Definition of Free Radical:
A free radical is an atom or group of atoms that has at least one unpaired electron. Because another element can easily pick up this free electron and cause a chemical reaction, these free radicals can effect dramatic and destructive changes in the body. Free radicals are activated in heated and rancid oils and by radiation in the atmosphere, among other things.
Also: Free Radicals
Topics Related to Free Radical
Alpha Lipoic Acid
...as a treatment
“..."Alpha-lipoic acid as a biological antioxidant," Free Radical Biol & Med...”
Alzheimer's Disease
...the condition
“...Increased free radical activity (oxidative stress) appears to fuel Alzheimer's pathology – acting simultaneously as a mediator, product, and trigger for this "clogging" process and its related neural damage...”
Diagnose your symptoms now!
- see your health summarized and in detail
- understand what's happening to your body
- identify any nutritional deficiencies
More topics Related to Free Radical
Aneurysm / Rupture
...recommendation Vitamin E
“...These data supply evidence of altered vitamin E metabolism and free radical processes in the tissues of patients with various manifestations of atherosclerosis...”
Antioxidant
...related topic
“...Antioxidants are substances that protect cells from oxidative damage caused by molecules called free radicals. These chemicals can damage important parts of cells, such as proteins, membranes, and DNA...”
Antioxidant Requirement
...the condition
“...a variety of age-related conditions such as heart disease and cancer have been linked to oxidation processes within the body that take place due to an excess of reactive molecules, also known as "free radicals". Many compounds in the food we eat are antioxidants: they join (react) with these reactive molecules and thus prevent them from damaging our bodies...”
...relationship to Parkinson's Disease
“...The idea that oxidative stress, i.e. an excess of free radicals in the body, can cause disease was first brought forward in 1983...”
Antioxidants
...as a treatment
“...At the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate certain particles called free radicals. Antioxidants are substances that reduce, neutralize, and prevent the damage done to the body by free radicals...”
Atherosclerosis
...the condition
“...social isolation, high degrees of negative attitudes (such as hostility and cynical distrust), excessive experience of negative emotions (such as depression, anger, and anxiety), and high ratio of free radical markers to antioxidants...”
...recommendation Selenium
“Considered to be from 200 to 500 times more potent an antioxidant than vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E are synergistic as antioxidants and inhibit or prevent the damage to tissues by free radicals which have been cited as causal factors in heart disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis and aging...”
Beta 1,3 Glucan
...as a treatment
“...Beta-1,3-glucan is a safe and potent nutritional supplement with a systemic effect that can be described as non-specific immune stimulation combined with its free radical scavenging activity...”
Bioflavonoids
...as a treatment
“...a vitamin, Hesperidin and other bioflavonoids are now known to have many beneficial effects such as improving the effectiveness of vitamin C, improving capillary fragility, antioxidant and free radical protection to name but a few...”
Cancer, General
...recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
“March, 2017: A research study published in the journal Cancer Cell showed that the iron in tumors reacts with high doses of vitamin C to produce free radicals that selectively destroy cancer cells.”
...recommendation Coffee Enema
“...This enzyme is responsible for neutralizing free radicals, harmful chemicals now commonly implicated in the initiation of cancer and needed for detoxification...”
Carnosine
...as a treatment
“...As an antioxidant, carnosine potently quenches that most destructive of free radicals, the hydroxyl, as well as superoxide, singlet oxygen and the peroxyl radical...”
Chelation Therapy
...as a treatment
“...Over a period of time, these injections halt the progress of the free radical disease, which is the underlying condition triggering the development of atherosclerosis and many other degenerative diseases of aging giving the body time to heal and time to restore...”
Chocolate
...as a treatment
“...Antioxidants remove free radicals from the body – destructive molecules that are implicated in heart disease and other ailments...”
Coffee
...as a treatment
“...Coffee is also high in antioxidants, which lower the risk of developing diabetes by preventing free radicals from causing cellular damage and helping to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism...”
