ANTIOXIDANTS AND FREE RADICALS

ANTIOXIDANTS AND FREE RADICALS Free radicals are high-energy, very unstable chemical substances that are known to damage the cells, DNA, proteins and essential fats in the body. Free radicals are generated during normal bodily processes. Exposure to UV light, cigarette smoke and other environmental pollutants also increases the body's free radical burden. It is thought that free radicals are involved in the process of inflammation, the ageing process, chemical damage, degenerative disease, alterations in immunity, cardiovascular disease and possibly cancer. Antioxidants are an important defence against free radical damage. Many thousands of naturally occurring Antioxidants exist, including vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene, astaxanthin, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, coenzyme Q10, cysteine, gamma oryzanol, germanium, quercetin and other bioflavonoids. Some minerals are important to help maintain the antioxidant activity of a number of enzymes. Deficiencies of zinc, copper, manganese and selenium may result in increased susceptibility to free radical damage to the fat part of cell membranes. Excessive copper or iron, however, may contribute to free radical damage. Antioxidant substances are produced both in the body and from certain foods. ANTIOXIDANTS FOR THE SKIN SELENIUM - The mineral selenium preserves tissue elasticity and slows down the ageing and hardening of of tissues caused by oxidation. Food sources of selenium include wholegrain cereals, seafood, garlic and eggs. - In animal studies, selenium supplements have been shown to offer protection from the damAgeing rays of the sun, both on a daily basis and after excessive sun exposure (sunburn). VITAMIN E - Protects cell membranes and prevents damage to membrane-associated exzymes. Food sources of vitamin E include vegetable oils, wheat germ, brown rice and oats, nuts, dairy products, meats and margarine. - Studies have shown that vitamin E helps inactivate free radicals. - Vitamin E supplementation may decrease scar formation. - Vitamin E applied to the skin within 2 minutes of excessive sun exposure may ease the redness inflammation and swelling associated with sunburn. VITAMIN C - Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen, which is an important structural protein in the body that is found in tissues such as the skin and nails. - In animal studies, vitamin C given orally was found to reduce skin tumours caused by sun exposure and vitamin C applied to the skin of animals minimised low level, chronic UV-exposure.

Pharmacist's Advice

Ask your Pharmacist for advice. 1) If your diet is inadequate, consider some Antioxidant nutritional supplements. There is a wide range of vitamin and mineral supplements available from your Pharmacy. 2) Always take the dose which is recommended on the label unless your Doctor has advised otherwise. Taking more than the recommended dose can be harmful. 3) There are nutritional supplements available which provide a combination of nutrients e.g. multi vitamin and mineral formulae and supplements containing Antioxidants to promote healthy skin. Ask your Pharmacist for advice. * Try this Oliferin http://nutriva2u.com Vitahealth L-Glutathione Plus http://www.vitahealth.com.my/my2/index.cfm?act=Prod&ID=163 Blackmores BIO ACE http://www.blackmores.com.au/products/bio-ace