Do we need to take antioxidant supplementation?

Our bodies produce oxidants (free radicals) as a normal part of the metabolic process, necessary to generate energy

We are generally able to neutralise associated harmful effects by naturally producing antioxidants in our cells. However, problems arise when there’s an excess production of oxidants that our bodies just can’t offset, leaving us in as a “state of oxidative stress”

If maintained over long periods, this causes damage to body cells, DNA, fatty tissue and proteins; puts our bodies in a state of chronic inflammation linked to various conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, atherosclerosis, male infertility, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s

Several factors contribute to the excess production of oxidants, including inflammation, high fat diet, smoking, pollution and exercise; yes you read that right!

Exercise increases the formation of reactive oxygen species (free radicals) in muscles, however it also induces the expression of those proteins responsible for insulin sensitivity and those enzymes responsible for the defence against free radicals, so a win-win net effect

As we get older, we start losing the ability to endogenously generate enough antioxidants to offset free radicals and that’s when we start to develop age-related changes like wrinkles, grey hair, hair loss, loss of skin elasticity and age-related decline in vision, etc

This sounds scary, right? but here is the good news,

1. Short term oxidative stress is not always harmful; it can protect our body from infection and disease

2. Free radicals resulting from physical activity support tissue growth, enhance the body’s adaptation to exercise and stimulate the production of antioxidants

3. We can decrease our risk of long-term oxidative stress through diet and lifestyle changes, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress reduction, limited exposure to pollution and radiation

So, do we need to take antioxidant supplementation to support our system?

Not necessarily, antioxidant supplementations are only recommended when the body loses its ability to defend endogenously. Here’s why:

1. No single antioxidant can fight off all free radicals. Every antioxidant behaves differently based on its chemical properties

2. An increased intake of one may compromise the effect of another

3. Antioxidant supplementation may put the body at an imbalance, which some research has linked to chronic disease

4. Some antioxidants like vitamin C can behave as an oxidant if taken at high doses

5. Taking antioxidant supplements, without the need to, may prevent the initiation of molecular regulators of insulin sensitivity and endogenous antioxidant defence by physical exercise

Our diet, specifically vegetables and fruit, is packed with vitamins and minerals that we need to produce antioxidants. The most famous antioxidants include vitamin C, vitamin E, glutathione, beta-carotene, and phytoestrogens

Colourful pigmented and bitter plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables contain a high polyphenol and flavonoids content, which are both powerful antioxidants that also contain bio-active compounds that support a healthy gut microbiota, increase our immune system and metabolism, and protect against diseases including those age-related

…EAT THE RAINBOW. LOOK FOR DIVERSITY…

CULTIVATE YOUR INNER GARDEN FROM NATURAL FOOD SOURCES