Our modern lifestyle is one that provides a host of conveniences — rapid communication devices, air travel, instant foods, medical technology, a rapid pace and constant stimulation. With this comes a dizzying array of daily exposures including electromagnetic fields, ionizing radiation, chemical and heavy metals, noise, etc.
All of these take a toll in ways we are only beginning to understand, with potential unknown cumulative effects. Compared to the modern world, humans evolved in a relatively toxin-free environment. What does this mean for how well prepared our own inherent protective systems are for current challenges?
Cells are designed to protect our precious DNA from danger. Genomic information is sequestered deep inside each cell’s nucleus. Our cells’ energy factories, the mitochondria also contain DNA. DNA has built in repair mechanisms to help protect it from damage. In addition, the cell membrane has special protective functions such as protein pumps that can remove hostile chemicals and other dangers. We have complex enzyme systems for detoxification of harmful compounds to enable them to be more safely eliminated. These mechanisms work remarkably well, and have served our species well in the past, but they’re up against a lot in our current environment.
The free radical
To really understand the problem, we have to go down to the atomic level. Free radicals are atoms or molecules, including oxygen, that are missing an electron, which makes them unstable until they grab an electron from another atom.
We can see how this could generate a cascade of atomic dysfunction. This “free radical” cascade produces “reactive oxygen species” (ROS), causing oxidative stress.
One interaction is probably nothing to worry about, but hundreds or thousands over a period of decades can have a seriously detrimental impact on cellular health. That’s why so many diseases are associated with aging -a slow erosion of cellular health.
Oxidative stress and free radical damage can affect any cellular structure. For example, damage to lipid rich (fatty) structures like cell membranes or nerve tissue, can damage the ability of these structures to function properly. It would be like using rancid oil, which is an oxidized fat, in your favorite recipe.
The rust that accumulates on exposed metal is another image of oxidative damage similar to what can occur in watery compartments such as the interior of the cell, or the circulatory system, damaging protein structures and interfering with healthy cell functions.
DNA is also subject to damage from oxidative stress. Studies have shown that the DNA in the mitochondria is especially vulnerable. Your inherent DNA repair mechanisms may not be adequate to the task of dealing with constant insults due to free radical-oxidative stress exposures.
Antioxidants to the rescue
It’s important to recognize that free radicals — at least some of them — are built into the system. Our bodies naturally produce free radicals through a number of metabolic and immune processes. Let’s take energy production for example. In a similar way to coal plants that produce energy but also have polluting by-products, our cells’ energy factories, the mitochondria, produce chemical energy, but in the process also produce free radicals that need to be cleaned up.
Fortunately, the body also generates antioxidants to correct that imbalance. But these protective mechanisms are often inadequate to handle the current level of onslaught, and can break down with age or environmental exposure.
As noted, environmental toxins have become a major problem. Sunlight, chemicals, radiation exposure on planes or in medical procedures and the various forms of electromagnetic radiation, including our constant proximity to cell phones and electric equipment, can all generate oxidative stress.
We can all benefit from support to maintain healthy cell functioning in the form of healthy food choices, stress reduction practices, regular exercise and time spent in nature, and a supplement regimen which is focused on antioxidant support.
Choosing supplements
Fortunately, there are a wide variety of foods, herbs and botanicals that provide antioxidant effects.
The same mechanisms that our bodies use to counterbalance free radicals are also common in the plant world.
In recent years, researchers have begun to focus more on different plants and their antioxidant content. Green tea, astragalus root and holy basil leaf extracts have been shown to have a powerful impact against the cellular oxidation caused by free radicals.
Medicinal mushrooms, such as Cordyceps sinensis and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi), have an equally powerful effect. The long chains of carbohydrates in these mushrooms fight oxidation as well as tune up immunity.
These medicinal mushrooms, as well as astragalus and holy basil have been used for centuries in traditional medical systems as “adaptogens,” containing numerous bioactive compounds that support the body’s response to multiple stressors, enhancing vitality, immunity and overall well-being.
There are also a variety of sulfur-containing compounds that provide essential elements of antioxidant and detoxification support, such as N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC), Alpha Lipoic Acid and Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM).
While it would be difficult to integrate all these different botanicals and nutrients into our daily routine, my new formula Cellular Shield does just that.* This polybotanical, multinutrient formula includes ingredients that have been selected to provide critical antioxidant support to maintain cellular health for both fatty tissues, such as cell membranes and nerve tissues, and water soluble compartments such as the cell interior and structural proteins.*
For example, Vitamin C is a water soluble antioxidant while Vitamin E in multiple forms supports cellular health for fat- soluble membranes.
With all our daily stresses and exposures, it’s important to take a proactive approach to promoting healthy cell activity. Antioxidant support is one of the most important measures we can take to ensure our cells continue down their normal, healthy path.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
