What Are Free Radicals and How Do They Affect the Body?

There’s an ongoing war inside your body, and the victor will dictate how well you sleep, which illnesses you get, and how fast you age. The battle is between free radicals and antioxidants — if you support the right team, your health wins.

Our IV glutathione infusions flood your system with the master antioxidant to neutralize free radicals and rebalance your body at the molecular level. Here, our Advanced Medical Care experts explain free radicals and their effects on your body. 

What exactly are free radicals?

Your body has countless atoms surrounded by electrons that move around in layers called shells. Each shell can hold a specified number of electrons. Once a shell reaches its total capacity, the electrons start filling the next shell. 

When an atom’s outermost shell isn’t entirely filled, it bonds with other atoms to achieve a complete shell. Atoms with incomplete outer shells are called free radicals. 

Unlike stable atoms with a complete outer shell, free radicals are inherently unstable and react swiftly with other substances to stabilize themselves. 

For example, when oxygen molecules break into single atoms with unpaired electrons, they become unstable free radicals eager to bind with other atoms or molecules. 

This ongoing reaction triggers oxidative stress, which harms cells and leads to various diseases and aging signs.

Your body produces free radicals as a byproduct of metabolic processes (poor sleep, fried foods, and alcohol), but pollution, radiation, and tobacco smoke also contribute to the production. 

Despite their bad reputation, free radicals aren’t entirely villainous; they play an essential role in cell signaling and immune defense.

How antioxidants combat free radicals

Antioxidants are molecules that donate electrons to neutralize free radicals. Your body produces certain antioxidants, while others come from your diet. 

Packaging and ads highlight some foods as rich in antioxidants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains, because vitamins C and E, selenium, and beta-carotene are some of the best-known antioxidants.

How free radicals affect the aging process

When they damage cells and DNA, free radicals can lead to external signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. Internally, oxidative stress impairs your body’s vital organs and systems.

For instance, free radicals can contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. They may also play a role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, by damaging brain cells. 

Though it’s impossible to stop aging altogether, keeping free radicals in check can slow down the process and help you age gracefully.

The connection between free radicals and chronic diseases

Free radicals contribute to the development of several chronic diseases. 

Cancer

When free radicals damage DNA, they mutate your cells and cause uncontrolled growth — cancer. 

Diabetes

Oxidative stress also plays a part in insulin resistance, a key factor in the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Arthritis

Free radicals cause inflammation and damage to joint tissues, leading to pain and stiffness. 

Even though free radicals aren’t the sole cause of these conditions, they can exacerbate symptoms and make management more challenging.

How to reduce free radical damage

To minimize the impact of free radicals on your health, consider adopting some simple lifestyle changes. 

Use food to fight free radicals

A well-balanced diet is your best ally against free radicals. Load your plate with leafy greens, berries, nuts, and seeds to get essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Although fried foods are free radical instigators, you need plenty of healthy fats, like those found in avocados, olive oil, and fatty fish, to keep your heart and brain healthy and counteract the effects of free radicals. 

On the other hand, processed foods and added sugars contribute to inflammation and oxidative stress.

Exercise free radicals

Regular exercise reduces oxidative stress by boosting your body’s natural antioxidant defenses. 

Watch out for external culprits

Limit your alcohol consumption and don’t smoke — both habits can increase free radical production.

Stop stressing

Chronic stress increases free radical production and contributes to oxidative stress, so do your best to manage stress. Meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, and quality sleep are classic destressors.

IV glutathione — Your instant antioxidant fix

Your liver produces glutathione — the ultimate antioxidant. However, when diet, lifestyle, and illnesses deplete your supply, you can use a boost.

Out IV glutathione infusions deliver a flood of antioxidants directly into your bloodstream. Unlike oral supplements that get soaked up in your digestive system, IV glutathione bypasses your gut and goes straight into your bloodstream. 

As the antioxidant goes to work, it boosts your body’s ability to scavenge free radicals and halt cellular damage, but it doesn’t stop there.

IV glutathione also reinvigorates your body’s ability to regenerate other antioxidants like vitamins C and E. After your IV glutathione treatment, you can expect to notice higher energy levels, a stronger immune response, and an overall feeling of well-being.

Call Advanced Medical Care in Queens or Brooklyn, New York, or book online to schedule an IV glutathione treatment session.