What Are Free Radicals And Are They Harmful?

Health and wellness are becoming increasingly important to many of us today.

Taking the time to learn about our health and caring for our physical wellness are positive steps toward overall well-being. However, there is a great deal of (mis)information available, even when it comes to managing our health.

The human body is complex, fascinating, and at times, challenging to understand. Beginning a health journey can feel overwhelming for many.

The food we consume, the activities we engage in, how we feel, and other environmental factors all influence our bodies. Some of these changes may result in noticeable physical sensations, while others are more subtle but can have long-term effects.

One factor that may impact the body, but is often overlooked, is the presence of free radicals. These molecules can influence the body, and their unchecked activity may contribute to health concerns over time.

What Are Free Radicals?

A free radical is a type of molecule that contains oxygen and can be produced as a natural byproduct of various processes in the body, including metabolism and the aging process. External environmental factors can also contribute to the formation of free radicals.

Environmental factors that may influence free radical production include:

• Alcohol consumption
• Fried foods
• Radiation from sun exposure or x-rays
• Cigarette smoke
• Ozone
• Pesticides
• Environmental pollutants

In simple terms, free radicals are molecules that can become unstable when they lose an electron.

These unstable molecules can then seek out other molecules to “pair up” with in order to stabilize themselves, potentially creating a chain reaction.

This process of electron loss and pairing with other molecules may continue, which can affect the body’s overall balance.

Are Free Radicals Harmful?

Some level of free radical activity is natural and occurs as part of normal bodily processes.

At lower levels, free radicals may have some beneficial roles, such as supporting immune function and cellular responses.

The body also has mechanisms to manage free radicals effectively.

However, if free radicals become imbalanced or go unchecked, this can lead to a condition called oxidative stress.

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, potentially affecting overall health.

Excessive oxidative stress may contribute to cellular damage, which can affect tissues and organs.

For example, oxidative stress can play a role in skin changes, like wrinkling. It has also been associated with various health conditions, including those related to aging and certain chronic health concerns.

Research suggests that oxidative stress may have an impact on cellular DNA, which could influence cellular function.

Ongoing oxidative stress may influence the body’s ability to repair damaged cells, and the accumulation of oxidative stress may be linked to various health challenges over time.

How To Fight Free Radicals

Antioxidants are essential for helping the body manage free radicals. Often referred to as “free radical scavengers,” antioxidants work by neutralizing free radicals and reducing the potential damage they can cause.

By donating an electron to free radicals, antioxidants help break the cycle of free radical formation, preventing further damage. This action can help protect cells and support overall health.

Many foods naturally provide antioxidants, including well-known examples such as Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione, lycopene, beta-carotene, and curcumin.

One antioxidant gaining attention in recent years is CoQ10.

CoQ10 is naturally produced in the body and plays a role in supporting various functions, including energy production and overall cellular health.

As we age, the body’s production of CoQ10 may decrease, which has been linked to certain challenges related to physical fatigue and well-being.

While a balanced diet is key to supporting overall health, it can sometimes be difficult to get all the nutrients the body needs through food alone.

In these cases, dietary supplementation with antioxidants can help support healthy antioxidant levels in the body.

Free radicals are produced as a natural byproduct of normal bodily functions.

Maintaining a healthy balance between free radicals and antioxidants can help the body manage oxidative stress and support overall wellness.