FREE RADICALS AND YOUR HEALTH

Chemical free radicals are part of the body’s complex defense system, and serve a vital role in your overall health. When uncontrolled, however, they can have devastating effects on your well being,

  Normally, free radicals, sometimes called oxygen radicals, respond to combat bacteria, viruses, chemical pollutants, and other invaders in the body. In our chemically- saturated world, sometimes too many free radicals are produced and adversely alter normal health. The body uses its natural anti-oxidants, when present, to help prevent free radical damage. These substances include vitamin C, E, B-6, folic acid, niacin, and the minerals selenium, and magnesium.

  When the body is unable to control its own free radical activity, due to a lack of enough nutrient anti-oxidants, difficulties arise. Many conditions are associated with this problem; these include allergies, athletic injuries, inflammatory problems, heart disease, and even cancer. Some researchers have also related uncontrolled free radicals to rapid degeneration and aging.

  One problem associated with free radical “pathologies” is diagnosis: many people undergo extensive medical testing and are told that “nothing is wrong.” Dr. Walter Schmitt of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, has developed a unique diagnostic procedure that has become a valuable tool for some physicians. The procedure involves the use of manual muscle testing and the body’s response to Clorox bleach. Clorox contains the “hypochlorite” molecule, identical to the most common of all free radicals in the body.

  How can you control excess free radicals in your body? One way is to keep your home environment as free of pollutants as possible. Here are some tips:

1. If you have a new home, or if you have tightly sealed your home to save on heating costs (thereby sealing the pollutants inside), keep one or two southern windows open just a bit to let in some fresh air and vent the living area.
2. Clean out your attic, basement, closets or wherever there are old cans of paint and aerosols that will not be used. There is constant leakage of vapors from these products. Store all needed chemical products outside – in a garage or shed.
3. If you are very chemical sensitive, you can buy an air filtering device. However, these can be costly and their efficiency is often questionable unless their installation is done properly.
4. The best way to filter the air is nature’s approach: plants! Besides being very effective, they are visually attractive. Enough plants are more effective than any mechanical device. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide along with other gases, including the chemicals given off from furniture, insulation, cleaners, etc. The plant’s leaves do the filtering of the air and the roots break down the toxic chemicals into harmless ones because of their natural bacteria and fungi.

 The best plants for the job include elephant ear and lacy tree philodendrons, golden pothos, and the spider plant. Any green plant will work well. Approximately ten plants per 1,000 square feet of living space would be adequate. Typically, one to three plants per room.

   Dietary pollution is another consideration. Avoid the use of chemical products in foods, whenever possible, as well as overcooked and burned fats. These substances can generate excess free radicals. Certain natural foods, in large amounts, may also increase free radical production. These include sassafras (used in root beer), black pepper, mushrooms, brussel sprouts, celery, parsnips, and other frequently consumed  itmes.

   The best approach to controlling the free radical problem is to be sure your diet is as complete and healthy as possible. This will provide you with all the nutrients your body needs to properly control the balance of these necessary but sometimes deadly natural substances.

   Two sources of reference for this topic include an article in Science (Sept. 1983, vol 221), and the book “Antioxidant Adaptation” by Stephen A. Levine, Ph.D., Biocurrents Division, San Leandro, CA 94577.

Questions from our readers…

Q. My doctor questioned the sources of your article on calcium. Are there any references available? J.W

A. We would be happy to provide references to anyone. Have your doctor send us a self addressed stamped envelope specifying the article and issue.

Q. My doctor told me I was calcium deficient. He suggested taking calcium,and said all calcium tablets were the same. Is this true?

A. Different people who require calcium supplementation may need different types of calcium tablets. In general, a more acid calcium, such as calcium Iactate, is ideal. However, it’s best to find out what works most effectively for your particular problem.