Manage the Balance of Free Radicals & Antioxidants
Function and production through naturally-occurring processes and food consumption
References 1. Bauman, E., Friedlander, J. (2014). Foundations of Nutrition. Penngrove, CA: Bauman College. 2. Antioxidants for Health and Longevity. The Antioxidant Network. Retrieved from http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com/antioxidant-network.html. 3. Ballantyne, S. (2013). The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body. Las Vegas, NV: Victory Belt Publishing Inc.
What are free radicals?
Unstable atoms or groups of atoms that have
an unpaired electron.
Also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS)
Free radicals most frequently appear in the
form of oxygen. When oxygen is used as a
fuel source, the side effect can be an unstable
oxygen molecule.
Free radicals seek to “steal” an electron from a
nearby molecule — thereby, making that
molecule unstable and causing an
electron-stealing chain reaction.
Free radicals are beneficial in their mechanism to provide a natural defense from infection.
However, when free radical activity runs rampant, molecular damage can occur.
Antioxidants help keep free radicals in check.
Naturally-occurring free radicals
Environmental free radicals
Mechanism of normal metabolism
Air pollution
Inflammatory response Cigarette smoke
Infections Pesticides
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free-radical_theory_of_aging
What are antioxidants?
Molecules that donate an electron to a
free radical, thereby neutralizing the
free radical and ending oxidant
Also known as free radical scavengers
Antioxidants end oxidation (loss of
electrons) of free radicals. In the
process of an antioxidant being
oxidized, it then becomes inactive
until regenerated.
Antioxidants need constant
replenishment from endogenous (self-
producing) and exogenous sources
(outside consumption).
Glutathione*
“Master Antioxidant”
Vitamin C
Anti-inflammatory properties
Vitamin E
Foods Sources of the Antioxidant Network
Whey protein, sulfur-rich foods
L-cysteine, sulfur-rich amino acids
Red meat, organ meat
Supplement
Poultry, fish
Bell peppers
Broccoli
Sunflower seeds
Almonds
Alpha lipoic acid*
Best method to generate glutathione
CoQ-10*
Source: http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com/antioxidant-network.html
* Endogenous Production
Takeaway:
Find a balance between antioxidant and
free radical production.
Eat whole foods, like fruits, vegetables,
poultry and fish to naturally assist antioxi-
dant production.
Limit inflammatory foods and toxic
environmental conditions to reduce free
radical production and oxidative stress.
