The Major Causes of Aging

Free Radicals
To understand the causes of aging and other degenerative diseases, we should start our
discussion with free radicals. What are free radicals? Before we answer this question let's
first talk about atoms and molecules.

Atoms are the basic building blocks of any substance. When atoms combine, they form
stable molecules, like oxygen in our atmosphere (two oxygen atoms combined as one
molecule) or water (two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). When certain molecules
combine, they form long chain substances (or polymers) like proteins, fats and
carbohydrates--just to name a few.

Atoms or molecules are bonded together by electrons. In organic compounds, the most
frequent number of electrons shared between atoms is two. These bonds are not
permanent. Depending on the presence of other forces (temperature, radiation and
chemical agents), these bonds can break and separate from each other, leading to an
uneven number of electrons in each molecule or atom. As shown in Figure A the same
situation can also result when a molecule is stripped off one of its outer electrons. In
either case, the resulting molecule or atom, is referred to as a free radical. In the body,
free radicals are generated during the normal course of metabolism, or they may be
induced by environmental factors, such as radiation and pollution.
Free radicals are unstable substances that cause havoc in the area in which they roam or
with the things they encounter. A free radical's ultimate goal is to find another atom or
molecule with which to pair up or from which to steal an electron to become stable again.
When this happens, however, new free radicals are formed, which go around attacking
more molecules to generate still more free radicals. Such a chain reaction could produce
millions of free radicals. If this reaction went unchecked, it could lead to major
complications in the body.

Cell membranes are damaged. Collagen and elastin protein cross-link, allowing wrinkles
to form in the skin. Fats become rancid. Contacts between nerve cells are severed, and
DNA malfunctions. The cumulative effect is physical and mental aging as well as the
onset of various degenerative diseases like cancer, stroke, arthritis, arteriosclerosis,
diabetes and senility.

Figure B, illustrates what happens in nervous system and the skin as you age and when
free radicals run amok. Like that shred your wool clothes to pieces or termites that gnaw
away at the inner workings of your house uncontrolled free radicals can do the same to
the delicate tissues of your body. The aftermath of free radical damage is poignantly
illustrated in by a degenerative nerve cell (on the left), heavily damaged skin tissue (on
the right) and an aging gentleman, who tacitly accepts the effects of these molecular
sharks as he sits down to celebrate his birthday.

Sources of Free Radicals …To learn more about these

and many other topics get, The Importance of Good
Nutrition Herbs and Phytochemicals for Your Health,
Good Looks and Longevity, by Getty Ambau.