What Are Free Radicals and What Do They Do?

Exploring How Our Body Responds To Our Environment, Interventional Cardiologist Dr. Alfred Sparman, Explains How Free Radicals Make an Impact

NEW YORK, NY, October 15, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- We hear the term "free radicals" bandied about a lot these days. It has become part of our lexicon when discussing an individual's health and wellbeing. But do we really understand what the term "free radicals" refers to?

What exactly are "free radicals" and what do we know about them, other than the fact that they are bad for us?

The easy explanation is that free radicals are atoms or molecules in our bodies that are missing an electron in their outermost shell, making them unstable. Stable atoms and molecules are those with equally paired electrons in their outermost shell. In their quest to become stable, free radicals steal electrons from neighboring atoms and molecules in turn making those neighboring atoms and molecules unstable - creating a kind of domino effect that can damage proteins, DNA and can eventually cause cell death (apoptosis).

This uncoupling of electrons is sometimes the result of the body's natural physiology such as metabolism or the simple act of breathing. Sometimes the body creates them to fend off viruses and bacterial disease. But sometimes they are the result of external or environmental factors - smoking, pollution, herbicides and overexposure to the sun can all trigger the production of free radicals.

The body's own immune system is often able to handle free radicals. But if the body's natural production of antioxidants is impaired or the production of free radicals becomes excessive it can overwhelm the body's natural defenses. When this happens the consequences can be devastating, it can lead to significant tissue damage which has been linked to early aging, Alzheimer's, cancers, and some non-communicable chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) and heart disease.

To counter the mass production of free radicals, a number of studies now point to the adoption of an antioxidant-rich diet, high in key vitamins, namely E and C, as well as Beta-carotene. These are most often found in colorful fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains, and can be enhanced by taking a recommended daily dose of supplements.

Preventative measures such as avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use, as well as limiting over-exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can support cell health. Lifestyle changes such as adding exercise to your daily regimen can help the body defend itself against these highly reactive atoms and molecules.

Always consult a healthcare professional when incorporating new lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise and the use of supplements.

The Sparman Clinic is staffed by a full team of healthcare professionals including Interventional Cardiologists, General Practitioners, Registered Nurses, Technicians and fully qualified Healthcare personnel.

The Sparman Clinic was the brainchild of Dr. Alfred Sparman, CEO and Interventional Cardiologist, who developed a niche in cardiac care and interventional cardiology.

Our philosophy is to provide state of the art cardiac care and to cure as well as preserve and improve human life. We achieve our purpose by placing emphasis on exceptional service to our clients and being a healthcare partner in the communities that we serve.

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