I recently read an article on PubMed.gov, that I feel should be getting more attention. The article is titled Chronic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress as a Major Source of Age-Related diseases and Cancer. For the full article click the link below.
This medical Peer reviewed journal article states the link between oxidative stress (OS), Chronic Inflammatory disease ( CID ) and Aging as well as what we consider age related diseases such as cancer. The stated aim of the article was to analyze the role of free radicals, which are partially a product of CID and how they relate to aging and the creation of cancer. It all starts with the formation of free radicals, a term we have been hearing about for a couple of decades, and Anti-oxidants which is the bodies source to clean them up. The aim of this article is to take out some of the confusion, give meaning to some of the terms used and increase knowledge to people who are not medical professionals of the damage that long-term CID causes.
As quick refresher I want to explain the creation of free radicals, where they are created in greatest numbers, how they relate to oxidative stress, why this leads to aging and diseases such as Cancer. Then, finally some steps we can take to reduce the amount of damage these free radicals are causing in our bodies.
A free radical is defined as any chemical that contains unpaired or odd electrons in its outer orbit. The most common source of these chemicals is Oxygen.
So how is that very thing that keeps us alive, ages us and makes us sick, even creates cancer? It occurs in our cells when oxygen in our cells is used to burn proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and convert them to water and energy in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate ( ATP ). This process leaves an unpaired electron on what used to be O2. Now called a free radical. This process occurs for the most part in the mitochondria. Mitochondria are organelles found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur. 90% of free radicals are formed here. The greatest numbers of mitochondria are found in the cells of our brain, retina, and heart. The average human cell has between 1,000 and 2,000 mitochondria per cell. Our brain, retina and heart contain about 10,000 per cell!. This should give you an indication how important it is to take care of these. For more information on taking care of your mitochondria read HeadStrong by Dave Asprey.
The second source of free radicals is in response to inflammation and microbial infections or even tissue injuries leading to release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These cytokines are key elements in malignant transformation of cells that lead to cancer. Leading to the conclusion that chronic inflammation is a high risk factor for cancer. In states of inflammation free radicals interact with DNA in cells resulting in permanent mutations of genes, including gene deletion or rearrangements. Chronic inflammation causes higher frequency of mutation due to the recurrent DNA damage by inflammatory cells. Based on these facts inflammation is considered to be a major precursor to cancer. It is estimated that about one-quarter of all cancers worldwide are a result of chronic infection and the associated inflammation.
The free radicals formed inside the cells also react with cell membrane made from lipids or fats and is the most susceptible part of the cell to free radical damage. This cell membrane damage can permanently impair fluidity and elasticity of the membrane. This can and does lead to cell rupture. These changes are particularly damaging to long-lived cells such as neurons in the brain. These neurons are made up mostly of fat. The kind of fat we eat does make a difference here. Some fats are more susceptible to damage from free radicals. Polyunsaturated fats also referred to as omega -6 fats cause our cells to become weak, too floppy and not function well. Trans fats are the worst. These are hard fats that embed themselves in the membrane causing them to malfunction. These changes also affect the permeability of the membranes making it hard for cells to communicate. Consider them making your cells hard of hearing and blind. More on good fats later.
Free radicals also attack the DNA which is also highly susceptible to this kind of damage. This interaction can cause free radicals to break a DNA strand or delete a base. This damage can be lethal. It is estimated that in and average human cell there are more than 10,000 DNA hits every day! Before this scares you too much. Our cellular repair system corrects much of this damage. But the lesions left behind, like a scar on your DNA, accumulate with age and can be part of the cause of aging.
So what can we do to protect ourselves from the damage of oxidative stress and slow the aging process.
1. Take any infection or inflammatory disease seriously and have it treated as soon as possible.
For years Doctors have been recommending low dose Anti-inflammatory medication daily such as the 81 mg Aspirin.
2. Avoid exposure to chemicals and foods that cause an inflammatory response.
Breads, processed meats, artificial flavorings and food additives all cause your body to have an immune response that causes the release pro-inflammatory cytokines.
I love the app Think Dirty. Scan any product you would normally put on your skin and it gives you a rating from 1-10 on how safe it is or how carcinogenic (cancer causing) it is.
3. Increase your body’s ability to neutralize and eliminate free radicals.
The regular use of Glutathione, which is considered to be one of the bodies most powerful, versatile and important anti-oxidants.
I personally have been taking Protandim for years now. The combination of the 5 natural ingredients has been shown to reduce oxidative stress in humans by 40% in 30 days
4. Support healthy cellular structures by eating good fats.
Take a high quality Fish or Krill oil supplement daily. Use extra virgin olive oil for low heat cooking only. Almond, avocado and macadamia nut oils for salads. Organic coconut oil and MCT oil are also good choices. Avoid Trans fats, most Omega 6 oils and Canola oil. For more on this see Dr Mark Hymans book Eat fat, Get thin.
I added the links to the products I use and believe in this article. I am constantly reading and looking up the latest information and passing on what I believe to be the best information. If at any time, I feel things have changed and new and better information is available I will update these links. Please remember this blog should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical conditions. For testing and diagnosis please see a medical professional. This blog is for informational use.
From <https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19149749>