::... PHYSICIAN - Oxidative stress

The body constantly reacts with oxygen as part of the energy producing processes of cells. As a consequence of this activity, highly reactive molecules are produced known as free radicals. These interact with other molecules within the cell, which can cause oxidative damage to proteins, membranes and genes. This damage has been known as the cause of certain diseases and has an impact on the body's aging process.

These free radicals attack vital organs like heart, eyes, nerves etc. and cause disorders like Hypertention, Atherosclerosis, Cardiovascular diseases, Diabetic complication, Age related Macular Degeneration, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Cancers.

Antioxidants are natural body chemicals or drugs that protect the cells from the damage being caused by oxidative stress. Our body produces an armory of them to defend itself. They are present in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach & can be acquired through supplements such as Vitamin C, E & Carotenoids including beta-carotene. However this metabolic process of producing antioxidants is controlled and influenced by an individual's genetic make-up and the extra environmental factors (such as diet, smoking and pollution) to which the body is exposed.

Due to our changed lifestyle, we get more exposed to environmental pollution and consume less quality diet, as a result we get more exposed to free radicals than ever before. In such situation our internal production of antioxidants is insufficient to neutralise and scavenge all the free radicals & we need additional supplements like Vitamin C, E & mixed Carotenoids & trace elements components of antioxidant enzymes like selenium, copper, zinc, and manganese.