ANTIOXIDANT THERAPY
The complex metabolic machinery of our body requires chemicals that function as antioxidants. Oxidation is a process that occurs whenever a molecule or atom has a free electron, which creates a negative electrical charge. If these negatively charged molecules are not immediately neutralized by a positively charged atom or molecule, they may attach to and destroy complex protein enzymes, cell wall membranes and DNA. Our body ordinarily has a host of available antioxidant chemicals to neutralize these “free radical” molecules that disrupt our chemistry. However, a number of conditions may predispose to overloading of the antioxidant defenses of our body. These include aging, trauma, inflammation, dietary intake, toxic chemicals and genetically lower antioxidant systems. When the balance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant activity is tipped toward oxidation, the person is under oxidative stress. This will ultimately lead to chronic degenerative diseases such as arthritis, coronary artery disease, autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.). The enormous increase in the exposure to chemicals in the air, water and food we take into our bodies has caused a corresponding increase in the oxidative stress on our bodies. This is likely to be a major cause of the seeming increase of many of the degenerative diseases of our society.
A considerable amount of basic and clinical research has been done that has shed a lot of light on how the oxidative stress occurs. Most medical doctors were not trained to think of how this oxidative stress contributes to or causes many of the chronic diseases that they treat. An exhaustive history that closely evaluates diet and chemical exposure (including over-the-counter drugs and prescription medication) will often reveal areas where changing diet or drugs can improve antioxidant defenses.
The other significant area where the ongoing oxidative stress can be stopped is by using antioxidant supplements. These can be general such as Vitamin C and specific such as folic acid for high homocysteine levels. This topic is much too broad to cover here and consulting a health practitioner who has expertise in this area is the best way to get recommendations that address your particular health needs.
Vitamin E is a series of 8 fat-soluble vitamins of which alpha-tocopherol is the most active. The D-form is biologically active but the L-form is not. The esterified form is more stable and the emulsified form is more readily assimilated during digestion. Vitamin E may be especially helpful in reducing recurrent heart attacks. Taking mixed tocopherols may be best since they appear to act synergistically. Taking 200-400 I.U. daily is usually recommended.
Vitamin C is water-soluble and is a crucial antioxidant. The RDA of 60 milligrams by the FDA guidelines of 1997 is much too low. An intake of 500-1000 mg daily is much more likely to be adequate. Cigarette smoking lowers Vitamin C levels and all smokers should supplement.
Carotenoids are red, orange and yellow plant pigments. Many of these are organ specific and are concentrated into the tissue of certain body organs. These chemicals have abundant evidence of preventing cancers through immune enhancement and lowering oxidative stress.
Flavonoids are a large class of plant substances that have antioxidant properties. Increased consumption of these in the diet correlates with lower rates of cancer and heart disease.
Green tea is rich in polyphenols and consumption of green tea correlates with lower rates of cancer. OPC’s (oligomeric proanthocyanidins), which occur in grape seed and pine bark, are useful for diseases of the blood vessels.
Daniel Blodgett MD