Oxidation Damage is a classical theory of aging. In recent years, it was considered the main cause of aging. Modern theories of anti-aging view oxidation damage as an inclusive element, yet not considered the sole cause. Oxidation is now analyzed in inhibiting the process of renewal of neural cells leading to a stronger understanding of the importance of oxidation.
Oxidative damage is an accumulative damage caused to cells and tissues through oxidation or so called-oxidative stress.
Oxidative stresses or damage is a result of a disequilibrium where by the biological system is unable to detoxify reactive oxygen and ultimately not fully capable of rectifying damage. A reduction and oxidation (REDOX) process is prevalent in any form of life, which certainly includes cells. This reducing environment is practically preserved by an enzyme that controls the state of the reduction and stable contribution of metabolic energy. Any minor imbalance caused to the redox state will trigger toxic effects through the generation of free radicals and peroxide, which damages lipids, DNA and proteins of cells.
Oxidation damage can be caused by free radicals (Reactive Oxygen Species) making the natural metabolism directly exposed to toxic chemicals, X-rays, heavy metals or even certain types of foods being bad for health. A particular process called lipid peroxidation is automatically started, whereby free radicals take electrons from lipids cell membranes. This causes a domino effect damage affecting and propagating unstable radicals in single molecules as well as in fatty acids.
Oxidation can be a cause to damage to mitochondrial DNA and DNA, genetic mutation, cell apoptosis and distortion of chromosomes of protein, death of the cell and other cell related disorder.
Moreover, oxidation damage can be the cause of hair loss, Hypertension, Cancer, Vascular Damage, Skin Erythema, weakened immune system, Alzheimer’s disease, atherosclerosis, internal bleeding, sterility, type 2 diabetes and premature aging and virtually death.
Protecting/ Firewall against Oxidation Damage
1. Lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle goes beyond simply dietary measures to avoiding exposure to microwaves or x-radiations provoking free radicals (ROS) in the human body.
One should restrain from becoming an active and passive smoker. It is also necessary to stay protected from direct sunlight exposure by using sunglasses and proper clothes. The use of toxic chemical should be handled with due care, for example arsenic-containers should not be handled without gloves.
A dietary habit is another necessary approach to supply the body with sufficient sources of fresh energy. Consumption of fruits, vegetables some fish should be made a priority with a regulated intake of red meat, trans-fatty acids and omega-6-fatty. Food should be cooked at reasonable temperature to prevent brownness. Moreover, food in mercury containers such as tuna should be consumed, at a recommended rate of one per week. Foods that should be avoided are fast food, fried-food, food preserved in nitrites and hydrogenated oils. On the other hand, broccoli, sardines, blueberries, olive oil, green tea are advised to be consumed plenty. Dark chocolate with a density of cacao content is also recommended, while alcohol (Red Wine) can be drunk moderately to de-stress.
2. Medical Supplement/ Firewalls against Oxidation Damage
The use of antioxidant can reduce the effect of free radical to cause disequilibrium to the redox. Yet, there are various types of antioxidants, each having its unique contribution to tackle health havocs. Some have the capacity to neutralize negative effect of oxidation to further spread in the biochemical mechanism of operation.
Among the most commonly, recommended antioxidants to support the defense mechanism against oxidation damage, these are proposed:
1. Vitamin E
2. Vitamin C
3. Vitamin D
4. Selenium
5. Alpha-lipoic Acid
6. L-carnosine
7. Co-enzyme Q-10
8. Acetyl-l-carnitine
9. Essential Fatty Acid Oils (EFAs)
10. Hormone Melatonin
11. Plant-derived substances (flavinoids, polyphenols or carotenoids)
a. Curcumin
b. Boswellia
c. Green Tea
d. Olive Leaf extract
e. Lycopene
f. Resveratrol
g. Allicin
h. OPC grape seeds
i. Ashwagandah
j. Pycnogenol
The list of antioxidant proposed is exhaustive and is likely to revitalize and protect the oxidation processes to a great degree. The firewall approach is to adopt a multiple defense mechanism.
Understanding Poisoning and its firewalls
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused through the exposure to chemical products such as arsenic and heavy metals leads to an automatic decrease in serum strength of carotenoids. This causes a loss of the normal anti-oxidant defense present in the human body. It is suggested amidst most of the theories on anti-aging (susceptibility to cancer, neurological degeneration, susceptibility to cardiovascular disease and immune system deterioration) that this degenerative effect is a general cause for aging.
Yet, severe poisoning of mercury, arsenic, cadmium and other toxic chemicals requires alternative solution such as more intense treatments to avoid negative biological consequences. To protect against toxic heavy metals such as mercury and lead is L-carnosine, which empower the liver to practically excrete the harmful substances. Other already mentioned firwalls alpha-lipoic acid, vitamin C, melatonin, Calcium, magnesium and alpha tocopherol do also fight effectively against toxic heavy metals. Magnesium has also a positive outcome on the absorption capacity of other antioxidants such as vitamin B, C and E.
Oxidation damage is a general cause for premature aging and death. The easiest way to tackle it is to avoid contact to harmful toxics and to consume adequate amount of supplements for the immune system to work effectively against such damage.
Reference:
ANTI-AGING FIREWALLS THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY OF LONGEVITY
Oxidative Stress
Tue, Dec 15, 2009
Anti Aging Supplements, Anti Aging Theories