What Are Free Radicals?
Free radicals are unstable atoms. They cause aging, stress and illness.
LET’S START WITH A CHEMISTRY LESSON
Electrons surround and orbit an atom in layers or ‘shells’. These shells have set numbers of electrons that categorize them as ‘full’ in order to move on to the next shell in an attempt to fill it or to find another atom to bond with in order to complete its shell to reach a stable number of electrons. When the outer shell of an atom is not full (this is called an unstable atom), it can bond with another atom to create a molecule to satisfy the required number of electrons in the shell as they share the electron(s).
An unstable atom is one in which the outer shell does is not ‘full’ and this is what free radicals are. Unstable atoms bond and react quickly with substances due to their unpaired electrons searching for a mate. This can often be harmful because unstable atoms rush to find another atom with an unfinished shell of electrons and can result in creating toxic molecules and damaged cells.
WHY ARE FREE RADICALS HARMFUL?
Aging, cancer, wrinkles, illness, and oxidative stress are caused by free radicals
Free radicals attribute to autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, dementia, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, high cholesterol, heart disease, cataracts, and Parkinson’s
Free radicals bond quickly causing rapid damage
HOW TO PREVENT FREE RADICAL ACCUMULATION IN THE BODY
Free radicals are impossible to halt all together. They’re produced naturally in the body, but these items can accelerate production:
Smoking
Vaping
Alcohol
Processed Foods
Poor Sleep Quality or Not Enough Sleep
Exposure to Chemicals and Pesticides
Radiation (from x-rays, CT scans, or UV sunlight)
Steering clear, or minimizing, the items listed above can be a great jump start in reducing free radical formation. A key to reducing the formation and likelihood of free radicals are antioxidants.
ANTIOXIDANTS
Antioxidant = anti-oxidation
Oxidation, or oxidative stress, is what occurs when unstable oxygen atoms (free radicals) bond with another atom and change the chemical makeup of the molecule.
Antioxidants can afford to donate an electron to free radicals and not become unstable themselves. The result is a stable free radical that is not searching for an atom to hijack and damage.
Oxidative stress attributes to illnesses and conditions listed under the subtitle “Why Are Free Radicals Harmful”.
HOW TO RESTORE ANTIOXIDANTS
Radiant Rehydration offers vitamin C, zinc, and glutathione as supplemental forms of antioxidants.
A well-balanced diet and active lifestyle are supporting factors in reducing free radicals.
We are happy to answer any questions you may have about antioxidant support or visit our services page to book.
Happy Hydrating!
