Did you know that every time you breathe, you are generating potentially alarming number of free radicals in your body? Free radicals are actually a by-product of oxygen. Many experts believe that these unstable substances are responsible for the development of serious diseases, such as cancer, ...Did you know that every time you breathe, you are generating potentially alarming number of free radicals in your body? Free radicals are actually a by-product of oxygen. Many experts believe that these unstable substances are responsible for the development of serious diseases, such as cancer, eye problems, heart complications, and even premature aging.
Since you will surely die if you prevent oxygen from getting into your system, there is not much that you can do to prevent the formation of free radicals inside your body. However, there are ways in which you can fight or counteract the effects that free radicals can bring to your system. But before knowing the counter measures, it is important for you to have a deeper knowledge about this enemy within.
Free Radicals Unveiled
When you first heard of free radicals, you probably thought that they are somewhat similar to viruses, bacteria and other microbes that people get from outside sources. Actually, free radicals are formed within your system. Every time you pant, inhale or eat oxygenated food, you are actually letting these elements develop inside you.
Whenever oxygen binds with other molecules, such as our blood, they leave behind a by-product known as free radicals. If you have so many free radicals inside your system, they will start to invade healthy cells for them to become more stable. As a result, you will start to develop conditions that may lead to serious illnesses.
Havocs That Free Radicals Bring
Several studies have confirmed that free radicals are responsible for atherosclerosis, or the hardening of the walls of the arteries. These unstable substances are the culprits behind the sticking and clumping together of bad cholesterol to the walls of your blood vessels. Sometimes, free radicals also attack your DNA. Changes in your genetic structure can actually lead to the development of cancerous growths.
A Harvard Medical School research also confirmed the connection between free radicals and macular degeneration, a type of eye condition that can lead to blindness. You can also get free radicals from your exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Aside from health reasons, you should also keep away from free radicals because they are responsible for premature aging, formation of wrinkles, thickening of the skin and other skin conditions.
Other diseases that are linked to free radicals include Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and other neurological disorders. Studies are underway to provide definitive evidence on the role of free radicals in neurological and muscoskeletal problems.
Ways To Fight Free Radicals
Proper Nutrition
The only way you can combat the effects of free radicals is by eating more fruits and vegetables because these are excellent sources of antioxidants which are needed to neutralize the effects of free radicals.
Take Supplements
If you do not want to develop the aforementioned diseases, you better start taking supplements that contain vitamins C, E and A. Since you cannot ensure that the foods you eat everyday contain the right amounts of nutrients that your body needs, you can use some help from supplements.
Exercise
Although exercise can make you inhale heavily and breathe in more oxygen, this is not a good reason to stop working out. You need exercise to strengthen your body and improve your fitness level so that you can fight diseases. Just make sure that you couple exercise with healthy eating.
Cleanse Your Gut
No matter how much supplements you take, if your intestines are filled with toxins and wastes due to years of neglect your body will not be able to absorb nutrients properly. Give your body a clean slate by eliminating toxins through colon cleansing. One product that can help in flushing out wastes and toxins from your system is Colpurin. For more details about this wonderful colon-cleansing system, visit http://tinyurl.com/8jkw6ma
Janet Martin is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premiere online news magazine www.thearticleinsiders.com.