Manage the Balance of Free Radicals & Antioxidants

Function and production through naturally-occurring processes and food consumption

References 1. Bauman, E., Friedlander, J. (2014). Foundations of Nutrition. Penngrove, CA: Bauman College. 2. Antioxidants for Health and Longevity. The Antioxidant Network. Retrieved from http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com/antioxidant-network.html. 3. Ballantyne, S. (2013). The Paleo Approach: Reverse Autoimmune Disease and Heal Your Body. Las Vegas, NV: Victory Belt Publishing Inc.

What are free radicals?

Unstable atoms or groups of atoms that have

an unpaired electron.

Also known as reactive oxygen species (ROS)

Free radicals most frequently appear in the

form of oxygen. When oxygen is used as a

fuel source, the side effect can be an unstable

oxygen molecule.

Free radicals seek to “steal” an electron from a

nearby molecule — thereby, making that

molecule unstable and causing an

electron-stealing chain reaction.

Free radicals are beneficial in their mechanism to provide a natural defense from infection.

However, when free radical activity runs rampant, molecular damage can occur.

Antioxidants help keep free radicals in check.

Naturally-occurring free radicals

Environmental free radicals

Mechanism of normal metabolism

Air pollution

Inflammatory response Cigarette smoke

Infections Pesticides

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free-radical_theory_of_aging

What are antioxidants?

Molecules that donate an electron to a

free radical, thereby neutralizing the

free radical and ending oxidant

Also known as free radical scavengers

Antioxidants end oxidation (loss of

electrons) of free radicals. In the

process of an antioxidant being

oxidized, it then becomes inactive

until regenerated.

Antioxidants need constant

replenishment from endogenous (self-

producing) and exogenous sources

(outside consumption).

Glutathione*

“Master Antioxidant”

Vitamin C

Anti-inflammatory properties

Vitamin E

Foods Sources of the Antioxidant Network

Whey protein, sulfur-rich foods

L-cysteine, sulfur-rich amino acids

Red meat, organ meat

Supplement

Poultry, fish

Bell peppers

Broccoli

Sunflower seeds

Almonds

Alpha lipoic acid*

Best method to generate glutathione

CoQ-10*

Source: http://www.antioxidants-for-health-and-longevity.com/antioxidant-network.html

* Endogenous Production

Takeaway:

Find a balance between antioxidant and

free radical production.

Eat whole foods, like fruits, vegetables,

poultry and fish to naturally assist antioxi-

dant production.

Limit inflammatory foods and toxic

environmental conditions to reduce free

radical production and oxidative stress.