Concern Over Wrinkled Skin
...relationship to Sun Damage/Overexposure
“...UVA rays induce the formation of free radicals, which attack the skin's lipids...”
...recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
“...The skin's natural defenses against the free radicals produced by UV light are vitamin C and vitamin E...”
...recommendation Vitamin E
“The skin's natural defenses against the free radicals produced by UV light are vitamin C and vitamin E...”
Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
...recommendation Vitamin E
“...Free radical stress can be reduced with antioxidants such as vitamin E...”
...recommendation Selenium
“...Selenium and Vitamin E are synergistic as antioxidants and inhibit or prevent the damage to tissues by free radicals which have been cited as causal factors in heart disease.”
Cysteine / N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
...as a treatment
“...Indications are that N-acetyl cysteine is anti-aging; anti-oxidant; a powerful aid in protecting the body from radiation; it deactivates free radicals; is vital for the formation of skin and cell recovery particularly after surgery or cellular damage from burns...”
DMAE Requirement
...the condition
“DMAE (dimethylaminoethanol) is an antioxidant and free radical deactivator which is found naturally in the human brain...”
DMSO Topically
...as a treatment
“...It is an antioxidant – a scavenger of the free radicals that gather at the site of injury...”
Eclampsia / Preeclampsia
...recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
“Several studies imply that harmful free radicals called lipid peroxides contribute to preeclampsia, and that women with this condition are low in the antioxidants that combat them...”
Excess Phytates in Diet
...the condition
“...Although phytates do bind with minerals, they may actually be preventing the formation of free radicals, thereby keeping the minerals at safe levels in the body...”
General Detoxification Requirement
...the condition
“...Many of the antioxidant nutrients found in a healthful diet neutralize free radical molecules...”
Germanium
...as a treatment
“...It is known to possess powerful antioxidant properties that enable the body to fight the harmful effects of free radicals. It is used in the prevention and treatment of cataracts...”
Ginkgo Biloba
...as a treatment
“...The overall physiologic results of ginkgo use are increased perfusion to the brain and peripheral circulation, enhanced free radical scavenging, improved cerebral tolerance to hypoxia, and strengthened microvasculature...”
Glutathione
...related topic
“...Glutathione is also involved in amino acid transport across cell membranes and is a powerful free radical scavenger and antioxidant that removes unwanted substances from the body.”
Gout / Hyperuricemia
...the condition
“...studies show that, in proper concentrations in the blood, it has antioxidant properties and helps protect the cells and tissues from irritation and damage caused by singlet oxygens and hydroxyl free radicals. This protection may prevent tissue wear and aging, in addition to other free-radical diseases...”
Grape Seed Extract
...as a treatment
“...The actions of PCOs include decreasing capillary permeability (vitamin "P"), inhibiting the breakdown of collagen, and free radical scavenging...”
Green Tea
...as a treatment
“...In a recent study researchers found that Green Tea compounds not only directly scavenge free radicals but also enhance the effectiveness of the body's natural antioxidant systems...”
Hemochromatosis (Iron overload)
...the condition
“...Therefore, unbound iron accumulates and generates free radicals, leading to cellular injury of the liver and other organs...”
...relationship to Stroke
“...High body iron stores may increase free radical production in brain cells, thus prompting stroke progression.”
...recommendation Manganese
“...[Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 1992; 13: pp.115-20]”
Hot Drinks
...as a treatment
“...In this way, these compounds help protect the body against the damage that can be done by free radicals. Tea has one of the highest flavonoid contents of all plants...”
Hyperbaric Oxygen
...as a treatment
“...Leukocyte oxidative killing leads to increased oxygen free radicals, which in turn helps with necrotizing soft-tissue infections and chronic osteomyelitis...”
Hyperthyroidism
...recommendation Selenium
“...Selenium supplementation may lower free radical activity, which contributes to inflammation...”
Iron
...as a treatment
“...Unfortunately, too much iron can lead to oxidative stress (forming excessive free radicals) and adhesion of blood cells...”
