Free radicals

Free radicals are silent but potentially harmful players in the complex workings of human biology. These unstable molecules can cause significant damage to the cells in our body and represent a constant threat to cellular health. However, with a combination of awareness and preventive actions, we can protect our body from the damage caused by these reactive molecules: the key is understanding the crucial role these microscopic actors play in our body and acting accordingly to keep them under control. In this entry, we will explore what free radicals are, how they form, and what measures we can take to protect our body from their harmful effects.

What are free radicals?

To understand free radicals, basic chemistry knowledge is required. Atoms are surrounded by electrons that orbit the nucleus in layers called shells. Each shell must be filled with a specific number of electrons. When a shell is fully occupied, electrons begin to fill the next shell. If an atom has an incomplete outer shell, it can bond with another atom, using electrons to complete its outer shell. These atoms are identified as free radicals. Atoms with a complete outer shell are stable, but free radicals are unstable and, in their attempt to achieve a full outer shell, react quickly with other substances. When oxygen molecules break into individual atoms with unpaired electrons, they become unstable free radicals seeking to bond with other atoms or molecules. If this process continues, a phenomenon called oxidative stressWhat is stress? From a clinical perspective, stress is a phy... More begins.

Oxidative stress: how do free radicals cause damage in the body?

With aging, the body loses its ability to counteract free radicals, leading to increased oxidative stress and cellular damage. This phenomenon is linked to multiple diseases, including central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, cataracts, age-related physical changes, and genetic degenerative diseases such as Huntington’s disease and Parkinson’s diseaseParkinson's disease is a progressive degenerative disorder o... More. The free radical theory of aging, supported by numerous studies, highlights that the increase in free radicals contributes to the deterioration of health during the aging process. Research focused on mitochondria, the cellular organelles responsible for energy production, suggests that free radicals produced in this context damage substances necessary for proper cellular function, further accelerating cellular deterioration. The gradual but progressive accumulation of free radicals over time provides a plausible explanation for why even healthy bodies show signs of aging and functional decline.

What triggers the production of free radicals?

Theories regarding free radicals in relation to aging and diseases can explain why the aging process varies among individuals. Although free radicals are naturally produced in the body, their production can be accelerated by lifestyle-related factors. These factors include:

• exposure to toxic chemicals, such as pesticides and air pollution
• smokingMuch more than a habit: a global health issue Smoking is oft... More habits
• alcohol consumption
• a diet rich in fried foods

It has been found that such lifestyle behaviors are associated with diseases like cancer and cardiovascular conditions. Consequently, oxidative stress may represent one of the reasons why exposure to these substances leads to disease.

What are the main substances that produce free radicals?

Some substances are particularly known to trigger the production of free radicals. Among these, heavy metals such as iron and copper stand out, which can catalyze reactions that generate these reactive molecules. Certain molecules present in cigarettes and combustion processes also contribute to free radical formation.

Antioxidants and free radicals

There are numerous substances, mainly of natural origin, that act as antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, beta-carotene, selenium, manganese, lipoic acid, flavonoids, phenols, polyphenols, and phytoestrogens. These substances play a fundamental role in preventing oxidation and providing natural defense against the surrounding environment. It is important to dispel the myth that antioxidants are interchangeable, as each possesses unique chemical behaviors and biological properties. Their evolution has likely integrated them into complex networks, where each substance or group of substances performs distinct roles. Therefore, no single substance can replace the effectiveness of the entire group.

How to cleanse the body of free radicals?

To reduce the accumulation of free radicals in the body, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and antioxidant-rich foods can help neutralize free radicals. Regular physical activity is another effective way to reduce oxidative stress and improve overall cellular health.