Spinecare Topics
Anti-Oxidant Use and Spinecare
Many dietary constituents can help prevent free radical damage. Antioxidants are molecules which can safely interact with free radicals and terminate the chain reaction before vital molecules are damaged. There are a variety of protective agents which include anti-oxidant vitamins and minerals to food additives that might enhance the action of natural anti-oxidants. Indeed, at least part of the beneficial effects of a high fruit and vegetable diet is thought to derive from the variety of plant anti-oxidants that might act as beneficial supplements in humans.
Although there are several systems within the body that scavenge free radicals, the principle micronutrient (vitamin) antioxidants are vitamin E, beta-carotene, alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin C. Additionally, selenium, a trace metal that is required for proper function of one of the body's antioxidant enzyme systems, is sometimes included in this category. The body cannot manufacture these micronutrients so they must be supplied in the diet.
One of the causes of inflammation is the overproduction of free radicals. Antioxidants are intimately involved in the prevention of cell damage, a common pathway for cancer, aging, and a variety of diseases. Antioxidants work together to combat the presence of free radicals and thus help decrease inflammation. Therapeutic approaches that neutralize the free radicals that cause inflammation help to reduce pain and tissue damage.