Korsakoff's Psychosis
...related topic
“...It stems from the effects of the acetaldehyde that builds up in the liver and spills over into the bloodstream, where it creates free radicals that cause damage throughout the body...”
Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™
Symptom Entry
Diagnosis
Suggestions
LifeMeter®
Explanations
Review (optional)
More topics Related to Free Radical
L-Arginine
...as a treatment
“...Arginine is also is a free radical scavenger, not only internally but externally, thus causing an anti-aging effect on the skin and the internal organs...”
L-Glutathione
...as a treatment
“...It protects tissues by neutralizing free radicals, and improves the immune system by promoting antigen presentation and stimulating CD8 cells...”
Lipoic acid
...related topic
“(Thioctic Acid) A sulfur-containing coenzyme used in the energy process which is also an extremely powerful antioxidant capable of trapping many different types of free radicals in the body...”
Liver Detoxification Phase II Support
...as a treatment
“...This is achieved by various chemical reactions (such as oxidation, reduction and hydrolysis), and during this process free radicals are produced which, if excessive, can damage the liver cells...”
Lycopene
...as a treatment
“...Lycopene provides stronger antioxidant protection against certain types of free radicals, and may protect against particular cancers better than any nutrient presently known...”
Manganese
...as a treatment
“...An important antioxidant, manganese is one of the minerals required to form SOD (superoxide dismutase), one of the "bodyguard" enzymes that protects against unstable, cell-damaging free radicals. Although researchers today are still studying this mineral, they know it has antioxidant properties and is needed to activate a number of enzymes that allow the body to digest food...”
Menorrhagia (Heavy Periods)
...recommendation Vitamin E
“Free radicals may have a causative role in endometrial bleeding, particularly in the presence of an intrauterine device...”
Oxidative Stress
...related topic
“An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body in which there are more free radicals present than can be kept in balance by antioxidants...”
Ozone / Oxidative Therapy
...as a treatment
“...They increase the efficiency of the anti-oxidant enzyme system, which scavenges excess free radicals in the body...”
Peroxides
...related topic
“Free radicals that are by-products formed in our bodies when molecules of fat react with oxygen.”
Pineal
...related topic
“...It is also a powerful antioxidant protecting the body from age-causing free radicals.”
Poor/Slow Wound Healing
...recommendation Aloe Vera
“...It has been suggested that aloe works as a free radical scavenger and improves blood flow to the wound...”
...recommendation Superoxide Dismutase
“...They actually use free radicals to fight bacteria and to dispose of dead tissue...”
Pregnancy-Related Issues
...recommendation Vitamin E
“Several studies imply that harmful free radicals called lipid peroxides contribute to pre-eclampsia, and that women with this condition are low in the antioxidants that combat them...”
...recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
“Several studies imply that harmful free radicals called lipid peroxides contribute to preeclampsia, and that women with this condition are low in the antioxidants that combat them...”
Premature/Signs of Aging
...recommendation Selenium
“Considered to be from 200 to 500 times more potent an antioxidant than vitamin E, selenium and vitamin E are synergistic as antioxidants and inhibit or prevent the damage to tissues by free radicals which have been cited as causal factors in heart disease, atherosclerosis, arthritis and aging.”
ROS
...related topic
“...Molecules including free radicals and other oxygen species.”
Selegiline
...as a treatment
“...The most popular was the blockade of oxidation and, therefore, free radical formation...”
Sunlight Exposure
...as a treatment
“...First, while ultraviolet radiation generates free radicals that can do damage, dietary antioxidants and skin pigmentation are nature's way of fighting free radicals...”
Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome
...the condition
“...Syndrome X also generates high levels of cell-damaging free radicals and causes premature aging, setting the stage for catastrophic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's, cancer, and other age-related diseases...”
...recommendation Alpha Lipoic Acid
“...ALA also helps to prevent free radical cellular damage caused by elevated insulin levels.”
Tendency To Sunburn Easily
...the condition
“...Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun, which triggers the formation of cell-damaging free radicals, is a primary culprit in premature aging of your skin...”
...recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
“Vitamins C and E, both anti-oxidants, help reduce the damage due to free radicals produced through exposure to UV light...”
...recommendation Vitamin E
“Vitamins C and E (antioxidants) help reduce the damage due to free radicals produced through exposure to UV light...”
Test Antioxidant Status
...as a treatment
“...At the molecular and cellular levels, antioxidants serve to deactivate free radicals, which usually come in the form of O2, the oxygen molecule...”
The Effects Of Overtraining
...relationship to Antioxidant Requirement
“During prolonged, intense exercise the body burns sugar and fat for fuel which creates free radicals as a byproduct...”
...relationship to Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
“...During prolonged, intense exercise the body burns sugar and fat for fuel which creates free radicals as a byproduct...”
Thymic Factors
...as a treatment
“...Antioxidants like vitamins C and E, beta carotene and selenium help to protect the thymus from free radicals, unstable molecules that damage our cells...”
TMG (Trimethylglycine)
...as a treatment
“...An extract from sugar beets, TMG is a natural polysaccharide and a good source of methyl groups that promotes healthier levels of the powerful pro-oxidant and free radical generator homocysteine...”
Vinegar
...as a treatment
“...The vitamin C and beta-carotene in cider vinegar destroy free radicals that weaken the immune system and increase the risk of various diseases...”
Vinpocetine
...as a treatment
“...Blood cell membranes lose flexibility under the influence of free radicals that oxidize some of their component lipids...”
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
...as a treatment
“...Thiamine is an antioxidant nutrient that helps the body to inhibit the formation of the damaging free radicals. Vitamin B1 chelates heavy metals such as lead...”
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
...as a treatment
“...Vitamin B2 is an antioxidant nutrient that helps the body inhibit the formation of damaging free radicals. It enhances adrenal/heart functions, prevents deterioration of blood vessels, and helps to prevent arterial sclerosis (hardening of the arteries)...”
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
...as a treatment
“...It is an antioxidant nutrient that helps the body inhibit the formation of damaging free radicals; it lowers blood levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and triglycerides...”
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
...as a treatment
“Vitamin B5 (also calcium pantothenate) is an antioxidant nutrient that helps the body inhibit the formation of damaging free radicals. It is vital to human metabolism, and it also stimulates the healing process...”
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
...as a treatment
“...Vitamin B6 is an antioxidant nutrient that helps the body inhibit the formation of damaging free radicals. Excess homocysteine causes atherosclerosis (thickening and hardening of the artery walls) and an adequate supply of Vitamin B6 will prevent the accumulation of this toxic metabolite...”
Vitamin B6 Requirement
...the condition
“...plating materials and anti-tarnish agents used in metal manufacturing; Tartrazine (yellow dye #5): From 1949-1970 nearly 1 million pounds per year were used in foods and medications; Peroxides and free radicals found in abundance in our food supply as oxidized fats...”
Vitamin C Requirement
...the condition
“...Antioxidants help the body fight the effects of free radicals, which can damage the body's cells...”
Vitamin E
...as a treatment
“...Vitamin E works alongside other antioxidant nutrients including selenium, vitamin C, beta-carotene and others to quench free radicals, peroxides and other potentially harmful substances...”
Vitamin Paba
...as a treatment
“...PABA is an antioxidant nutrient that inhibits the formation of the damaging free radicals (unbonded oxygen molecules that cause aging and degeneration)...”
Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
...the condition
“...It stems from the effects of the acetaldehyde that builds up in the liver and spills over into the bloodstream, where it creates free radicals that cause damage throughout the body...”
Report by The Analyst™
Click to see sample report
Click to see sample report
Health problems rarely occur in isolation or for obvious reasons
Your body is a highly complex, interconnected system. Instead of guessing at what might be wrong, let us help you discover what is really going on inside your body based on the many clues it is giving.
Our multiple symptom checker provides in-depth health analysis by The Analyst™ with full explanations, recommendations and (optionally) doctors available for case review and answering your specific questions.
Last updated: Jun 02, 2024