Posts Tagged ‘free radicals’

Anti-aging studies concentrate on the role of free radicals, and mitochondria damage. Free radicals are highly active, unstable oxygen atoms that are thought to be at the root of age related conditions. Inflammation, metabolic processes, as well as sun damage create free radicals. Cells create energy, and at the same time produce unstable oxygen molecules, which can cause damage to your body. This may be part of the secret to aging. Pioneering new studies are beginning to understand the process, and the measures needed to reverse the damage.

Anti-aging studies are important because it shows that antioxidants, good nutrition, exercise, stress reduction are tools that help neutralize some of the free radical damage. Antioxidants in plants are known to be effective at slowing the effects of aging. The research community and nutritionists are aware of the potential of antioxidants in preventing pre-mature aging and age-related disorders. Antioxidants need to be consumed daily, they supply the vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes that our systems need. The oxygen-radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) has become the standard method to measure the antioxidant properties of biological substances.

The second piece to the puzzle is mitochondria malfunction. This may be the root cause of many of the chronic age related conditions. All degenerative conditions, included accelerated aging can be traced to the cellular level. Mitochondrial metabolism is a key to this process. The Free Radical role in aging is morphing into The Mitochondria Theory of Aging. The reason is that over time there is damage to the cells ability to provide energy for optimal functioning. There are ways to restore the energy production of the mitochondria. The mitochondria are the power generators, a rechargeable battery system.

Chronic conditions along with aging are due to a loss of cellular voltage. This is cause by nutritional deficiencies, heavy metal poisons, infections, and chronic stress. Some mitochondrial diseases are linked to vitamin deficiencies. Vitamins participate in mitochondrial energy production. Reduced functioning of the mitochondria occurs with aging and is associated with type 2 diabetes and Parkinson’s disease.

To understand the process of metabolism you need to look to energy that the body uses. For cells to use oxygen efficiently and utilize nutrients they have to be in peak shape. Keeping cell metabolism performing at an optimal level will optimize all body functions. The scientific community is recognizing that health starts on a cellular lever. Looking ahead we see increased interest in this industry. Here at Your Health Updates we will pump up the volume and shed light on this new trend in healthcare. This is the place for the digital roll out of the newest technology to enhance cellular energy

The claim that chlorinated water is safe for human consumption is being questioned. New studies are shedding light on this disinfectant, and its use. The role that it is suppose to play is to make sure our water supply is safe. The use of chlorine in water systems began in the late 19^th century as a way to combat disease like cholera and typhoid. However, it is a known poison to the human body.

The EPA has stated that every household in the United States has elevated levels of chloroform in the air due to chlorine released from showering water. Chlorine in water remodels the skin from within. Water does more than quench our thirst, its role it to hydrate our cells. New evidence has pointed to the fact that our outer appearance depends on our inner terrain. To address the unique requirement of our skin our bodies have to provide the nutrients, and hydration that is required. The role of free radicals in the aging process is well known.  It is a fact that free radicals slow down skin cell production. Chlorinated compounds produce free radicals.

The fact is that besides the minor problems that are well documented such as chlorine being a skin irritant associated with eczema like rashes, there is a growing body of evidence that it is toxic. Chlorine can generate toxins that cause free radical damage (oxidation).

Chlorinated water destroys friendly bacteria in the intestines. The very bacteria that helps in the digestion of food, and protecting the body from harmful pathogens. The bacteria are also in charge of manufacturing important vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and vitamin K. Chlorinated water contains chemical compounds called trihalomethanes which result from the combination of chlorine and compounds in the water.

Trihalomethanes are known carcinogens. These compounds do not degrade well and are usually stored in the fatty tissues of the body. That means that they are to be found in mother’s milk, and in breast tissue. Chlorine is a suspected cause of breast cancer. Women suffering from breast cancer are all found to have 50-60 percent more chlorine in their breast tissue than healthy women.

These chemicals are known also as organochlorides; they cause mutations by altering DNA, suppress immune function, and interfere with natural control of cell growth. Chlorine is known to aggravate asthma. There is research that links chlorine and its by-products to bladder, breast, bowel cancer and malignant melanoma. Chlorine is also absorbed through the skin, inhaled into the lungs from the steam that comes from hot water. A large part of our daily chlorine exposure comes from showering.

The concern now is with the chlorine by-products called “chlorinated hydrocarbons” or trihalomethanes (THM’s). The President’s Council on Environmental Quality states that “there is increased evidence for an association between rectal, colon and bladder cancer and the consumption of chlorinated drinking water.”

Chlorinated water health hazards are being confirmed by scientific research. Chlorinated water is in our drinking water, municipal pools, and even in our backyard swimming pools. There are many alternative products that will reduce exposure to the chlorinated water. We will talk about them on yourhealthupdates.com.