The Major Causes Of Aging

The Major Causes of Aging Free Radicals To understand the causes of aging and other degenerative diseases, we should start our discussion with free radicals. What are free radicals? Before we answer this question let's first talk about atoms and molecules. Atoms are the basic building blocks of any substance. When atoms combine, they form stable molecules, like oxygen in our atmosphere (two oxygen atoms combined as one molecule) or water (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). When certain molecules combine, they form long chain substances (or polymers) like proteins, fats and carbohydrates--just to name a few. Atoms or molecules are bonded together by electrons. In organic compounds, the most frequent number of electrons shared between atoms is two. These bonds are not permanent. Depending on the presence of other forces (temperature, radiation and chemical agents), these bonds can break and separate from each other, leading to an uneven number of electrons in each molecule or atom. As shown in Figure A the same situation can also result when a molecule is stripped off one of its outer electrons. In either case, the resulting molecule or atom, is referred to as a free radical. In the body, free radicals are generated during the normal course of metabolism, or they may be induced by environmental factors, such as radiation and pollution.

Free radicals are unstable substances that cause havoc in the area in which they roam or with the things they encounter. A free radical's ultimate goal is to find another atom or molecule with which to pair up or from which to steal an electron to become stable again. When this happens, however, new free radicals are formed, which go around attacking more molecules to generate still more free radicals. Such a chain reaction could produce millions of free radicals. If this reaction went unchecked, it could lead to major complications in the body. Cell membranes are damaged. Collagen and elastin protein cross-link, allowing wrinkles to form in the skin. Fats become rancid. Contacts between nerve cells are severed, and DNA malfunctions. The cumulative effect is physical and mental aging as well as the onset of various degenerative diseases like cancer, stroke, arthritis, arteriosclerosis, diabetes and senility. Figure B, illustrates what happens in nervous system and the skin as you age and when free radicals run amok. Like that shred your wool clothes to pieces or termites that gnaw away at the inner workings of your house uncontrolled free radicals can do the same to the delicate tissues of your body. The aftermath of free radical damage is poignantly illustrated in by a degenerative nerve cell (on the left), heavily damaged skin tissue (on the right) and an aging gentleman, who tacitly accepts the effects of these molecular sharks as he sits down to celebrate his birthday.

Sources of Free Radicals …To learn more about these and many other topics get, The Importance of Good Nutrition Herbs and Phytochemicals for Your Health, Good Looks and Longevity, by Getty Ambau.