Understanding Free Radicals

From Healthchecksystems.com

How Free Radicals are Formed

Some free radicals arise normally during metabolism. Sometimes the body’s immune system’s cells purposefully create them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, environmental factors such as pollution, radiation, cigarette smoke and herbicides can also spawn free radicals.

Normally, the body can handle free radicals, but if antioxidants are unavailable, or if the free-radical production becomes excessive, damage can occur. Of particular importance is that free radical damage accumulates with age.

How Antioxidants May Prevent Against Free Radical Damage

The vitamins C and E, are thought to protect the body against the destructive effects of free radicals. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating one of their own electrons, ending the electron-"stealing" reaction. The antioxidant nutrients themselves don’t become free radicals by donating an electron because they are stable in either form They act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage that could lead to cellular damage and disease. Read More

Growing Evidence Inflammation is the Factor in Heart Attacks

From the Cleveland Clinic

Role of inflammation -
Growing proof inflammation is a major risk factor for heart disease

A recent Associated Press story by Daniel Q. Haney has lead to numerous stories in the news and press concerning the importance of inflammation in the role of coronary artery disease development and progression.

Inflammation (triggered by environmental factors or genetic influences) causes a sequence of actions in the coronary artery such as, plaque rupture, thrombus formation and embolization into the blood vessels within the heart - placing one at increased risk for heart attack.

Dr. Paul Ridker, a cardiologist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital has conducted several studies over the past few years, suggesting the importance of inflammation in triggering heart attacks. This may explain why those with a normal cholesterol level may still have a heart attack. Read More

Inflammation linked to Increased Lung Cancer Risk

From the American Association for Cancer Research and the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Gene Variations Link Inflammation and Increased Lung Cancer Risk

Inflammation is part of the immune system’s arsenal to combat the effects of infection and cell damage. However, prolonged or intense inflammation could lead to conditions within the lung environment that foster cancer, Engels said. Previous studies have shown that diseases associated with lung damage, such as tuberculosis and asthma, increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Likewise, exposure to tissue-damaging substances like silica and asbestos, inhaled into the lungs, has also been shown to increases lung cancer risk. Read More