It’s a battle every single day—the struggle to stay healthy. As you go through your day, you may do several things regularly to try and stay healthy. Perhaps you exercise daily. Maybe you eat a varied diet full of nutritious fruits and vegetables. No doubt you are doing things right now that improve your health. With the wide range of health-boosting activities a person can choose, it’s good to remember there are always things you can tweak and change to help yourself be healthier and happier.
No matter what path you take to a healthier life, there is no way to stop the constant attacks on your body. Often, the real danger to your body lies unseen in the air, water, and food. There are contaminants surrounding us that can lead to the creation of nasty atoms called free radicals.
These are like rogue agents inside your body. They are defective and cause harm internally. You’ve undoubtedly heard of them – as well as their nemesis – antioxidants. How well do you understand this common buzzword? What are free radicals, what really is an antioxidant, and how does it benefit you? What are some potent antioxidants that can genuinely help?
Follow along for answers to these questions and more as we look at your health on a cellular level.
Free radicals – what they are and what they do.
Unstable atoms that cause harm to the body are called free radicals. To understand what a free radical is and what it can do to your body, it’s best to brush up on some introductory chemistry. It doesn’t take long; this knowledge will enhance your understanding of the battle constantly raging inside you.
Think about the nucleus (center) of an atom as the sun of our solar system. Around this atom are planets in orbit called electrons. Electrons orbit the atom in a shell, which is supposed to contain a set number of electrons for the atom to be stable.
If electrons are missing from one of the outer shells, this atom can bond with another atom. To complete their outer shell, these atoms react quickly with other atoms, stealing their electrons and causing havoc. This kind of atom is called a free radical.
Once oxygen molecules split into single atoms lacking paired electrons, they become unstable free radicals. They then begin seeking out other atoms or molecules to bond with. As this continues, a process begins which is called oxidative stress.
As oxidative stress continues, it can damage the body’s cells, lead to various diseases, and increase the symptoms of aging, such as wrinkles.
The free radical theory was first developed in 1956, so it has a long history with a bunch of research to back it up.
As we age, our body’s natural defenses to free radicals weaken. Thus, more free radicals accumulate in the body, leading to more oxidative stress. This leads to more damaged cells, degenerative processes, and “aging.”
Studies have connected oxidative stress from free radicals to the following conditions:
- Central nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia
- Cardiovascular diseases such as clogged arteries
- Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and cancer
- Age-related vision declines and cataracts
- Diabetes
- Genetic diseases such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s
- Age-related changes in appearance include wrinkles, graying hair, hair loss, and skin elasticity.
There is hardly a disease process known that cannot be linked in some way to the damage of free radicals.
Numerous studies have shown a correlation between age and the number of free radicals within our bodies. This explains why, even though someone is completely healthy, they still show signs of aging. Our bodies have trouble keeping up with the total amount of free radicals over time.
Exposure to certain elements also increases the number of free radicals in the body. These include but are certainly not limited to:
- Exposure to toxic chemicals (pesticides, air pollution, etc.)
- Smoking
- Alcohol
- Fried foods
These factors and the normal aging process lead to the build-up of free radicals. However, not all hope is lost. The natural enemy of free radicals, antioxidants, are readily available and proven to help.
Cleaning up free radicals with antioxidants.
Found in berries, citrus fruits, soy products, and carrots, antioxidants are known to prevent the nasty effects of free radicals. Antioxidants prevent the oxidation of other molecules by donating an electron to free radicals, thus making them stable atoms again.
They can lose these electrons and do not turn into free radicals. This makes antioxidants unique and valuable in eliminating free radicals in your body.
There are many types of antioxidants, and they all behave differently within the body. Some of the more common ones that you have undoubtedly heard of are:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Beta-carotene (found in carrots and other vegetables)
With the correct number of antioxidants counteracting the effects of free radicals, it may be possible to slow down the effects of time and the environment on our bodies. As stated, there are many antioxidants from multiple sources, and it’s possible to supplement your antioxidant levels. This way, whether or not your diet is rich in antioxidants, you can still benefit from their free radical fighting power.
