What diseases are caused by free radicals?

What diseases are caused by free radicals?

Evidence is accumulating that most of the degenerative diseases that afflict humanity have their origin in deleterious free radical reactions. These diseases include atherosclerosis, cancer, inflammatory joint disease, asthma, diabetes, senile dementia and degenerative eye disease.

Do free radicals cause chronic disease?

Free radicals damage contributes to the etiology of many chronic health problems such as cardiovascular and inflammatory disease, cataract, and cancer. Antioxidants prevent free radical induced tissue damage by preventing the formation of radicals, scavenging them, or by promoting their decomposition.

What causes free radical damage in brain?

Second, evidence now exists that the triggering event in free radical-induced damage is a disturbance of cellular iron metabolism, notably delocalization of protein-bound iron, and its chelation by compounds that trigger site-specific free radical damage.

What diseases do antioxidants prevent?

Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, carotene, lycopene, lutein and many other substances may play a role in helping to prevent diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease and macular degeneration.

What destroys free radicals in the body?

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by giving up some of their own electrons. In making this sacrifice, they act as a natural “off” switch for the free radicals. This helps break a chain reaction that can affect other molecules in the cell and other cells in the body.

What diseases are caused by oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress may play a role in the development of a range of conditions, including:

• cancer.
• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Parkinson’s disease.
• diabetes.
• cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and stroke.
• inflammatory disorders.
• chronic fatigue syndrome.
• asthma.

How does ischemia cause free radicals?

Evidence for free radical production and oxidative stress during ischemia-reperfusion comes from a variety of studies. While free radicals may be generated to a small extent during ischemia, far greater production of reactive oxygen intermediates occurs after reintroduction of oxygen during reperfusion.

How does exposure to free radicals cause disease?

These lifestyle factors have been linked to diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular disease. So, oxidative stress might be a reason why exposure to these substances causes disease. Antioxidants can help to prevent the harmful effects of free radicals.

Why are cancer and atherosclerosis considered free radicals?

Cancer and atherosclerosis, two major causes of death, are salient “free radical” diseases. Cancer initiation and promotion is associated with chromosomal defects and oncogene activation. It is possible that endogenous free radical reactions, like those initiated by ionizing radiation, may result in tumor formation.

How does the free radical theory of aging affect the body?

To become more stable, they take electrons from other atoms. This may cause diseases or signs of aging. According to the free radical theory of aging, first outlined in 1956, free radicals break cells down over time. As the body ages, it loses its ability to fight the effects of free radicals.

What foods can cancel out the effects of free radicals?

Thousands of chemicals can act as antioxidants. Vitamins C, and E, glutathione, beta-carotene, and plant estrogens called phytoestrogens are among the many antioxidants that may cancel out the effects of free radicals. Many foods are rich in antioxidants.