We read the term “Free Radicals” and “Anti-Oxidants” and many of us may not know what this is referring to.
Free Radicals are atoms in our body that are chemically unstable having an unpaired electron making them highly reactive.
Typically they are unstable oxygen molecules that steal an electron from a nearby stable molecule.
This once stable molecule has now just become another Free Radical and a domino effect is in play as this newly formed Free Radical seeks to steal an electron from a neighboring molecule and a repetitive cycle is born.
This process of stealing is called “Oxidation”.
Another term used is “Cellular Rust”.
Anti-Oxidants are molecules that can safely interact with Free Radicals and stop the Oxidation chain reaction thereby preventing cellular damage and subsequent health issues such as cancer or heart disease, and even affect the aging process.
Anti-Oxidants are electron donors you might say.
There are many factors as to why our body creates Free Radicals:
- Pollution
- Chemicals
- Radiation
- A Poor Diet
- A Sedentary Lifestyle
- The Natural Aging Process
Typically the body is able to manage Free Radicals and keep them under control.
The bodies natural supply of Anti-Oxidants come to the rescue of these Free Radicals providing them with the necessary electrons and stopping the Oxidation process.
But as with many bodily systems these days help is needed.
Vitamins E and C are both Anti-Oxidants as well as Beta-
Carotene, a precursor to Vitamin A.
Foods high in Anti-Oxidants would include red and blue grapes, nuts, seeds, fish oil, citrus fruits, green peppers, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, kale, and strawberries.
Virtually all your leafy green vegetables are loaded with potent phytochemicals, which are plant compounds that act as anti-oxidants.
Fresh berries such as blueberries, cranberries, and raspberries are some of the best Anti-Oxidant foods you can consume.
Pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts are another excellent source of Anti-Oxidants.
Your garlic, ginger, turmeric, oregano, ground cloves and cinnamon are spices high in Anti-Oxidants.
There are many lifestyle changes that can help support the Anti-Oxidation process: managing our stress levels, avoid smoking, get enough sleep, exercise, and reducing and eventually eliminating sugar and most grains.
A wonderful exercise you might try is called “Earthing” or “Grounding”.
Walking barefoot on the Earth actually helps us absorb large amounts of free electrons through the soles of our feet.
There are whole sections in your health food store devoted to Anti-Oxidants should you want to make use of a supplement such as CoQ10.
But first see how your food can be your medicine.
Together Our Hands Are Joined To Heal One Another…
Alexander Gardener
The Lymph Guy
thelymphguy.com
thelymphguy@gmail.com
