pixels
Logo

Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Cart
 
header
logo only


View Index of Most Common Health Issues
&
Index Of All Articles On This Site

 


Toxins... Free Radicals... Diseases... Aging


What are free radicals?
Our cells, source of all energy, produce unstable molecules called free radicals. This is the perfectly normal result of cell continuous activity.
These molecules also known as "free radicals" have a missing electron, rendering them highly damaging. In a healthy body, nourished properly, this does not represent a threat as "antioxidants" abundant in our diet will deal with those dangerous molecules by replacing the missing electron.


The probem is that due to today's lifestyles, many of us are bombarded with too many toxins and the body is simply not equipped to deal with such a toxic daily invasion. If free radicals are not scavenged quickly, they can cause oxidative stress, which, over time, damages our cellular make-up including DNA.
While free radicals are generated naturally in the body, other sources can increase their number. Additional free radicals can be generated by stress, poor nutrition, pollution, unhealthy lifestyles, elevated cholesterol levels, high blood sugar levels and even exercise. Each of these can take a toll on the body's systems. Luckily, we have a powerful ally in the fight against oxidative stress: antioxidants.


Free radicals and disease

1. "If your body’s detoxification tools aren’t up to snuff, waste will build up. Overtime, the damage is similar to what happens when trash collectors go on strike and don’t pick up the garbage off the streets. The waste piles high, making the neighborhood smell bad and creating a breeding ground for illness." Dr. Mark Hyman M.D.
2. "In treating chronically ill patients with Functional Medicine for more than 10 years, I have discovered that glutathione deficiency is found in nearly all very ill patients. These include people with chronic fatigue syndrome, heart disease, cancer, chronic infections, autoimmune disease, diabetes, autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, arthritis, asthma, kidney problems, liver disease and more. In fact, the top British medical journal, the Lancet, found the highest glutathione levels in healthy young people, lower levels in healthy elderly, lower still in sick elderly and the lowest of all in the hospitalized elderly." Dr. Mark Hayman, M.D.

Wrinkled skin, stiff joints and hardening of the arteries are general examples of what free radicals will do to us.
The damage caused by free radicals accelerates the aging process.
Other conditions that are closely linked to free radical activity include Crohn’s disease, Gallstones, Pancreatitis, Ulcerative colitis, Cataracts, Cancer, Cardiovascular disease, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, Learning difficulties, Memory problems, Multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Emphysema, Male infertility, Hair loss, Skin problems, and possibly many other conditions.
St. George Naturopathic Clinic

Free radicals simply messes up our cellular activities accelerating the aging process (wrinkles etc.), impacting negatively our immune system leading to inflammation and diseases.


Signs of Toxicity

As toxins continue to accumulate, the oxidation and free radical damage that they cause can lead to metabolic and systemic dysfunctions.

According to Dr. Mark Hyman M.D.

"The following is a list of the common symptoms of chronic toxicity. If you suffer from any of the following, detoxifying might be critical for you to get healthy and feel good again:

Fatigue
Muscle aches
Joint pain
Sinus congestion
Postnasal drip
Excessive sinus problems
Headaches
Bloating
Gas
Constipation

Diarrhea
Foul-smelling stools
Heartburn
Sleep problems
Difficulty concentrating
Food cravings
Water retention
Trouble losing weight
Rashes

    Skin problems
    Eczema
    Psoriasis
    Canker sores
    Acne
    Puffy, dark circles under the eyes
    Premenstrual syndrome
    Other menstrual disorders
    Bad breath

If you have any of these problems or eat food containing preservatives, pesticides, additives, pollutants, heavy metals, or other environmental chemicals, you probably need to cleanse your fat cells of toxins."

What is "Oxidative Stress"?
Maybe we should call this "oxidation" and compare its action to that of an apple you cut in half. What do you notice? It turns brown.That is oxidation at work. Free radical damage causes the apple to start to decay. Inside the body, oxidative stress means that cell membranes get damaged and rusty, while internal cellular pieces like damaged DNA and other debris accumulate, affecting nearby cells. It’s like garbage that’s not taken away, so it builds up, leading to inflammation.

What causes "oxidative Stress"?
•    Smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking prescription drugs.
•    Eating, particularly animal-derived protein and fat, and non-plant based carbs.
•    Ingesting pesticides from produce, or antibiotics and hormones in animal products.
•    Eating processed foods with artificial flavorings and dyes.
•    Exposure to pollution and toxins in water, air, or in personal care products.
•    Trauma or injury to muscle, bone, skin, and connective tissue.
•    Muscle-damaging anaerobic training.
•    Endurance exercise.

Protecting ourselves from free radicals

1. Strengthen and clean the liver from time to time (Liver cleanse, Dandelion, Liver Balance, Milk Thistle combination)
2. Eat plenty of vegetables
3. Antioxidant supplementation if need be (Alpha Lipoic Acid or Super ORAC or Super antioxidants)
Antioxidants are the body's natural defense against free radicals. Think of them as scavengers-scouring our systems and "mopping up" free radicals before they have a chance to harm cells.

Without the aid of antioxidants, oxidation can damage DNA, causing cells to mutate and become cancerous. Oxidative damage will also give rise to arterial plaque, causing heart disease and increasing the risk of strokes. Without antioxidants, free radicals can damage brain tissue, leading to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease or senility. In short, antioxidants are Nature's anti-aging compounds, protecting us from diseases associated with aging.


Alpha Lipoic Acid Can Save You!
We recommend taking this glutathione-boosting supplement called "Alpha Lipoic acid". This is a close second to glutathione in importance in our cells and is involved in energy production, blood sugar control, brain health and detoxification. The body usually makes it, but given all the stresses we are under, we often become depleted.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is often called the universal antioxidant.
It is both fat and water-soluble and can cross any membrane in the body. Consequently, Alpha Lipoic Acid can protect the integrity of the cell membrane as well as offset cell stress.  Alpha Lipoic Acid also promotes mitochondrial activity to help keep your body and its tissues young. It also enhances the efforts of other antioxidants, helps support the body's natural removal of toxins, and offsets oxidative stress.  In addition to its antioxidant properties, Alpha Lipoic Acid directs calories away from fat production and toward energy production, supports blood sugar levels and enhances the nervous and cardiovascular systems. 


Targeted Detoxification Support

Cellular detox
Enviro detox
Heavy Metal detox
Small Intestine detox
Bowel detox
Yeast Fungal Detox

Full Body Cleansing Combinations
Clean Start
Tiao He Cleanse
Dieter's cleanse


Copy1994 - 2023 Four Winds, Inc. USA
Disclaimer: We do not directly dispense medical advice or prescribe the use of herbs or supplements as a form of treatment for illness. The information found on this Web Site is for educational purposes only and to empower people with knowledge to take care of their own health. We disclaim any liability if the reader uses or prescribes any remedies, natural or otherwise, for him/herself or another. Always consult a licensed health professional should a need be indicated.