subject: The Cause Behind Aging: Free Radicals [print this page] The mystery behind aging has always baffled man. Even today, science continues to unlock new questions on this process as man pursues his lifelong quest for immortality, or least, life extension. After years of research, our species is finally grasping the first threads of this holiest of grails.
Modern science tells that the root cause of aging and decay are organic molecules called free radicals. These unstable molecules are always looking to bond with others. In the process, they destroy their target molecules vigor and brings on decay, by causing damage at the cellular and tissue level which eventually causes the organism to succumb with enough time.
Free radicals were termed as such for they are considered free because they float around until they stabilize, and radical in the sense that they are surrounded by a myriad of molecules from which they can obtain an electron. These unstable molecules existed not having an even number of electrons and therefore are in constant search for extra electron they can steal to become stable. It must be properly noted that free radicals are like thieves and react quickly to the compounds around them.
On a wider level, this perpetuation doesnt stop at the molecules. In effect, if a free radical starts the chain reaction, the tissue itself ends up as a free radical once enough molecules are affected. The snowball effect piles on and on, as the affected tissue wreaks havoc on in its nearby counterparts. Eventually, larger and larger areas are impacted.
Metabolism naturally gives birth to some free radicals. There are times when the bodys immune systems cells need to produce them to neutralize viruses and bacteria. However, a big number of free radicals today are actually products of unhealthy human practice. These acts expose us to a great number of these unstable molecules everyday and include pollution, cigarette smoking, large volume of alcohol, radiation, preservatives found in some processed food and a number of poisons found in cleaners or herbicides and other everyday household products.
Under normal conditions, the body can handle free radicals. The damage occurs when antioxidants, molecules that neutralize free radicals by giving one of their own electrons, become unavailable, or if free radical production becomes excessive.
