxidants than older adults but unfortunately the body does not always produce all the antioxidants needed, especially if the free radicals are already well established in the organs and tissue. By adding additional antioxidant supplement forms of the helpful compounds everyone can support this internal cleansing process. Antioxidant supplements can be provided through different types of foods, through specific types of multivitamins and supplements as well as through medications. Simple changes in the diet like adding more whole grains, fruits and vegetables as well as drinking green tea, which is high in antioxidants, is the best option in addition to taking a daily antioxidant supplement.

Taking a regular antioxidant supplement as well as carefully watching your overall health, exercise and sleep levels will certainly help the antioxidants in your body in removing the free radicals. With increased focus on eating carefully and adding one of the commercially available antioxidant supplements to your diet it is possible to start helping your body fight off the effects of free radicals.