Free radicals are highly reactive molecular fragments that interact aggressively with other molecules in the body to create abnormal cells. They can penetrate into the DNA of cells and change their blueprint so that they now produce maverick cells that proliferate out of control.
Free radicals are highly unstable because they have unpaired electrons in their outer orbits, which cause them to react almost instantly with any other substance in their vicinity. They are constantly trying to 'steal' electrons from other molecules in an attempt to balance themselves.
White blood cells (leukocytes) use free radicals, in a controlled way, to kill invading bacteria and virus-infected cells. The liver also uses free radicals to detoxify harmful chemicals. Outside this regulated environment, however, free radicals destroy cellular membranes, enzymes, genetic material, and even life itself. They accelerate aging and contribute to the development of arterial disease, cancer, and cataracts. They damage collagen by causing a cross-linkage of molecules and the loss of elasticity. Wrinkled skin, stiff joints, high blood pressure, and premature aging are often the result of this deterioration process and the more technologically advanced a society becomes, the more exposure it has to free radical damage.
Free radicals are also released in the body from the break down of many chemical compounds such as petrochemicals (in drugs, artificial food colorings, smog), preservatives in processed meats (nitrates, nitrites), exhaust fumes (carbon monoxide), cleaning fluids (carbon tetrachloride), alcohol, the tar in tobacco smoke, drinking or swimming in chlorinated water (which forms chloroform in the body), cadmium and other heavy metals, radiation (X-rays, gamma radiation), hydrogenated fats, rancid fats, and polyunsaturated oils. The more we expose ourselves to these hazards, the greater the load of uncontrolled free radicals we subject our bodies to, the more likely we are to exceed the ability of our immune systems to protect us from their potential damage.
One free radical hazard is an internal one. During constipation, renegade chemicals are released into the colon and the bloodstream, contributing to the likelihood of both colon cancer and arterial disease. Our ancestors ate unprocessed foods, rich in fibre, which tend to fill out the colon and aid in its evacuation, the way nature intended. We would do well to emulate their habits because the fibre has been removed from refined flour and sugar products, so these 'foods' tend to be constipating.
To be continued next month.....