Oxidation: The Rusting of the Body
Oxidation is caused by free radicals in the body. When the oxidation
process spirals out of control, it can cause serious problems to our
health. Oxygen molecules normally travel in pairs. However, when
oxygen molecules travel alone as a single O, they are known as
free radicals and travel throughout the body looking for other
electrons to steal from other oxygen molecules. The remaining
single molecules that they borrowed an electron from are now damaged
or oxidized. This "stealing" of electrons causes spiraling of damage
to our body because the now remaining and damaged molecules
continue the "stealing" process to find another partner to be
attached to. Oxidation causes a number of detrimental health
issues: damaged DNA, damaged cell membranes, rancid cholesterol,
damaged arteries, and wrinkles. When tissues and cells become
oxidized, they no longer function normally. As this malfunction
is like a "rusting" in the body, we can gain weight and develop
a damaged metabolism. In order to eliminate the oxidation, or
"rusting" in our bodies, we should follow these important steps:
- Avoid overeating
- Avoid charbroiled foods
- Avoid excess sugar and refined carbohydrates
- Avoid excess alcohol
- Reduce your exposure to toxins and petrochemicals (plastics and pesticides) and heavy metals (contaminated fish)
- Minimize your exposure to ionizing radiation (excess sun exposure, x-rays, radon)
- Reduce your exposure to tobacco smoke
- Reduce air pollutants
- Avoid excessive or insufficient excercise
- Get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night
- Treat chronic infections
- Reduce internal sources of oxidative stress (dietary imbalances, abnormal levels of gut bacteria or yeast)
- Improve your liver and gut detoxification
- Reduce your exposure to fungal toxins (environmental molds)
- Reduce stress
- Improve your breathing and oxygenation
This information was found in the book, Ultrametabolism, by Mark Hyman, M.D.
Visit his site here: http://www.ultrametabolism.com/
