Outsmart Free Radicals
By Frederick Cheng (RPh), and Christine Cheng (RPh)
Free radicals are harmful substances that come about as a result of oxidative stress due mainly to environment exposure (eg. UV radiation, cosmetics, drugs, foods/additives, workplace chemicals, pesticides). In turn, these free radicals lead to chain reactions that are thought to be associated with Alzheimer’s Parkinson’s, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, muscle degeneration, macular degeneration, and cancer. It is also theorized that perpetual exposure to free radicals contributes to the aging process.
Anti-oxidants are the beneficial chemicals that can track down and neutralize those evil free radicals before they cause excessive irreversible cellular damage. They can be used for both treatment and prevention. The best way to get anti-oxidants is through your diet. Fruits and vegetables such as berries, citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, onion, garlic, and dark leafy greens are great sources; just be mindful of the high sugar content of some of these. Fish and nuts are also viable sources.
The source and form of anti-oxidants you choose to supplement with will determine the availability to and utilization by the body, so choose wisely. Sisu’s “ESTER-C SUPREME” contains buffered, esterified vitamin C, along with arabinogalactan (from larch bark), quercetin (from fruit), and multianthocyanidin (from berries and other fruits); it is a smart formulation that is especially beneficial for respiratory health, including helping to prevent infections. Another synergistic formulation for anyone looking for a high potency anti-oxidant is New Roots’ “VITAMIN C8”; its unique combination of, eg., green tea extract, grape seed extract, bilberry extract, quercetin, citrus bioflavonoids, minerals such as selenium and manganese, and enzymes such as bromelain and papin is excellent for activating molecules involved in anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation. The pine bark extract, PYCNOGENOL, has received a lot of attention recently for its use as an adjunct in the treatment of many conditions associated with free-radical damage, including hay fever, asthma, venous insufficiency, and cognitive function.
Since the anti-oxidants sold as a supplement in Canada are mostly derived from a food source, they are generally easily incorporated into your whole body health plan. Adequate dosing is crucial and will reflect the purpose of anti-oxidant supplementation. Be sure to consult your physician for a professional diagnosis and consult your integrative pharmacists at Cloverdale Pharmasave and Pharmasave Steveston Village before self-medicating.
(Fred and Christine Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique,
family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and
compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.)
Articles, Q&A, blog posts and all materials submitted for publishing is the intellectual property of Cloverdale Pharmacy Ltd – reproduction in part or whole, in print or online, without written consent and permission is prohibited.
