Oxidation and Aging

There is a common thread underlying wrinkles, absentmindedness, cancer and clogged arteries. There are now literally hundreds of written accounts of the phenomenon called aging. To some extent genetics and environment play a role, however, there is probably no single theory which explains all of the mechanisms.

The free radical theory of aging has gotten quite a bit of scientific support in recent years. This theory, first proposed in the 50’s, assumes that natural occurring antioxidant defenses are not 100%, and that variable amounts of oxidants escape resolution by the body. Therefore there is an accumulation of oxidative damage throughout peoples lives. A point is reached at which the cellular repair machinery becomes so damaged that it can no longer keep up with the rate of everyday psychological wear and tear. This damage gradually alters normal processes of our organs. Many factors are involved in this process, and it has been estimated that about 40% of these factors affecting life expectancy can apparently be controlled.

It seems that Reactive Oxygen and Free Radicals may be the culprits. Since the Industrial Revolution it is clear that we live in a chemically dynamic environment. There is cellular damage occurring from air pollutants such as ozone, cigarette smoke, automobile exhaust and nitrogen oxides, industrial chemicals such as solvents and plasticizers, pesticides, medications, alcohol and recreational drugs.

Ultimately, repair processes do not keep up with the rate of cellular damage, which will lead to impaired cells and altered DNA. The result is damage that can block cell division, energy production and signal transduction within cells, promoting mutation and cancer and other disruptions of organ function.

A variety of experts suggest that antioxidant supplements can improve immune function. For example when persons over the age of 60 consumed 800 mg of Vitamin E for 30 days, their immune function improved. In another study seniors whose diets supplied the daily vitamin and mineral supplements along with antioxidants, their immunity improved appreciably over that of controls who did not receive supplements.

No single food or supplement can meet the oxidant stress associated with today’s life. Therefore, the increased consumption of a broadspectrum antioxidants in amounts adjusted to meet the individual patient’s oxidative burden, appears essential to minimize degenerative diseases and to slow the aging process down considerably.

It is recommended before you begin any program, like the one suggested, that you check with a doctor who specializes in these kinds of therapies to best determine what your specific needs are. Or DR. Locke is available to answer any of your questions about this article, or any other health problem through any of the avenues listed below.

References
Harman,D.,"The Aging Process: Major Risk Factor for Disease and Death", Proc Nat’l Academy Science, 88:5360-63, 1991 Ronzio, Robert, PhD, "Science/Oxidation-Aging, September/October 1995 Article Meydani, S.N., Barklund,M.O. and Sui, S.,"Vitamin Supplementation Enhances Cell-Mediated Immunity in Healthy Elderly Subjects" Am J Clin Nutr, 52:557-563, 1990 Jenner,P., "Oxidative Damage in Neurodegenerative Disease", Lancet, 344:796-798, 1994