Consider purchasing from a well-known and reputable company when choosing an antioxidant supplement. This isn’t something you should be guessing about. PureBulk is a company you don’t have to think about: started in 2008 with the idea that you could save big money on supplements and vitamins by purchasing only what you need: no fillers, no additives, just the supplement.
PureBulk started with two employees and has since grown to over 40. They now have a customer base of over 40,000 worldwide. This blistering growth is due to their commitment to quality and customer service. You get only the vitamins or supplements you want, no fluff, no extras.
If you want to neutralize the free radicals constantly warring with your body, check out these two powerful antioxidants offered through PureBulk.
Melatonin
Despite what you may think melatonin is used for, it’s also a potent antioxidant.
Studies have shown that melatonin contributes to cellular protection in the following ways:
- Free Radical Scavenger – Melatonin scavenges reactive oxygen and nitrogen, preventing tissue oxidative damage.
- Anti-inflammatory – Blocks pro-inflammatory cytokines, which reduce overall inflammation. Reducing inflammation promotes overall well-being and prevents tissue damage.
- Mitochondrial Function – The mitochondria are the cell’s powerhouse. Melatonin helps the mitochondria run more efficiently and prevents electron leakage, which reduces oxidative stress.
- Neuroprotection – Melatonin has been shown to prevent degenerative changes in the central nervous system and reduce free radical damage to DNA. DNA damage can lead to cancer and other health conditions.
Melatonin works well in combination with vitamin C and ALA, which helps enhance its antioxidant benefits.
Research suggests that athletes may benefit from melatonin because its antioxidant benefits reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Melatonin may also accelerate cell repair and regeneration following nerve injury.
The positive benefits and uses of melatonin continue to grow as research continues. PureBulk has all the sizes of melatonin you could need for your supplementation. If you’re on the fence about trying melatonin, consider this great review from Janet C.
If you haven’t read anything from Doris Loh about taking high-dose Melatonin, you’re missing out. I take 1200mg/day and my inflammation has improved greatly. Pure Bulk makes it easy, and there’s nothing in the capsule other than Melatonin – no filler.
This melatonin from PureBulk has 4.6 stars out of 499 reviews, so you know you’re getting a quality, tried and true product. Click the link and choose the right milligram amount for you.
To boost your antioxidant levels even more, check out the following product from PureBulk.
NAC
This supplement is derived from the amino acid cysteine and has multiple health benefits.
N-acetyl L-cysteine (NAC) is essential for the production of glutathione. Glutathione is one of the most potent antioxidants in your body. Without proper levels of NAC, your body can’t produce enough glutathione to keep up with free radicals. Other benefits of NAC include:
- Detoxification – NAC aids in detoxifying your body by reducing and preventing damage to your kidney and liver.
- Mental Health Support – By regulating glutamate levels, NAC contributes to mental well-being, and studies suggest that it could help manage conditions such as bipolar, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
- Anti-inflammatory – NAC reduces inflammation and has been shown beneficial for chronic respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD.
NAC supplementation has many other potential benefits, including fertility support, brain health, and help with insulin resistance. Research is ongoing, and there will be many more benefits of this supplement discovered in the future.
Purebulk has NAC in capsules and powdered form, with many sizes to meet your needs. And if you’re worried about quality, check out this review from Ernie W –
I buy from PureBulk because of the purity of product, no one needs to be paying for fillers and “additives” or adulterated supplements. I’ve been a customers for a few years now, and will be in the future.
Consider supplementing with NAC and Melatonin today to help your body fight the daily onslaught of pollution, radiation, chemicals, and the effects of aging. Stop freed radicals in their tracks and live your healthiest life possible.
* In partnership with our friends at PureBulk, Inc.* Photo courtesy of PureBulk, Inc.
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