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Detoxification & The Protection Of CellsClick Here for the PDF Version.Free radicals (toxic substances that damage cells when they react with oxygen) are at the heart of the aging process itself. Fortunately nature has provided an antidote to free radicals in the form of antioxidant nutrients. The Detoxification SystemIn order to remove toxins the body uses a system designed to convert fat-soluble toxins into water-soluble molecules, which can be excreted through urine. The process occurs in two phases in the liver; in phase 1 a family of enzymes (enzymes are substances which kick-start chemical reactions) perform the initial breakdown of the toxin, however toxins are produced as a by-product of this phase, these new toxins then have to be converted for final excretion in a process known as phase 11 detoxification. Phase II must be functioning in balance with Phase I to successfully complete the detoxification process. Liver detoxification effectively processes pharmaceutical drugs and alcohol among numerous other externally and internally generated toxins. The process is energy intensive, relies on a variety of nutrient derived co- factors and generates large amounts of free radicals. Free RadicalsOxidation is a chemical process in which electrons from a substance are transferred to what is known as an oxidizing agent. These oxidation reactions are critical for the body to function; however they also produce substances referred to as "free radicals." Exposure to tobacco smoke, environmental pollutants, compounds formed when meat is cooked or vegetable oil is heated and numerous food additives may result in oxidation reactions that damage cells. Free radicals are considered dangerous because they are atoms with an odd number of electrons, which makes them more chemically reactive as electrons should be paired. These unstable atoms may take electrons from other atoms, such as the ones that make up DNA or proteins, resulting in damage. Long term oxidative stress is thought to contribute to a number of conditions including the deterioration in eye sight associated with age, cancer, Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's. Oxidised LDL ("bad") cholesterol can harden arteries and result in heart disease. Protecting Your Cells– The Role Of AntioxidantsIn general antioxidants react with free radicals to neutralise them; in some cases antioxidants become oxidized themselves and thus sparing cells and tissues from damage. Antioxidants that dissolve in water are known as hydrophilic and react with oxidants in the blood and in the free spaces inside cells. Antioxidants that dissolve in fats are known as hydrophobic and help to protect the fatty membrane that surrounds cells from a process known as lipid peroxidation. Each type of antioxidant may be more present in some body fluids and tissues than others. Antioxidants fit into two main classifications: antioxidants created by the body and antioxidants provided by the diet, both types of antioxidants work together to control free radicals. The Body's DefencesThe body generates three antioxidant compounds: 1. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), which requires zinc, copper and manganese 2. Glutathione peroxidase, which requires selenium
3. Catalase, which requires iron Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)- Vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10 - Carotenoids- Flavonoids- |